“I’m colorblind.” Wilhelm shrugged. “It’s all a sea of gray to me, or so I’ve been told.”
“Really?!” Lilly asked, feeling more than foolish for being so particular about her yellow dress, or more importantly, forcing Edith to wear the gray one.
“You can’t see any color?” Edith asked as well.
“Not one. Some things appear dark, and others appear lighter, but other than that, it’s all one to me.”
“I’ve never heard of someone being entirely colorblind!” Edith grew intrigued.
“It’s incredibly rare.” Wilhelm seemed to be proud of this claim. “I’m in an elite class of disability.”
“That’s such a shame!” Lilly put her arm through Wilhelm’s as Edith shook her head in annoyance.
“I don’t mind.” Wilhelm glanced at her. “I’m ignorant to what you experience and, if the saying is correct, that means I’m blissful.”
“You’re too funny.” Lilly giggled, and Edith showed no restraint in sighing her displeasure with her sister’s antics.
“School was difficult, at times.” Wilhelm sat on the edge of the fountain, followed by the girls. “Especially with sports. The other boys would yell at me for passing the ball to the wrong team, but I was too embarrassed to ask which was the red team or the blue team or whatever color we were using.”
“So, when did you find out?” Lilly asked as she turned and studied the fountain, listening to its peaceful trickle.
“Much too late, I’m afraid.” Wilhelm scratched the back of his neck. “Yep, my tale is a warning against pride. In fact…” Wilhelm paused as he turned his ear to listen to something in the distance.
“Do you hear that?” he asked. “Or am I imagining things?”
“Hear what?” Lilly asked, only half paying attention as she was scouring the market with anticipation.
“Sounds like marching.” Edith glanced at Wilhelm.
“We have to go! Now!” Wilhelm grabbed their hands and began to lead them back in the direction they came.
“Hey!” Lilly barked as she twisted free. “That hurts!”
“We have to go!” Wilhelm reached for her hand again, but she pulled away.
“We just got here!” Lilly studied him in confusion.
The sound of marching grew louder, and Lilly watched as Wilhelm grew pale. Turning around, Lilly spotted a platoon of soldiers heading in their direction, and she, too, grew petrified when she observed their insignia. This procession was not of the police or the army, but rather, these men were SS.
“Let’s go the other way!” Wilhelm again grabbed their hands, and they began to rush to the opposite end of the market only to find themselves cut off.
A platoon of SS was also coming from that direction, and it was clear to Lilly that they intended to isolate everyone in the market to hinder them from escaping. She didn’t grasp the reasoning for this display, but she had seen the cruelty of the SS in Berlin and was terrified that she was about to be subjected to their inhumanity.
“I’m scared.” Lilly latched onto Edith.
“There is nothing to fear. We’ve done nothing wrong,” Edith spoke plainly which, thankfully, did calm Lilly a little.
She did notice, however, that Edith’s statement seemed to set Wilhelm into a near panic which made her wonder what secrets he was hiding. She recalled earlier how he refused to divulge information on his parents and wondered if they were involved with anything seditious.
A whistle blew from the lieutenant at the head of the platoon in front of them, and at once the soldiers, in single file, began to surround the square. The platoon from the opposite end also employed this tactic, and soon the square was entirely surrounded by SS guards with weapons at the ready.
Then, at once, the square became deathly quiet. The shopkeepers, patrons, and citizens of Marburg looked at the soldiers with wide eyes. Others held onto their loved ones, afraid of whatever was about to happen.
Then, abruptly, one of the lieutenants blew his whistle, and the soldiers began moving towards the center, closing in the square.
“What are they doing?” Lilly asked as she watched them approach.
“Remain calm.” Edith grabbed onto Lilly’s hand firmly. “We’ve done nothing wrong.”
But this time, her sister’s reassurance did little to deter Lilly’s trepidations as she caught the blank expressions on the soldiers’ faces. She noticed that the off-duty guard from the train was now in their ranks, but he was looking beyond, into the distance, almost as if he couldn’t see those standing a mere twenty feet away.
