Welcome To Hell, Enjoy Your Stay (Chapter Twelve - Little Fish)

Chapter Twelve – Julia’s POV1

Little Fish2

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The world had been trampled right under my nose. Everything was falling apart. I was desperate for anything I could get my hands on, food, water, warmth… anything. The nights were cold and the days were hot. I was beginning to grow sick from working in the sun so much and I was nearly starved to death. I often found myself jumping at the chance of finding something edible… even if I’d never eat it in the past. I didn’t want to die. My thirst was overwhelming and I ended up drinking my tears. I didn’t even think that was possible.4

At the moment I was curled up next to Melinda, the girl I’d met when I first came. She was doing better since then but I was worse. I’d been beaten several times and was often yelled at. I was thin and weak and could hardly hold the shovel anymore. The old woman I’d helped had past away the first night I’d come. I didn’t even want to know what they’d done with her.5

I draped my arm around Melinda’s thin frame and pulled her close for warmth. She turned over and pressed her face against my neck. Her hair thawed out my cold face and helped me to relax. I sighed shakily and focused on the wall a few feet in front of me. I missed Lane, Joshua, Jessica, Janet, my mom, my dad… I just wanted to go home, that was all I wanted.6

“Come on Julia, go to bed.” I looked down at Mel to see her big blue eyes gazing back up at me. Her English accent always took me by surprise, even though I knew she was English. I sighed again and bundled her even closer, then shut my eyes, trying to surrender to much-needed sleep.7

***8

The water rushed around my flailing limbs and splashed against my face. I sputtered and coughed, the only thing driving me on was the constant fear of being caught. I tried to turn my head to see if they still followed, just to get salty water in my eyes and mouth. I coughed again then pushed onward toward Joshua, who was a few feet ahead.9

“Josh!” I cried weakly as I swept a few more feet back by the pounding waves. I was swept beneath the water and for a few moments floated wearily in the water. My eyes were open, and it was an amazing sight, seeing little fish, seaweed… then Josh’s hand flew around my waist and dragged me to the surface. I gasped for air and pressed close to him. 10

He pulled me onward toward land where we both climbed onto the bank. I lay on my back and coughed up gallons of water. Joshua was immediately hugging me and whispering to me. I didn’t listen to what he was saying, just to the sound of comfort in his soothing voice.11

I hugged him and didn’t let go. His fingers ran through my thick, wet hair. I pressed my tear-filled eyes against his shoulder and tried to take in all that had happened. Josh gently pulled me away and kissed my forehead then pulled me back.12

“We did it Jules.” He murmured, “We’re safe, don’t be scared.”13

I did believe him, but it was hard to take in. I just let him hold me and let the coughs continue until—at last—my breathing steadied and the tilted world leveled out before my eyes.14

I’d won.15

We’d won.16

My tears of fear turned to tears of joy as I realized this. We were both safe. I sniffled and turned my head on Joshua’s shoulder so that I could see the span of the ocean we had swum through. It wasn’t as deep as it had seemed, five feet at the most.17

“Thank you.” I whispered in Josh’s ear. I could feel a smile crease on his face. He laughed lightly then let me go. I fell to my knees on the sandy floor. My tears had stopped and a smile had come on my face. Joshua’s laugh was contagious and soon I was laughing too, for no good reason.18

We’d nearly been killed.19

Nearly been caught.20

And I was laughing?21

***22

“Julia!” I shot up, smacking my head right into Melinda’s. She jumped back in surprise. I immediately snatched her in my arms and apologized. She just blinked in shock and looked at me, “What were you dreaming about?” I blinked a few times, realizing it was just a dream. Sadness rushed over me and I let the tears come out of my eyes.23

“N-Nothing.” I murmured in English to her, “Just of when times were good.” She watched me sadly for a few moments then embraced me calmly. I gripped her thin frame in my arms then laid back down with her. It was only midnight, and we both needed sleep.24

Even as she drifted back into a steady slumber I couldn’t do it. I just stared at all the sleeping bundled around the building. A Nazi walked through them, his eyes alert and amused. This wasn’t funny, it wasn’t, and he found it a joke. I gnawed at the inside of my lip and shut my eyes. Even listening to Melinda’s breathing wouldn’t even put me to sleep.25

I wanted to readjust but I didn’t want to make Melinda get cold. Right now she was my main focus. I kept her warm at night and helped her during the day, even when I was weak myself. I snuggled against her small body and kissed her forehead. She didn’t react, she was in a deep sleep and I wasn’t about to wake her for any reason.26

After an hour of two I drifted into an uneasy sleep.27