Deception - WWII Resistance / Holocaust Novel

chapter 22: guilt

The feelings of guilt flooded my mind, sending my body into a soft panic which grew with every step which I took. A crowd had begun to form as the German soldiers forced everyone present in the area to gather in the town centre. There was a nervous chatter among the crowd as the all too familiar wooden frame was set up. A truck arrived and several men with their hands bound behind their backs were marched out.

To the observer, I was no more than an unfortunate face among the crowd who was no stranger to public executions. But this was different. I was no longer solely a spectator, but solely to blame.

'Why are you here?'

I turned to see Elek appear by my side, but I could not stand to look him in the eye for long. I turned my attention back towards the men whom were lined up, 'This is all my fault.'

I had irresponsibly gone against orders all for my own personal gain of seeking revenge for my parents. My attempt was a failure and now those innocent would bear the consequences for my actions.

'If there is anyone here who is responsible for the recent bombing attack or has any information on the culprits – then step forward and these men's lives will be spared.'

The crowd was unmoving and silent.

Nervous glances were thrown about.

'No one?'

A noose was tied tightly around the first man's neck followed by the stool being kicked away from his feet. Several gasps were heard amongst the crowd, some women wept, others covered their children's eyes.

'I'll ask again. If anyone is responsible for the recent bombing attack or has any information on the culprits – I am giving you the opportunity now to step forward so that the rest of these men's lives can be spared.'

The feelings of guilt consumed my body. How could I possibly justify my actions when so many innocent lives stood to be lost? There is no amount of words to explain how awful I felt inside. The guilt sat not only on my chest, but on my mind.

No one could save them – except me.

I slowly stepped forward in the crowd, but was pulled back harshly by the arm.

'What are you doing?' Elek hissed in my ear.

'I can't let them die for me,' I shook his arm off of me and attempted to step forward.

Elek gripped me by the shoulders with both hands and turned my body towards him, so that our faces were mere inches away, 'Are you crazy? If you turn yourself in – you risk the capture of the entire network. No one builds a bomb alone. They'll know you're working with someone. The Germans can't be trusted. There's no guarantee those prisoners won't be killed if you turned yourself in...' He tried to catch his breath, 'Besides, we all know that it was only a matter of time before they executed all the prisoners.'

I knew he was right as much as I wish he wasn't.

The noose was being tied around the second prisoner's neck. He had begun to cry softly, tears running down his cheeks, his eyes pleading with the crowd.

'Look away, Mieke.'

'No,' I shook my head. 'I don't get to look away.'

A/N Felt inspired to update again! I am back home so updates will be more regular again.

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