Those who were in the square began to squish together, and many pushed and shoved their way into the center of the group where it would likely be safest.
Finally, when the soldiers were about ten feet from the people, a whistle blew, and they stopped immediately. Again, the square returned to silence, and Lilly felt as though time had been suspended.
She watched as the snow fell softly around them and caught the steam from her breath spewing into the air as she breathed heavily. It was an odd sensation, she thought, to feel so close to death. She began to regret meeting Wilhelm, and the attraction she once felt so strongly seemed to dissipate altogether as an irrational part of her began to blame him for this occurrence.
But it was in this moment, this petrifying minute of fretting, that Lilly began to sense something else entirely. The coldness of the winter air around her dissolved as a warmth entered her chest. She knew, without a doubt, that her mother was with them. She didn’t understand what it meant and thought perhaps she was, truly, about to be murdered. But, for whatever reason, this possibility didn’t frighten her. She felt as though her mother was conveying a stillness to her, whispering the encouragement that she didn’t need to be afraid. Even if these men did kill her, death was not the end, and whatever awaited her far outshone the cruelties of this existence.
Breaking her from this trance was the sound of distant weeping. Glancing down the street, Lilly watched as an SS major led a group of about five people who, in turn, were being pressed onward by a handful of soldiers.
The man at the head of this group was a priest, and he was followed closely by an elderly nun. Behind them were a woman, a man, and a child about ten years old. Lilly assumed that they were a family, but she didn’t understand the connection between them and the priest or the nun. More curious still was that the priest had a head wound, and blood was running down his face. The man, who Lilly believed to be the father, was limping, and his face was swollen and blackened by soot.
Eventually, this procession was ordered to stop in the square when they arrived at a brick building with a large clock. Then, with another whistle, the SS guards near Lilly broke off from the main group so that those pressed into the center could watch whatever was about to happen.
Taking a few strides forward, the major held his hands firmly behind his back as he looked over the crowd and seemed to be measuring their reaction. Lilly thought that she could see a slight smile on the corner of his mouth, and a disturbing feeling entered her spirit that he was enjoying this.
“I’m Major Wagner,” he began loudly with his voice reverberating throughout the square, “and before you are traitors of the state.”
At this, the man who had been limping began to weep bitterly, and Lilly understood that his fate was sealed.
“Quiet!” Major Wagner turned towards them, irritated at the interruption.
But when the man couldn’t contain his emotions, the major signaled to a guard nearby who then struck the man in the stomach, and he fell into the snowy cobblestone, gasping for air.
Lilly watched as the priest and nun were praying adamantly yet, oddly enough, they didn’t seem nervous, which made her wonder what they were praying for.
“That’s better.” Major Wagner took a deep breath in as he turned again to the crowd. “The glorious undertaking to make Marburg free from the tyranny and supremacy of the Jews has fallen to me. Now, I know that many emigrat
ed to other countries who, I’m predicting, may someday be under our glorious Fuhrer’s control. Until then, the Jews are their problem. That being said, there are some Jews who decided not to flee this city, such as our dear professor who cowardly took his own life yesterday at the train station.” He spoke with a hint of sarcasm as he clicked his tongue.
Lilly’s heart sank into her stomach at the mention of yesterday’s events as she was beginning to understand the motivations for the suicide.
“Before you is one such family who has decided that it is more beneficial for them to hide and further infect our great nation.” He pointed towards the family who were still weeping but at least able to control their outbursts for fear of further retaliation. “And, furthermore, these are the priest and nun who hid the family. Now, what have we been saying from the very beginning?” Wagner looked over the crowd like a teacher studying the faces of their pupils.
“Anyone?” He held his hands out by his sides, signaling that he was not to be feared, although Lilly found his intentions transparent.
