The Great Beyond

My name is Helga Jansen, today is the day I died. I watched nervously as my husband confronted German soldiers led by Captain Heinrich in our yard. They no doubt interrupted what would have been another one of my husband’s missions for a perfect marigold flower to give me through our ward Evi. But today was different, my husband Kyland yelled my name and attempted to run to the house when he was shot in my front yard by Nazi. Panic, horror, grief gripped my heart as I watched him fall to the ground. It was as if a part of me died in that kitchen. Yet all I can think about is the little girl hiding in my barn named Evi Meijer. After my husband fell to the ground all I could hear was screaming, so loud and sorrowful it felt as though it was coming from somewhere outside my own body, but it was me. I could see Captain Heinrich’s men approach the front door, so I fled out the back door, I must warn Evi.

“Evi run!” I yelled at the top of my voice.

They were right behind me; my warning was cut short by the sting of bullets in my back and the sound of a machine gun. I crumpled to the ground looking up at our pear tree. I love pears, I love this home my husband and I built. Now it will be infested by nazi scum. I tried to get up but my body wouldn’t, I closed my eyes only to open them once more looking down at my own body…lifeless, eyes open.

The events that unfolded from there were astonishing to witness. The soldiers search my home as the captain gave orders to bury my body and my husband’s body next to our pear tree. The grave was shallow…they have no respect for anything except each other. They stood guard at my home for over a day until the American invasion began, then they fled towards Arnhem. My heart ached for that sweet girl hiding in my old barn.

Soon Americans arrived at my home and discovered poor Evi running from the barn. She didn’t realize she had been saved until the lieutenant in charge turned her around. I was happy to see them take care of her; I hope they crush the Germans. The Americans, including Evi Meijer left our little farm and it was quiet for a time. Until Judah, Lambert and Captain Heinrich arrived…Judah and Lambert dressed as German soldiers.

“Where are your men?” Judah asked Heinrich.

“Cowards…they probably fled as the Americans invaded. I will have them all shot!”

“You think you’re going to oversee anything now that the Americans have invaded? The Third Reich is...how do I say this, ‘Kaput’?” Lambert always seemed too pleased with himself.

Judah exited the car and began searching the house. Lambert behind him holding a gun on Heinrich.

“Evi! It’s your father! Evi!” Judah’s face flush with panic.

“If my men have her, she will be held at Arnhem for processing.”

Judah lost his temper slamming Heinrich against a wall in my living room. “Listen here you wormy little fuck! If anything happens to her, you die, understand?”

What Lambert and Judah had not realized is that Kyland’s keys were on a table next to the wall where Heinrich was slammed. He grabbed the keys as he hit the wall. Heinrich gulped. I wish I could have warned them.

“Easy big guy, let's search the basement before you tear his arms and legs off.”

They continued towards the basement. Heinrich looked worried.

“Can he actually do that?” Heinrich asked Lambert.

Lambert shrugged in amusement.

They continued downstairs to the entry for the tunnel leading to the barn. Judah was familiar with the home having spent so much time with Kyland. As he pushed the wine rack aside to reveal a doorway, Heinrich’s face flush red with rage.

“You clever Jew, no wonder we never found her.”

Lambert punched Heinrich in the ribs. He winced. As they searched the tunnel, they saw no sign of Evi, just where she had been hiding beneath the floorboards and the smell of urine.

“We have to continue to Arnhem.” Judah was resolute in his decision.

“It’ll be dangerous.” Lambert smiled.

As the trio walked upstairs from the basement, Heinrich was in front. He kicked Lambert into Judah and made a mad dash for the door at the top of the stairs. He blocked the door with chair and ran to his car. In the glove box he had another Lugar, he loaded it and ran to our garage, using Kyland’s keys he stole our car. As he peeled out of the driveway, Lambert and Judah exited the house.

“After him!” Judah yelled.

The two men jumped into Heinrich’s car and sped after him. Get him. Get that son of a bitch.

"Let go my love."

I froze in place. I thought I would never hear that voice again. I turned around to see my Kyland standing behind me.

"Let go of that rage my love, we have to continue on."

"Will they be okay?"

"One way or another, they will find peace, and so shall we."

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