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Aha! I just finished counting up, and I have 15 snowballs. That’s 750 words. I wrote over 650 words today for CWW, so I now have 2 more snowballs to fill, and 26 snowballs to throw.
*Cackles*
First Grand Historian of Arreth and the Lesser Realms (aka Kitty)
Fork the GorkAre you kidding??!!! You have that many snowballs??
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."~ Jim Elliot
AHHH! I just knew that was going to happen! Wolf didn’t die…did he??!!!
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."~ Jim Elliot
I know. I’m mildly flabbergasted.
And Ellette did say she killed a charie this morning.
First Grand Historian of Arreth and the Lesser Realms (aka Kitty)
Fork the GorkAlso…
@Liberty *Poofs 3 snowballs your way*First Grand Historian of Arreth and the Lesser Realms (aka Kitty)
Fork the GorkAw. That’s sad. Thanks for tagging me!!!
@liberty @koshka (I’m guessing by your comment that you read the section posted above.)Do you really want to know if he dies?
(That is actually not the character I killed yesterday. I killed someone else which is why the flashback was there at all.)
Any thoughts on the section?!?!
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
Oh no! You didn’t kill one of Werner’s patients..did you?? Like the little boy he was talking to??? Liam?!!!
Do you really want to know if he dies?
Yes! I want to know!
*Poofs 3 snowballs your way*
Ah! I guess I have to write the last part, now.
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."~ Jim Elliot
Shall I tell you, or do you want to just read the scene?
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
READ!!!!
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."~ Jim Elliot
Okay……. Give me a sec……….
@koshka (I’ll tag you too.)Werner whistled cheerily as he made his way down the street and turned toward the hospital entrance. Coming inside, he mounted the stairs and stepped into the hall. Werner looked up and froze. There, about five paces away, stood an SS officer.
Werner glanced back down the stairs and shifted his bag nervously. A door opened and two nurses stepped out. They wore masks and stiff, white uniforms. Werner didn’t recognize them. They nodded to the officer and continued toward the children’s ward. Werner spotted Emil’s office and gripped his bag firmly. Then he walked toward the door. The officer glanced his way but said nothing. Werner had almost reached the office when the door opened, and Emil stepped out. He nearly collided with Werner, who pulled up short. Emil looked up. “Ah, Hansen, there you are.”
Werner darted a glance at the officer. “What’s going on?” he murmured under his breath.
Emil took his arm and steered him toward the SS. “Doctor Hansen, this is Officer Schneider.”
The SS turned and held out a hand. Werner hesitated a moment and then shook it. Schneider was smiling, but Werner had the district feeling of being measured up. “Guten Tag, doctor,” the man said.
“Guten Tag, officer,” Werner replied. “Is something amiss?”
Scheider studied him a moment and then reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver case. “Nien, nien, there is nothing wrong.” He withdrew a cigarette and lit it. “I am merely here as security.”
“Security?” Werner asked.
Emil quickly spoke up. “The Reich Health Ministry has sent medicine.”
“And that medicine needs an SS escort?” Werner asked, eyebrow raised.
Scheider blow a stream of smoke. “No, the medicine does not, but the people do. The Reich Health Ministry has generously sent nurses who understand the medicine, and nothing must happen to them. They are, after all, government workers and their lives are important.”
Werner blinked and coughed. “Sir, the smoke is bad for the children. This is a hospital.”
Emil’s eyes widened and he darted a glance at Werner.
Schieder looked at Werner for a long moment. Then, he withdrew the cigarette from his mouth and dropped it to the floor. He deliberately ground it with his heel, his eyes on Werner the whole time.
Werner was ridged, but he stared back at the SS officer. After a long, very tense silence, Werner spoke. “I have patients to see to. Please excuse me.” With that, he stepped passed Schieder and walked toward his office. Opening the door, he slipped inside and shut it behind him. Werner closed his eyes and slumped against the door, letting out a long breath. “Get it together man,” he whispered. Werner straightened and set his bag on the desk. He paused and took a moment to catch his breath before stepping back out into the hall. He walked down the hall, aware that Schieder was watching him. Turning, Werner pushed open Liam’s door and stepped inside. He closed the door and looked up. Two masked nurses were standing by the bed, and Liam was watching them with a terrified expression. Werner took a step forward. “What’s going on here?”
