The Monster's Daughter by Michelle Pretorius Read Free Book Online Page B

screams the only sound. In her long white nightdress and cap, her long blond hair falling past her pale face, Anna cut a ghostly figure in the dark as she slowly made her way toward Hester’s room. The rooms she passed were stripped bare, the smell of lye thick, memories of the girls that occupied them only weeks ago scrubbed away.
    A baby’s first screams cut through the quiet hallway. Anna froze at the sight that greeted her as she turned the corner. Sarah stood in front of Hester’s open door, her hands covering her mouth, her expression one of horror. Leath emerged, his sleeves rolled up, carrying a wriggling newborn in his bloodied hands. Sarah held her hands out to take the child, but Leath ignored her.
    â€œA male. This one must survive.” Leath headed down the hall.
    Anna pressed her back against the wall, slinking into the nearest empty room.
    â€œWhat about the girl, Doctor?” Sarah called after Leath. He stopped for a moment outside the room where Anna hid. She was sure that he would hear her frantic heartbeat.
    â€œShe is not needed. Do what must be done.”
    Anna waited until Leath’s footfalls disappeared before she left her hiding place. Sweat broke out on her brow as she made her way toward Hester’s room. Sarah looked up from where she stood next to Hester, her expression when she saw Anna one of dismay rather than anger. A deep gash ran across Hester’s naked abdomen, her chest rising infrequently. Anna felt dizzy. She grabbed hold of the bed tosteady herself, her hand sinking into warm wet, red seeping between her fingers. A crimson drop separated from the edge of the saturated wool blanket and fell in slow motion, spreading onto the wooden floor, its edges disintegrating. Hester turned her head slowly, recognition in her glassy eyes. She opened her mouth. A final breath escaped and she was still.
    â€œNo!”
    â€œShhh.” Sarah knelt down next to Anna, tears brimming in her large eyes. “You have to go. He might come back.”
    â€œHester, she …” The room suddenly swam around Anna, nausea rising from the pit of her stomach.
    Sarah held Anna close, her brown dress full of cooking smells, a faint odor of spirits lingering on her sleeve. “There is nothing you can do.”
    Waves of nausea rippled through Anna. She tried to stand, but her legs wouldn’t hold her. “What’s wrong with me?”
    Sarah averted her eyes. “The doctor told me to pack everything when he came back from town. He says the ones in charge don’t understand his work. They are sending soldiers.”
    Sarah wrapped both arms around Anna’s waist and lifted her off the ground. She forced Anna out of the room and back down the hallway. Anna’s heart pounded, each short step paid for in agony. Edges became soft, colors blending, the house suddenly unfamiliar. Faces of girls peered from the corners, their hands reaching, trying to hold her back. Sarah dragged Anna the last few steps. Crippling pain ripped through Anna’s stomach as she doubled over on the bed. The baby cried, distressed by the commotion around her.
    Anna grabbed Sarah’s wrist. “He’s going to kill Baby too.” Sarah tried to pull away, but Anna held on with all her strength. “You have to save her.”
    â€œAikona.”
Sarah struggled against Anna.
    Pain rippled through Anna’s body. She fought against the darkness pulling at her. “Take her to the Khakis.”
    Sarah stared uncomprehendingly at her. “They will be here tomorrow.”
    â€œNo. There is a soldier. He was stationed near George. He will help.”
    â€œWhy would he? The Khakis are not your people.”
    â€œAsk for him. Tell them she is his.”
    â€œIt’s been a long time,
Nooi
.” Sarah’s voice softened as she freed herself from Anna’s weakening grip. “He won’t be there anymore.”
    â€œYou have to try.