Eva Is Haunted By Her Demons

Eva fled from his anger to her chamber. She slammed the door shut behind her and leaned against it with her back. She could have slapped herself for the foolishness she had shown. Of course it had not been a good idea to intrude into the private life of Julius and his family. She had been so eager to be useful that she hadn't considered that she might be misreading the noises.

She was inexperienced in such matters, but there weren't many explanations for Leni and her grandfather sharing a bed unclothed. The embarrassment burned on her cheeks as Eva admitted to herself what they must have been doing, when she had disturbed them.

Her knees went weak. She staggered to her bed and fell onto it in despair. Tears streamed down her face. Was there no refuge in the world where she could leave the memories that plagued her behind? Even in this remote place, she was haunted and tormented by her demons.

She couldn't help but think of her uncle Heinrich, her father's older brother. He was a “Geheimer Rat” in the Reich Ministry of Finance in Vienna. This was a high-ranking, important position, and everyone treated him with respect. He often visited Eva's family, and although he was only a guest, he behaved as if he were the master of the house. Eva did not like him, but her parents impressed upon her to treat him respectfully and obey him.

One night he came into her bedroom and sat down on the edge of the bed where she was sleeping. He smelled of **** and seemed depressed. She would have preferred it had he left her alone, but dared not tell him so.

He spoke quietly about how lonely he had been since his wife's ****. Eva didn't know why he was telling her this or what he wanted from her.

He gently stroked her hair while he talked. She just lay there rigidly, staring into thin air. Even when his hand slid lower. What should she have done? He was her uncle and a person of authority. You didn't contradict him.

And then...he...

Eva was shaken by crying fits as the shame, helplessness and pain, all the feelings that she had felt back then, overwhelmed her with renewed ****. Back then, the first time and all the many times after.

What should she have done? Could she have done anything at all? He was bigger and much stronger than she was and awe-inspiring.

Just like Julius.