One of the nurses looked up. “Doctor, we are seeing to the patient.”
“Just hold on a moment,” Werner said as he moved to the bed. “Liam is my patient.”
The nurse raised an eyebrow. “Are you part of The Riech Health Ministry?”
“Nien, but Liam is a special case,” Werner replied. “Let me treat him.”
The nurse shook her head. “I’m afraid I’m not allowed too. Only authorized personal con handle these medicines. The situation is fragile.”
“Let me stay and help you,” Werner insisted.
“Shall I go get Schieder?” the other nurse asked.
The first one shook her head. She took Werner’s arm and led him toward the door. “Doctor, please listen to me,” she said, softly. “The boy is very sick, and he doesn’t have a chance without this medicine. I am doing what I can, but I need you to let me work. Can you do that?”
Werner glanced over at the bed where Liam lay. His face was looked even paler then normal, if that was possible. Werner sighed. “Ja, I’m sorry. Please, continue.”
She nodded.
“May I have a moment with him?” Werner asked.
The nurse looked at him in confusion. “I’m sorry?”
“He and I are friends,” Werner explained.
The nurse looked at him a moment and then stepped aside, motioning to the bed.
Werner moved past her, and the other nurse stepped out of his way. Werner reached the bed and sat down on the edge. “Hey little man.”
Liam looked up at him, his large eyes filled with fear. “Werner, what are they doing?”
“They’re making you better,” Werner replied, brushing the boy’s hair back from his forehead.
“Will they use needles?” Liam asked, his lower lip trembling slightly.
“Maybe,” Werner whispered. “But you’re a brave boy, Liam.”
“Like my Papa,” Liam replied.
Werner nodded. “Ja, like your Vater.”
Liam looked up at Werner. “Will you stay with me?”
“I’m afraid I can’t,” Werner replied. “But I’ll come and see you the moment they’re done.”
Liam shifted to face him fully. “And then I’ll get better?”
“Ja, and then you’ll get better,” Werner agreed.
“Promise?” Liam asked.
Werner nodded. “I promise.”
Liam smiled and Werner squeezed his hand. “I’ll come back soon. Be brave for me.”
“I will,” Liam replied.
Werner stood up and nodded to the nurses. Then he walked from the room, closing the door softly behind him.
***
The day was a long one for Werner. The presence of Schieder put him on edge and seemed to sap his energy. He and the other doctors and nurses of the hospital had to work around the Reich Health Ministry nurses, and they were busy moving the patients in need of care into separate rooms from the main children’s ward. The children were also uneasy, and Werner was nearly drained of all patience and gentleness as he comforted yet another hysterical child. Finally, the day came to an end, and Werner had a moment to escape to Liam’s room. He peeked in, but the boy was fast asleep. Werner moved to the side of the bed and stood over him. Liam was breathing more slowly, but the breaths were even and there was no sign of his cough.
Werner stroked Liam’s cheek with the back of his hand. Then, he turned and left.
Werner walked slowly back to his apartment and climbed wearily up the stairs. Upon entering, he dropped his bag and keys on the nearest chair and stumbled into the kitchen to make something to eat. After dinner, Werner washed the dishes and then headed to bed, too tired to read.
The next morning, Werner woke and ate a quick breakfast. Then he grabbed his things and headed down to the hospital.
The day passed like the one before, and Werner was beyond grateful when it was time for lunch. He quickly gathered his things and made his way down to the corner café. Upon entering he found an SS sitting in the corner by the window. Werner very nearly let out his frustration. They were everywhere!
Growling under his breath he made his way to the opposite side of the room and sat down. After eating, Werner stood and left the café. He made his way down the street and back into the hospital. Hiking wearily up the stairs, Werner made his way to Liam’s room. He stepped inside and moved to the bed. Liam was asleep again and Werner watched him a moment before slipping back out. He met one of the nurses in the hall and took her arm. “The boy, Liam, why is he asleep again?”
