Deburdeles – Part I

Centered around true events that took place during World War II, Deburdeles (Of Brothels) is the story of “sisters for a time” brought together by fate trying “to survive the madness” of war torn Germany.

With soul gripping characterization, Deburdeles masterfully utilizes interpersonal dialogue to showcase the inherent fortitude that exists within all women.

Here lies the true greatness of Deburdeles, written by Andrea M., (Costa Rica). The power of the characters, brought to life through deeply emotionally charged dialogue, creates a profound sense of empathy, allowing the reader to walk in the shoes of women who braved so much, but who also suffered so dearly.

Warning: Deburdeles deals with very sensitive subject matter which some might find too disturbing to read. 

Hell isn’t a place of fire and brimstone ruled by some figure out of Dante’s Inferno. True Hell is being woke to one’s own loss of reason. When that day comes, when you wake up to the damage you did in life, along with the powerlessness in being able to go back in time to undo what can’t be undone, you will realize that the devil isn’t some mythical figure with horns sprouting out of its’ head, the devil is the person looking back at you in the mirror. That is Hell.

May 7th, 1945. End of the Second World War. Soviet and U.S troops invade Germany. Prisoners are liberated from the concentration camps and the capturing of Nazis commences.

Also in this period mass rape occurs…

….it is estimated that roughly two million women were raped (just in Germany) by soldiers after the end of the Second World War. Out of the

 2 million raped women, 100,000* were raped in Berlin (“Rape During the Occupation of Germany”, 2018). Around 10,000 of the women violated in Berlin died as a result of the attack, most of them by suicide. Reference

*Accurate figures may be much higher. 

Deburdeles By Andrea Miranda

 

Table of Contents

Deburdeles Part I

Deburdeles Part II

Author’s Note

About the Author

Note from W.O.C.

 

Characters

Shiobhan

Ebba

Mika

Corinna

Tova

Katja (Katia)

Frieda

Man 1   (Charles)

Man 2  (Philippe)

La Nacion

Part I

Year 1945. An office; Shiobhan, Ebba and Mika are inside

Shiobhan: (Seated at a desk, revising with detail, a folder with documents.) You told me, Berlin?

Ebba: Yes Ma’am , Neukölln.

Shiobhan: And from what I see, you know how to play the violin. Do you have one?

Ebba: No Ma’am,  I sold it after the war ended.

Shiobhan: I see… Stand up.

 Ebba  stands and Siobhan circles her various times while carefully observing her.

Shiobhan: 19 years old but appears less. Are you a virgin?

Ebba nods her head.

Shiobhan: A pearl in the middle of so much carbon and dust (smiles). Let’s make it worthwhile. (Siobhan sits and Ebba follows suit) Don’t speak unless you’re ordered to, the time to get up is 9am, you eat twice per day. After 5pm we open the doors and smile, (pause) don’t forget to smile miss Ebba.

Shiobhan: Mika! (she hands over a key)  Bring this little creature to room #6 and inform her of  the rules of the house,  (to Ebba) your luggage stays with me. See it as a form of payment for my hospitality.

The young women leave, the door closes.

Mika and Ebba walk in silence for a few seconds.

Mika: You can choose a name. The Madame allows her daughters to choose a name the first night – a way to forget.

Ebba: I like Ebba, that’s what my mother called me. Mika? That ‘s not your name?

Mika: (Interrupting)  The house chores are done together, the time to bathe is 2 minutes, the sisters don’t fight. (giving her a bag) Three changes of clothes for the whole year; you’re gifted a new one each Christmas. You work 5 to 7 hours per day. Don’t speak with clients, and do exactly what they order you to …. If you disobey an order, no food rations for the day, that’s for the first time…. Is that clear?

Ebba nods her head

Mika: This is the room. During the day the door stays open, it only closes during work hours.

Ebba: Thank you… Mika…

Mika: (Indifferent)  In 40 minutes lunch is served. The kitchen is inside to the left, after that take a right. (Leaves)

40 minutes later

Shiobhan: Katja, sit down! What have I taught you about manners in the kitchen?

Katja takes a seat next to Shiobhan. Corinna, Tova and Frieda sit with their respective plates. The last to arrive is Mika. After a few seconds, Ebba enters.

Shiobhan: A little late, but not too much… come! There’s vegetable soup with fish…

Corinna: (To Tova while she inserts her hand  underneath Tova’s dress) She’s pretty. Doesn’t it make you jealous?  Just in the next room, I’ll be the first to hear her purr like a little kitten.…

Frieda: Enough, Corinna! (to Tova) She’s making fun. Her humor is too dark for this house, don’t pay her any mind.

Corinna: It’s the truth, or are we going to pretend that every night we drink brandy and eat mutton. The reason that there ‘s fish today is because of what we did last night. Or…can’t I talk about that either? (to Ebba) Savor every bite, they do too.

Frieda: Corinna!

Corinna aggressively throws herself on Ebba with anger.

Corinna: But look at her! She’ll be worth a fortune… Her skin looks like milk (ripping her shirt open) and her breasts look like fresh bonnets of bread (bites a breast).