When no one replied, the major began to walk towards the crowd who, even at the idea of him approaching, jolted backward as one.
“No, no”—he held his hand up to calm them—“it's alright. I’m not going to hurt anyone. I just need this lesson to be carefully understood.”
Still, no one volunteered to provide an answer, and Lilly gathered that they were familiar with his antics and that he was an unjust man who employed deceit.
“You!” He pointed in Lilly’s direction, and her heart pounded in her chest, but she could tell by his gaze that it was only someone nearby.
“Me?” Edith answered, and a tear ran down Lilly’s face, troubled by what the major might do to her.
“That’s right.” He waved for her to join him and Lilly watched as Edith approached cautiously, yet didn’t seem to be as petrified as Lilly was.
“Now”—he placed his hand gently on her cheek and looked into her eyes like they were the closest of friends—“what have we been saying from the beginning?”
“Whoever helps a Jew will suffer the same penalty,” Edith replied strongly, and Lilly watched in horror as her sister appeared to be in agreement with the statement.
“Yes!” the major threw an excited fist in the air. “That’s exactly what we’ve been saying! Ladies and gentlemen, this is not difficult. Obey the law, and you will remain unmolested. But break the law by helping the Jews, hiding them, assisting them while they flee the country, and we’ll kill you. Isn’t that right?” He looked again at Edith.
“That’s right, sir.” Edith nodded proudly, and Lilly’s heart broke for her.
“Good job, sweetheart.” The major ushered Edith back to the group with a slight pat on her back.
“Are you alright?!” Lilly whispered eagerly to Edith when she was back beside her.
“Of course.” Edith nodded quickly before returning her attention to the major, and Lilly wondered how her sister could be so callous.
“Adding to their indiscretions,” the major continued as he retrieved a pamphlet from his pocket and held it high for all to see, “is anti-Nazi paraphernalia. Not only was it in their possession, but they themselves, upon confession, have admitted to being the distributors of these publications. This seditious material is used solely for the purpose of undermining the German people and our Fuhrer.”
Lighting a match, the major set the pamphlet on fire and watched it burn for a few seconds before dropping it in the snow and stamping it out. Then, the major walked casually back to the five captives with his hands held behind his back and his gaze at his feet as though he were on a leisurely stroll.
When he arrived at the weeping family, who were clinging together, and the praying priest and nun, he stopped and watched them.
Swiftly, as if it were second nature, the major withdrew his pistol and pointed it at the woman’s head.
He pulled the trigger.
The sound of the gunshot echoed throughout the market, and Lilly nearly fell backward as if she, too, had been shot. The callousness, the refined cruelty, and the sight of the woman falling dead disturbed Lilly beyond description.
There was no warning, no option for the woman to present her case, and no trial. She was murdered where she stood.
Then, without hesitation, the major turned his weapon on the boy.
He pulled the trigger.
The boy fell at his father’s feet, who wasn’t offered a moment to grieve for his son as a bullet also ripped through his skull.
The major then shot the nun, again without any hesitation or crisis of conscience. She crumpled down to her knees and remained in that position with the blood soaking her veil.
But when he came to the priest, the major held the gun to his head and paused. The priest was still praying adamantly, yet Lilly found it inexplicable that he seemed almost tranquil, composed.
“Actually”—the major holstered his pistol—“we need someone to take the bodies outside the city.”
“No!” The priest ceased his prayers as he looked at the officer for mercy. “I couldn’t!”
“I can’t ask my men to clean up your mess! Don’t worry, I’ll shoot you after it’s done.” The major signaled for his soldiers to make sure the deed was completed, and the whistles blew for the platoons to fall out.
“Let’s go!” Lilly spoke hoarsely to Edith when an opening formed.
“I agree!” Wilhelm nodded, and Lilly noticed that he was trembling.
“Hey! You! Wait!” the major shouted, and Lilly’s heart stopped to see that he was calling out to them. Still, Lilly was determined to leave.