“His body is fighting hard, and it tires him,” she replied. “He will likely sleep most of the time in the days to come.”
Werner nodded and glanced away, feeling foolish. He was a doctor. He should know this sort of thing. Everything is going to be alright. Liam is fine. Get ahold of yourself. It’s going to be fine.
The nurse walked away, and Werner let out a slow breath. He heard steps behind him and looked up. Maria was just coming up the stairs, her purse slung over her shoulder. “Nurse Krammer, isn’t it a little late?” Werner asked.
Maria gave him a slight smile. “I have the evening shift tonight.”
“Ah, of course,” Werner replied. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. Nothing was making sense anymore, yet it was all so obvious. “Well, I had better go to my office and get a few things done.”
Maria nodded and Werner walked away. It’ll be alright. It’s all going to be alright.
***
Werner packed up his bag and glanced around the office one last time. He knew most of the doctors left their things in their offices, but Werner liked to keep the basic medical supplies handy. One never knew when it could be needed. Werner glanced at his watch and sighed. He still had ten minutes before he could go home. Werner sat down in his chair and closed his eyes.
When Werner woke, everything was quiet. He slowly sat up, easing his stiff neck and rubbing a hand over his eyes. He glanced at his watch and started up. He had been asleep for five hours. Werner stifled a yawn and grabbed his coat. Pulling it on, he picked up his bag and headed to the door.
Out in the hall, Werner moved softly to avoid waking any of the sleeping children. He had almost reached the stairs when he noticed one of the doors was open. Someone must not have pulled it shut all the way when they went out. Werner moved to the door and reached for the handle. There was a gasp followed by breaking glass. Werner looked up to see one of the masked nurses staring at him with wide eyes. At her feet was a broken glass syringe. “I’m sorry,” Werner whispered.
The nurse snatched a bottle off the table and ran toward the door. Werner stepped forward and grabbed her arm. “What are you doing?”
She struggled and Werner wrenched the bottle from her hands. “What is this? What are you hiding?”
The woman took several steps back and came up against the wall. Werner snatched the lid off the bottle and smelled it. Then he turned it over and looked at the label. “Luminal,” he whispered. He hurried to the bedside and crouched on the floor by the broken syringe. “This is an overdose! You can’t give a child this much of a drug like this, and you shouldn’t even give it to a child!”
The nurse said nothing, only stared at him from behind her white mask.
“How could you not know this?” Werner asked, angrily. He motioned to the sleeping girl. “You almost killed her!”
Still the nurse made no move.
Werner slowly rose. A cold dread was snaking down his spine and his hands shook. “You knew what you were doing.”
Her silence confirmed it.
Werner lunged forward and grabbed the woman. He shoved her into the hallway and pulled the girl’s door shut. Then Werner pushed her up against the opposite wall. “Who are you working for?”
“Werner?”
Werner looked up to see Emil standing in his office doorway. He looked exhausted and confused. “What’s going on?”
Werner grabbed the nurse’s arm and dragged her to Emil. “She was trying to overdose one of the patients.”
Emil’s face stayed neutral, but something flickered in his eyes. “Nurse, please step into my office.”
The woman shook Werner off and walked primly into the room. Emil turned to Werner. “Go home, Hansen. I’ll deal with this.” Then he shut the door.
Werner stood still, staring at the closed door. He could feel dread tightening around him, trying to choke him. Something was going on. That nurse was overdosing the child on purpose. She was trying to kill the girl. Why?
And then, Werner had a sickening thought. She was one of the children set aside for special treatment.
Werner spun on his heal and took off running down the hall. He had to get to Liam before something happened.
Werner slowed just enough to grab the handle of Liam’s door. He flung it open and jerked to a stop. One of the masked nurses was there, just drawing up the white sheet over Liam’s pale face.
For a moment Werner couldn’t breathe. Then, he lunged at her. Shoving the nurse against the wall he tore back the sheet. Liam’s face was white, and when Werner touched him, his cheek was icy cold. “Oh, my dear God!” Werner gasped. “Oh God no! Please God!”
Werner put both his hands against Liam’s face. “Come on Liam, wake up,” he whispered, tears streaming down his cheeks. “Come on Liam!”
