The plenni lived in a constant rollercoaster of hope and disappointment that added to the physical hardships, and more than one of the men went off the rails.
plenniSome recovered after a few days in the camp hospital, while others took desperate measures. They stepped out of the line during their walk to work, knowing full well the guards would shoot them without hesitation.
One morning, commanders of the MVD, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, showed up at the camp. Their arrival struck fear into prisoners and guards alike, because the MVD was formerly known as the NKVD, or Soviet secret police – an organization comparable to the sinister Gestapo.
“These guys are bad news,” Helmut said after roll call.
“Why are they here?”
“No idea. Watch your mouth, will you?”
Johann nodded and clu
