Warning – you may be emotionally damaged after reading this chapter! You’re welcome! 😁 Let’s get to it!
What Happened to Ordinary Citizens Who Were Nazis After War?
Everything comes to an end eventually. What will be done then?
One of the main problems the characters grapple with in this chapter is what will happen at the end of the war. As Annabelle puts it:
“There was no way the French people were going to easily forgive the couple for their Nazi alliances.”
Defy pg. 64
It wasn’t unusual for families to flee to escape attacks aimed at them. They became targets for those wanting revenge for the attrocites the Nazis carried out. Many high ranking officials escaped to different places across the globe, including places in South America like Brazil. They took on new identities, hiding in plain sight.
However, in the case of Annabelle and Albrecht, they were not only trying to escape the hate from the French people, but also the Nazis. Albrecht would be considered AWOL or somewhere along those lines since he was deserting the army before the war was over. With that in mind, they wouldn’t be able to use the extensive channels the Nazis had to smuggle their people out of Germany/Europe, doing it all on their own. Maybe the SOE would help them but trying to get them out of Nazi occupied France would be no easy feat.
Why Not England or America?
As Dimitri stated, Albrecht and Annabelle would stand out… a lot.
Albrecht’s accent would be one dead give away of his heritage. As he even said himself, his English isn’t the best and is “very Cherman sounding.” This leads to questions and questions lead to inquiries. During the time that followed WW2, whenever people realized you were German or lived in Germany, their first assumptions tended to be that you were a Nazi. It was a very bad time for prejduices.
America and England weren’t entirely ruled out as possibilities but there were some disadvantages to both.
- America: You have to cross the Atlantic Ocean – which means you need to get on a boat, then cross submarine infested waters.
- In addition, America had a set limit of immigrants they were welcoming at the time; the couple would have a hard time finding a way in without any family already in America
- Both England & Ameirca: Forge papers – you’d have to create a whole new identity, especially since Albrecht’s a Nazi. It might be easier for them to get papers in England since the SOE is their mutual contact there.
However, before either option could be properly weighed, someone blew his lid…
Everything Comes Foward
Dimitri and Albrecht have been fighting each other for the longest time. Now, at the height of everything, Dimitri has had enough. Truly, this time, he’s done. It’s time to find answers.
Having more courage than Annabelle, Dimitri finally asks the question we’ve all been wondering the answer to. What happened in the Church? Albrecht’s left speechless and Annabelle tries, but fails to defend him. Then, Dimitri finally voices his opinion – something he’s held onto for the longest time.
““I can’t believe you Annabelle! After all of this time, I’ve stood by you! I’ve been on your side, defending you, protecting you! I have always been trustworthy while he -” Dimitri gestured to Albrecht with his knife, slightly panicking Albrecht further, “- has kept secrets and lied to both of us! Why did you have to choose him?! Why?!” It seemed to Annabelle and Albrecht that Dimitri had now come to the verge of a nervous breakdown. They could only hope that one of them could calm Dimitri down.
“Dimitri, I’m sorry. I never knew that-”
Defy – pg 67
“That I was in love with you, Annabelle?! How could you not?!” For the first time, Annabelle saw tears running down Dimitri’s cheeks – had she truly been so blind to her friend? Had she dismissed his hate towards Albrecht and never sought out the true reason?”
Dun-da-DUN!!!
The truth comes out!
“You know, I never liked Germans.”
This one line starts the beginning of a terrible fight. Personally, I didn’t really enjoy writing the fight scene itself. I struggle to write a good fight between characters without making it sound corny. Other attempts left it without any details and very cartoonish sounding. However, over some time, I was able to make it a little more exciting and serious. In addition, more information about Dimitri and Albrecht’s interactions and their building tension will come out in the sequel… 🙃
“No!” **Bang!**
Annabelle pulls the trigger, finally stopping the fight, as well as ending her friendship with Dimitri. One last look from Dimitri before he leaves, realizing Annabelle chose her side. It was now clear as day Annabelle chose Albrecht and would never choose Dimitri.
Where do they go from here? What’s in the future for Annabelle, Albrecht, and Dimitri? ONLY 3 MORE CHAPTERS TO GO!
And that’s where we’ll end it for today! I hope you liked it! Next week, we’ll discuss Chapter 17: Independence.
Till next time!
L.A.
Before you go…
Secrets of the Forest
It’s the year 2300. The earth as we know it has been completely changed by war and a new civilization has arisen from the rubble. It seems like everything is good and fair – violence seems nonexistent. If their life is so perfect and wonderful, why are people banned from venturing into the Forbidden Country? The laws were clear. No one was EVER allowed to go there. Yet, Annalise Bella Mason was determined to go there. She wanted answers. Now, there’s no going back. Episodes up every Thursday!
Read on Kindle Vella! Chapters 1-10 are now up!
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