Ebba screams from pain while Corinna wipes blood from her mouth.

Shiobhan: That’s Enough! (stands and hits the table)  I’m ashamed of you. Corinna, to my room! Now!

Shiobhan and Corinna leave the kitchen.

Katja: (to Ebba while she gives her a towel with warm water)  I’m sorry, Corinna (pause) hasn’t been herself lately, after the….after the-

From inside the room, they hear Corinna’s screams. Tova covers her ears while the rest are silent. The moment is interrupted by Mika.

Mika: Enough for today! To your rooms (pausa) All of you!

3 hours later

Mika  enters Ebba’s room.

Mika: Wake up now, it’s time..

Ebba: I’m afraid, Mika…

Mika: (smiles)  Afraid? Afraid you say? Afraid of seeing your boyfriend take off in a wagon to  Arbeitsdorf, or that they’ll confuse your mother with a pig for simply having brown eyes. (pause) No, Ebba, having your vagina ripped open is not to be afraid of. The pain subsides with warm towels and a little chamaille. The real fear isn’t in this house..anyway, today the Madame waits for you. Off you go! Her room is the door without a number.

Minutes after Ebba knocks on Shiobhan’s door

Shiobhan: Enter! And close the door…  Come closer girl!

Ebba: Madame –

Shiobhan: Shh, shh, shh  shhh.  (while she covers her mouth)  I’ll do you a favor, and I promise that it won’t hurt you…  (she looks at her up and down) You’re so beautiful! I wish I could leave you on a porcelain doll’s shelf. I can’t believe that you were that little creature begging for bread in the market, and now… to imagine that so many would fight for just a bite at you. (pause) But today no, today isn’t that day.

Shiobhan unbuttons her dress and lies down in bed with her.

Meanwhile…

Corinna lies  face down with her back exposed, her face buried in the pillow; Tova next to her, cleaning her wounds with a towel. Katja in a chair close to the bed holding Corinna’s hand.

Corinna moans from pain.

Katja: Keep still, Corinna. It was your fault that this happened…  You were so good!  (pause,  directing to Tova)  I don’t know how you do it, I couldn’t last a whole day with her.

Corinna moans again..

Katja: Yes! I’m talking about you, you have to learn to control yourself, if not, Shiobhan will sell you to the man from the bank… What’s his name?

Corinna: (disgustingly mumbles)  Bedrick!

Katja: (laughing and joking)  He loves you, Corinna…  like when he bought cinnamon bread and rum? Do you remember? Mika dancing naked on the stairs and …Shiobhan chasing her with the broom!

The three laugh.

Corinna: (laughs and moans, while she frustratingly mumbles)  Don’t make me laugh!

 Mika enters, they laugh even more.

Mika: Now I’m a buffoon?   Or… (Looking in a sarcastic manner at Tova) am I a Jew in the crematorium!

Katja: Don’t be a cynic, Mika, you should learn to forget.

Mika: Memories, they keep me on my toes  (while observing Corinna). You all shouldn’t help her. In 15 minutes we’ll have to open the doors. There are 11 outside; 2 for Tova, 3 for Frieda, 2 for you Katja, 3 for me, and Bedrick, for Corinna.

They laugh, Mika remains serious.

Katja:  And the new girl? I’m sure that Shiobhan will charge a fortune for her. I bet she’s a virgin. (Pause) That ‘s what I hope; maybe that way we can eat rabbit stew for Christmas.

Mika: No, today she won’t work. Shiobhan is with her…  Where’s Frieda?  ( no one responds).

Katja:  Today is the welcome party, right?

Mika: Yes! At 10pm…   ( directing to Corinna)  So tell your sweetheart that he’ll get you a little wine in exchange. You owe it, Corinna!  The poor girl didn’t do anything to deserve your contempt (pause)  Let’ s go now! No time to waste  (sighs) and you’ll only go a few hours. (claps twice)

The three leave. Corinna sits up with aggravation while she puts on her dress.

4 hours later

Ebba leaving Shiobhan’s room, has a little discomfort in her walk.

Frieda: (In darkness) Psst! Over here! Ebba!

Ebba: (Whispering) Yes? I don’t see anything…

Frieda: (Lights a match)  Now?

Ebba and Frieda find each other.

Frieda:  You wouldn’t miss your own welcome party, would you?

Ebba: Welcome party?

Frieda: You know,  drink blood, pray to the Führer (giggles) I’m just kidding. You seem unbelievable. Where have you been for all these years?

Ebba lowers her chin

Frieda: (raising Ebba’s face)  No, no, no! You know…not everyone is from here. Take me for example, I was born in France. We hid ourselves; we’re family and you’re our new little sister… (with her hand on Ebba’s chin) Never down! We survive looking forward, always.

They enter a little room. Mika, Katja, Corinna and Tova sitting in a circle. There’s wine, some candles and dried out flowers in the center.

