A Macdrabble tale

JUST A WHISPER

 

The long line of bedraggled people was waiting for selection. There were to be no winners.

 

At 12 years of age Ruth expected to be sent to the death camps. There was only one choice. Lie. She was determined not to do that.

 

The record keeper, a trusted prisoner, whispered: “Say you are fifteen”. 

 

The examining doctor doubted her but she stood firm. The doctor thought she looked too weak for the demands of slave labour but he was persuaded that she had strong legs and could work. He shrugged and selected her.

 

Ruth was saved by a whisper.