“What are you doing?” Edith called after Lilly.
“I’m not talking to him.” Lilly shook her head.
“He’s a major.” Edith shrugged. “We don’t have a choice.”
“Come here!” Major Wagner waved politely as if they were well acquainted.
Without hesitation, Edith walked briskly towards him while Lilly and Wilhelm followed nervously behind.
“I just wanted to say how I admired your poise and courage,” the major began with his hands held gently in front of him, and he carried a pleasant smile which disgusted Lilly that he could be so disconnected.
Lilly watched the priest behind the major, weeping while he placed the lifeless bodies onto a cart.
“You’re too kind.” Edith offered a shy grin.
“I haven’t seen you around Marburg before.” Major Wagner tilted his head as he seemed genuinely interested in Edith, which Lilly found immensely uncomfortable as he was nearly twice her age.
“We only arrived yesterday,” Edith explained sheepishly. “My father, Mr. Sommer, recently acquired a position in the administration.”
“Oh, yes!” the major held a finger up as he spoke casually. “I remember now. You took over one of the Jewish households?”
“That’s right.”
“Must be terrible to live there? You poor thing.” He shook his head. “We still haven’t found the family yet. Did they leave any clues as to their whereabouts?”
“None that I’ve seen.” Edith shook her head but then glanced at Lilly. “There is a journal, actually. Maybe I can inspect it to see if they indicated where they were heading?”
Lilly couldn’t believe what she was hearing. How can she possibly help this man? She saw what he did to that family!
“You wouldn’t mind?” The major again smiled, but all Lilly could see was a wicked man.
“Not in the slightest.”
“You know what, why don’t I come by? Tomorrow evening?” the major asked, yet Lilly sensed that there was no denying his request.
“I can discuss the findings with you then.” Edith nodded, and Lilly’s breath was stolen from her at even the thought of him being in their house. Her stomach began to churn, and she felt as though she vomit.
“What an excellent idea.” The major beamed happily as if the plan wasn’t initially his idea. “Actually, you
know what, I had a previous arrangement with Sergeant Wolf. Would you be put off if I asked him to come as well?”
“Not at all! We met him last night!” Edith glanced again at Lilly, who confirmed with a quick nod.
“Is that right?” Wagner took a small step closer to Edith as he unveiled his licentious thoughts with his lingering eyes.
“He helped us with directions, actually,” Edith continued.
“How serendipitous,” Major Wagner spoke softly and examined Edith without care that his intentions should be understood.
“I apologize for the interruption, but we should really get going,” Lilly grabbed Edith’s arm.
“We’ll see you tomorrow, then?” Edith asked the officer.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” he replied as he held his chin high and studied them without pause as they began to leave.
“That should help Papa’s career.” Edith grabbed Lilly’s arm and didn’t seem to care for the state her sister was in.
Lilly’s heart began to shatter as she felt an irreparable rift forming between them. She didn’t understand how the major could be so inhumane, so unforgiving, and then, repulsively, invite himself over. But above all, she couldn’t fathom how Edith wasn’t able to fabricate some excuse, and even seemed a bit charmed by him.
Lilly’s only source of comfort, strangely enough, lay within the newly acquainted Wilhelm as he was sharing in her disgust of the event. He appeared pale, and his mind lingered on what Lilly assumed were shared thoughts.
Slowly, Lilly reached out her hand and cautiously grabbed his. It wasn’t an affectionate touch, nor did she believe that he understood it as such, but rather, it was out of necessity. She needed someone who recognized what she was feeling, and she considered that, possibly, Wilhelm’s needs matched hers.
Somewhat startled by the unexpected contact, Wilhelm looked carefully into Lilly’s eyes, and she assumed that he was measuring her sincerity.
Then, slowly, Wilhelm squeezed her hand. Without words, without explanation, Lilly and Wilhelm understood each other.
Chapter Four:
The Girl in the Attic
The Daughters of Marburg Page 6