A wrenching sob tore from Werner, and he gathered the lifeless child into his arms, burring his face against the boy’s chest and weeping brokenly.
After a long moment, Werner looked up at the nurse who stood against the wall, her face almost as white as her mask. Werner slowly got to his feet. “You killed him,” he hissed through his teeth. He made a move forward and the woman screamed. There was a sound of running steps, but Werner didn’t look up. He grabbed the woman’s arms and pushed her against the wall. “You killed him!” he fairly screamed.
“Werner! Werner stop!” yelled a girl’s voice. Hands grabbed his arms, pulling him back from the terrified nurse.
Werner spun and came face to face with Maria. “Let go of me!”
“Werner no!” Maria cried, hanging onto his arm. “Don’t do it, Werner!”
Werner drew in a breath through his teeth and turned on the nurse. “Get out.”
She didn’t move.
“Get out!” Werner yelled.
The nurse bolted for the door, stumbling over her heeled shoes. She skidded into the hall and slammed Liam’s door. Werner wrenched free of Maria and stumbled back to Liam’s bed. He sat down on the edge and picked up the boy once more, cradling the still child in his arms. Maria put a hand over her mouth, tears filling her eyes.
Werner didn’t even look up. He pulled Liam’s head against his shoulder and kissed the boy’s pale cheek. “I’m so sorry,” he whispered, tears running down his face. “I’m so sorry Liam, I’m so sorry.”
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*hysterical sobbing*
Why would you write something so enraging and tragic???!!!!!!!
*sniffles*
I feel so bad for Werner.
I am SO shocked…did things like this really happen? It seems like it would…I don’t blame you for writing this…in fact America today needs to learn about these things…of course, this would happen…it’s happening today.
Wow. I started CR a few days ago… I will be ripping through it now.
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."~ Jim Elliot
That is the saddest and most enraging thing I’ve read in a while. I was boiling with Werner back there!
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."~ Jim Elliot
Yes, it did happen, but a lot of people didn’t realize it. Most times when you say “WWII Germany” everyone else replies “Nazis”. But that’s not all the way true. Yes, there were tones of Nazis and tones of Hitler Youth and Gestapo and SS. But there were also normal people trying to survive, Christians debating weather or not to take a stand, ignorant people, Jews, etc. etc.
What Werner has stumbled into is The Reich Health Ministry– A plan to “purify” the German race and weed out the “impure” the “weak” and the “undesired” In there eyes, someone like Liam will take more care then his life is worth. Plus, he’s now and orphan so he’s a burden to the government.
It happened and people need to know. It shocks me so much when I talk to my peers and I say “Holocaust” and they ask, “what was that?”
The other day I was talking to a friend and I was telling her about the SS and she asked, “Who are they?” and I said, “they are a branch of Hitler’s Storm Troopers and work hand-in-hand with the Gestapo.” and she asked, “Who are the Gestapo?”
I just looked at her in shock. I can’t believe how much we are being taught to forget!
And I’m rambling. But. Yeah. It should hurt bad because it was horrific.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
I know! My family has been reading and studying about Bonhoeffer recently, and it’s amazing to think that this happened recently. I mean, people are still alive that lived through WW2!! And we’ve already forgotten SO much of it…talk about not taking heed to past failures…but the Bible says those things happen: forgetting the past.
That’s one reason why it’s SO important to write down the past for future generations! Especially to teach why these things happened.
I love your writing because you’re doing that! Like writing about illegal marriage…I have something to ask you about that in my forth coming email.
"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."~ Jim Elliot
I know! We were just reading in Joshua last night in our family devotions about the crossing of the Jordan. One part really struck me. It was this one:
So Joshua called together the twelve men he had appointed from the Israelites, one from each tribe, and said to them, “Go over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. Each of you is to take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the Israelites, to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever…
… and the people did as he commanded and those stones still stand to this day
They passed their history to their children. They TOLD THEM what happened.
We literally are being programmed to forget! They want us to forget!
God has given me a voice, and though my writing it reaches farther then I can shout. I’m going to use that voice.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
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