Two days later found them approaching a small town, she couldn't even guess the name of it or where it fit on a map if she tried. She was angry that Georg was right about their timing, but the relief of finding civilization far outweighed her frustration.

Georg suggested that Maria, Friedrich, and Liesl go into the town before the rest of them, just in case they were not yet in Switzerland as planned. He didn't even gloat that he was right, which she appreciated. They were too worn out to really argue anyway.

They set off toward the town, finally reaching a small dirt road after twenty minutes or so. She looked back to see Georg watching from a short distance, Gretl waiving at her. She smiled and returned a little waive of her own before focusing on their journey into town.

"Mother, what will we do next if we really are in Switzerland?" Friedrich had been very quiet the entire trip, particularly to Maria after her attack. He must not have known how to react, she assumed, but was glad he was starting to sound like himself.

"Eat real food." After a beat he and Liesl began to laugh, and she cracked a smile. Her first smile in so long, she thought.

"I am dying for a shower too." Liesl added, sighing at the thought.

"And a roof over our heads!" Friedrich concluded.

"You know, this is a great time in our lives to remind ourselves how fortunate we are to have these things on a normal basis." They nodded, having been reminded several times throughout their journey how spoiled they had lived their entire lives.

"We are truly grateful, Mother." She wrapped an arm around Liesl, sharing a small smile.

"As far as where we'll go next; that's a very good question. War is close, so your father will not want to stay here for long."

"England then?"

"Maybe. How would you feel about seeing your grandparents?" Georg had mentioned the possibility of bringing the children to see them, but didn't elaborate. She wasn't sure how she would feel about meeting his late wife's parents, but she didn't let herself dwell on it.

"We don't have to." She laughed at Friedrich's response, so honest. "We just don't know them, is all."

"Me neither...maybe we'll just go to America. Wouldn't that be a change!" She mused, wondering if Georg would even be open to such a thing.

They continued chatting as they approached a bed and breakfast type of establishment on the side of the road. It was large and appeared to be quite vacant, which would be a good thing when it came to bringing seven children inside. They looked all around for a sign, something to tell them where exactly they were, but found nothing. Maria approached the counter, smiling warmly at the woman who greeted her.

She sighed in relief when it was confirmed: they made it.