The sound of the trains piercing whistle announcing its impending departure made Liesl jump. It felt like someone had started a stopwatch.

"Okay," Liesl said in an authorative tone, "Everyone, grab your suitcase. We've got to board the train."

Georg and Maria looked at their children and were heartbroken.

"Listen to your brother and sister," Georg instructed. "Your mother and I are going to board the train at the opposite end. We'll meet up with you shortly."

"Yes," Maria quickly agreed. She began adjusting coats and kissing heads. "You won't even notice we're gone. We'll be back with you before you know it."

Friedrich had his suitcase under his arm and had Marta and Gretel's in each of his hands. Georg had kissed each younger child's head and then made his way to his oldest son.

"Remember…board the train, find a cabin, and wait for us. Do not move about the train until we find you," Georg told him.

"Yes sir. I understand. We'll do just as you say."

Georg frowned slight, noticing the worry, yet determined look on Friedrich's face. Then he smiled. He put his hand on the back of his son's neck.

"Thank you son. You make me proud." Friedrich just nodded and began to help Liesl herd their siblings toward the train.

"Liesl, wait," Georg called to her. She looked back to her father, then to Friedrich. She handed him 6 tickets so that they may begin to board the train without her. Then she walked the few feet that was between her and her parents.

"Yes sir?" she asked.

"We'll be right behind you," he assured her again, though she did not ask for it.

"I understand. We'll be waiting for you," she assured him back.

Maria grabbed her hands and pulled her into a hug. "You're such a strong young woman. I'm so proud of you," Maria whispered in her ear.

"As am I" Georg added.

Liesl removed herself from her mother's arms. She looked to her father and in an unexpected move he pulled her into a fierce hug.

This unexpected, intense display of emotion made Liesl nervous. But, nevertheless, she hugged him back. "I love you too father."

Georg released Liesl. "Hurry, everyone is almost aboard and we've got to get to the other end of the station. See you soon."

Liesl picked up her suitcase and walked back to the train. Louisa, last in line, was boarding the train. She climbed the steps and handed her ticket in. Turning the corner, Liesl stole one last glance at her parents. She saw her father's arms wrapped securely around her mother and worry written clear on their faces. She didn't like that they were so nervous. Sure, the situation they were in was completely nerve-wracking, but with their words they assured them they would be right behind them. However, their faces gave away their panicked uncertainty.

She tried to force back her concerns and focus on the task at hand. She looked ahead of her and saw that Friedrich, still leading the line, had found them a compartment. He stood aside and allowed the children to file in before him. As Liesl closed the distance between them, she went to move inside, but was stopped by Friedrich.

He spoke to her in a whisper voice. "I don't like how mother and father were so nervous. Why would they be if they knew that they were going to be boarding the train just moments after us on the other end?"

So he was thinking the same thoughts she was.

"I don't know, but for now, we have to do as they ask. Sit down and stay put. They wouldn't have asked us to do this if they didn't think it the best solution. Besides, they wouldn't leave us, or send us off without them. Let's just sit tight and wait okay?"

"You're right," Friedrich said. He let out a huff of breath, and went inside the cabin and sat next to Kurt.

Liesl helped manipulate everyone's luggage in the over head compartments. Even if it was one of the biggest spaces the train had available, it was still a tight fit. Liesl signaled for Gretel to stand, and then placed herself where she had just sat. She opened her arms and welcomed Gretel into her lap who snuggled her head in Liesl's neck.

A sudden thought burst into Liesl's head. She had no idea where they were going.

"Friedrich, did you look on the tickets and see where mother and father are taking us?"

"Yes." He answered. "Switzerland."

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