The next 24 hours after the Captain made his shocking announcement seemed to fly past as much time as he could with Maria and the children because even though he assured everyone it was "just for a little while" he knew in reality it would be many months even years before he was with his family again.

When the Captain and Maria had put the children to sleep, they retired to their rooms. It was then Maria let her feeling out. She had for the children's sake kept on a good front, but now, with just Georg there, she allowed her emotions to surface.

"How could you?" Maria shouted at Georg, "How could you decided something like this without discussing it with me?"

"Maria, I have no other choice," Georg said, "If there was any other way I'd use it."

"But what about leaving Austria, going to Zurich..."

"It can't be done. There's no real money, you aren't in the condition for that type of traveling. I won't risk you and the children not to save my own neck," Georg told her, his voice gently, but firm.

Maria couldn't' hold it any more. The tears that had threatened to spill for hours, finally did and with a heavy sobs Maria lowered herself to the bed and cried.

Captain von Trapp knew his young wife well and he knew she was not prone to emotional outbursts. Quickly he went to her settling his arms around her and pulling her close. Georg knew leaving would be very hard on Maria and his children but he'd underestimated her feelings about it.

"Oh my love," Georg whispered, holding Maria's sobbing form next to his body, "it's for the best this way. I'm sure of it. Please, Darling, don't get upset."

"Georg," Maria cried, "don't you know what could happen to you? You could be kill or worse...and I couldn't live if something like that happened."

Georg knew that fear. He knew it very well for he'd seen it in Agathe's eyes when they were newly married and he had to go to war for the first time. He knew how real it was and he knew he'd never be able to lay it to rest.

"I know you're scared, Maria. And I know that it seems a terrible shock, but Darling, you and I...you are going to be fine. We're going to get through this, I promise."

Maria rested her head against Georg's shoulder, using his strength to still her sobs. When she finally quieted and pulled away a bit from her husband's tight embrace she noticed a wetness along his cheeks.

"Georg?" she asked curious at his tears, for she'd never seen her husband so overcome. "I know I have to go, Maria," he whispered, "but God help me for giving into them. God help me."

Maria knew from the ferocity of her husband's embrace that he would need more than mere words as a source of comfort from her tonight. Tonight, Georg need her body, mind and soul, he'd need her in every way, so that he knew she's fully forgive him for his choice.

Maria returned her husband's embrace and complied with him as fully as possible when his affections and intentions turned their course. She knew Georg needed the physical release and this physical connection and she knew that by allowing it she was sealing their spiritual connection as well.

Later, Maria and Georg lay in the dark sheltering each other from the world. In less than twelve hours, their perfect life would end so abruptly forever altering their world.

Finally it was time to say goodbye. All the children were in the salon their eyes shining with unshed tears. Maria was as brave as she'd ever been, smiling though her heart was breaking.

The Captain hugged each child once and turned to Maria, "I love you. This is for the best. You know it is."

"I know it's for our sake, but what about your sake, Georg?" she asked, kissing her husband.

"My family is the only thing that matters to me. Don't worry about me," Georg said in his defensive detached manner to show his strength and hide his pain.

Through watery teary eyes Maria smiled, "Be safe, Darling. Come back to me."

Georg nodded and quickly turned around and left the house and his family without a second look.

The sound of the door closing was an unwritten cue for the emotions the von Trapp children had been holding back to come to the surface. Gretl started off, running to Maria crying her little heart out.

"He didn't even say good bye," Marta sobbed, "Why was he so cross?"

"Oh, Darlings," Maria consoled, "Your Father is upset about leaving us. He's cross with this men who are causing this war."

"I don't understand, Mother," Louisa said, "Father hates the Na..."

Louisa was cut off as Frederich's hand clamped over her mouth, "You must never say that out loud. Louisa, we don't know who we can trust anymore. You'll get Father killed."

Maria nodded her head solemnly, "Children you must listen to me very carefully. Friederich is right, your father is fighting for us, not for the Reicht, but we must never let anyone know his convictions. Understand?"

"You mean we must let people believe Father really is a Nazi?" Brigitta asked dismayed.

"That's right, Darling. We must believe that now, we must believe it for your Father's sake, for the sake of the family."