Martha's Redemption - 1st Place

Stepping down, Martha’s knees trembled as she fought to stay standing.  Packed like cattle onto railcars, the Jews living in her neighborhood had been forced to stand the entire trip.  With no food or water, the journey had pushed some past human endurance. 

Martha took a deep breath and stepped into the inspection line.  She reached up and fingered the necklace hidden under her blouse.  She knew the presence of the cross would condemn her, maybe more than her Jewish heritage did. She prayed for strength knowing if she was directed left, a certain but quick death awaited.  If she was sent right…. Well, death there would just take a lot longer. 

“Next!”  The man in front of her stepped to the right, and Martha faced the Nazi who held the power of life and death.  He sneered at her slight frame and nodded left. “Next!”

“Wait.  Can you cook?” Martha turned to find an older gentleman dressed in a suit and top hat.  “Well?” Martha nodded unable to speak.

“Good,” the man said. “I’ll take this one.”

“Herr Schmidt, this is the third cook you have absconded with this month.  How many mouths is Schindler feeding?”

“If our Führer wants his ammunition, then Schindler must feed our workers, yes?” Schmidt shrugged. “Besides, the last cook met with an unfortunate accident.  Schindler did not care for her schnitzel.”

“This one’s easier on the eyes too.”  The guard chuckled. “Go on with her.”

Schmidt nodded and pulled Martha into a waiting car.  As the driver pulled away, she huddled against the door.  Schmidt smiled. “It’s okay, you’re safe now.”

“What? I don’t’ understand.”

“My dear, you have just been redeemed from a concentration camp by a ruse I probably shouldn’t use again.” Schmidt chuckled, “Maybe I will need a maid next.” 





Word Count =300



Submitted for "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge" 

300 words or less containing the words cars, necklace, and eyes.