Surrender at the Fortress of Masada

Jewish history tells of a battle for freedom against the Rome. The Romans eventually cornered the Jewish people in a fortress called Masada. When the Romans finally broke though to the fortress, they found that almost everyone was dead. A few lived on. Th

For the first time in my life, I hated him.

 

He had taken me out for a walk, and spoken of happy things. We had talked together, and laughed about memories we had of our home, in Jerusalem. I told him I wanted to go back, with my friend, Rifka.

 

He had looked away.

"Perhaps, my child."

 

I asked him what was wrong, but he did not answer. He would not respond. I tried to talk to him, but he seemed distant, as if far away in his thoughts. It made me wonder what was wrong. Stubbornly, I asked again what was wrong.

 

He did not answer.

 

Angrily this time, I demanded to know.

 

"We won't be going back with Rifka, my child," he answered softly. "Rifka will remain here."

"Why?"

 

A scream of terror split the calm night. Suddenly many voices joined it, moaning and crying out in pain.

I heard Rifka crying.

 

Then all was quiet.

 

I ran. I ran back to the building we shared with the other families to keep warm and have a community. I ran back to my family and to my friends.

 

He called after me, but I didn't hear him.

 

When I reached the building, I flung open the door.

 

Blood lay everywhere. Bodies sprawled on the floor, their eyes open and blank. I tried not to scream, but it was too much. Everyone was dead.

 

I saw Rifka, her puny body twisted and her face contorted with pain. Her eyes were shut, like she was praying to God, but I knew she had not been.

 

She had been afraid, like I was now. She'd tried to shut it out, but it came anyway.

 

Now she was gone.

Forever.

 

A shadow fell across the threshold as I held Rifka, sobbing over her death. I looked up to see him watching me silently.

 

He had not saved Rifka like he saved me.

And I hated him.

 

Author's Note

What do you think of this? Be harsh or be nice, I don't care. But I'd REALLY like to know.

Reviews

[nostal]

I loved it!Awesome.

[Niko Azazel]

i like this. it's sad but very well writen. the title is what caught my attention

[Ankhesen Mié]

I liked that you chose Masada as a topic; the moment I saw the title I was drawn to your story. It's quite emotionally charged.