Corinna: Shiobhan’s new doll finally arrives! (pause) Don’t be offended little sister, I wanted to leave you a memory so you’ll never forget me. (slaps the ground two times right next to her)

Frieda looks at Ebba and smiles. Ebba sits next to Corinna.

Mika: As much as I disapprove of these types of situations; they are of the utmost importance to the Madame… building relationships (smiles in an uncomfortable manner)

Katja: (Enthusiastically) Who’s going to start?

Corinna: I think that Tova wanted to say something. (laughs maliciously)

Frieda: (Looks to Tova and pats her with her hand)  I’ll start! I’m Frieda, I’m 27 years old and I was born in France. I don’t have family, my parents died, shot for hiding Jews on the farm; I was by the river when I heard the gunshots. I met Shiobhan, and since then I’ve been with her. (Raising her voice) and Tova hasn’t spoken since she arrived at the house. So please (looking towards Corinna) avoid any type of comments that could be offensive

Tova looks down with shame.

Katja: Me! (Smiles), I’m “Katia” not “Katja”. I’m 17 years old, and I’ve been here for 4 years. My family was deported from Central America because my grandpa was German and our last name showed up on the “black lists” we were shipped off. My dad and brothers got on a boat headed for the United States and my mom and I stayed here. She died … .Siobhan rescued me. (takes a long pause)… and I’m very happy to have a new sister. Especially, after what happened to Aurora… we didn’t think we’d be able to return to this room again. (nervously smiles)

Ebba: Excuse me… Who is Aurora?

Corinna: (Sarcastically) Was…

Mika: (Disgusted)  Nobody who ‘s worth mentioning. Now you’re here, let’s continue.

Corinna:  Mika… Why don’t you talk about your glory years in the work camps? (to everyone) She killed women in Ravensbrück…oh yes!  I heard Shiobhan the first time that you were in her office.

Frieda: Corinna… (imploring) Enough! Why not tell Ebba a little about yourself?

Corinna: (Being short) I don’t have anything to say.

Frieda: In that case, (Turning her gaze to  Ebba) Would you like to share something with us?

Ebba: I…  How do you all do it? Doing what you do…

Corinna: And live like nothing ever happened?

Ebba nods to reply.

Corinna:  Do you prefer to die of hunger? Or sleep in the middle of the street? Here, we’re family, like it or not, we have each other… you’ll get used to it soon.

Katja:  I close my eyes and think about the ocean. It’s easy…well, maybe not at the beginning but after practicing for some time; until I could feel the ocean waves caressing my feet.

Frieda: If one likes you… Bring him to his knees! It’s better to be visited by a regular.You’ll finish quicker and…little by little he’ll grow on you.

Corinna: And let’s not forget the tips. Keep those for yourself. Afterwards, you can buy cigarettes and vodka.

Katja: Or a delicious rabbit…

Mika:Never speak, never refuse and never ever act like a weak woman. Is that clear?

Ebba: Yes… thanks.

Mika: Drink! (Gives her a violín) Shioban’s orders.

Katja: (Surprised) Play, play, play!

Ebba hesitates for a moment, then starts to play the violin. Mika stands in a corner. The rest drink wine and dance.

Voice:  This was the first time after so many years that I’ve savored a hint of joy on the silhouette of my mouth. I understood what Shiohban meant… it wasn’t about starting a conversation, not at all… it was the return of the liberty that was unjustly snatched from us.  Mika, Corinna, Tova, Katja, Frieda… we were free that night, that magical night. Yes, I had found a new home!

7 at night, the next day

Ebba  face down. A man moaning on top of her.

Ebba crying.

Man 1: (Slaps her face) Shut up! I told you to shut up! I didn’t pay in rubles to hear you whine…

Ebba bites the pillow trying to remain silent.

Man 2: (A knock from outside the door) Hurry up pig!

Man 1: (Desperately screaming) What happened? Me or my time hasn’t finished.

Man 2: It’s my go!

Man 1: (Screams again while speeding up his rhythm ) Okay, okay,okay! (Finishes and throws Ebba to one side of the room.)

Man 2 enters, pushes Man 1. He throws his pants and shoes out of the room. Man 1 laughs.

Mika walks through the halls of the rooms. Man 1 sees her and gets close; Mika lowers her chin. Man 1 sarcastically smiles and after a couple of seconds, leaves. Mika remains motionless; she’s afraid. She sighs and enters into Shioban’s room. 

Man 2  takes off his pants and shirt.

Man 2: Come… Come!

Ebba hesitates and slowly gets closer.

Man 2: Just like Shioban said… ( He lays her down on the bed and kisses her neck while raising her dress).

Ebba tries not to cry but moans from pain.

Man 2: (sitting on the edge of the bed)   It’s your first night right? (takes out a cigarette)  I’m not going to lie… I’d love to dive into your skin, but from what I see, Charles didn’t show you any piety. Who am I to commit such an atrocious act? I come to clear my conscience, not to create new sins.

Ebba fearfully cries.

Man 2:   There, there! Relax… There are more women than brothels above anything else in Germany.

Man 2 looks at her. Takes out money from his pants pocket and throws it on the bed.

Man  2: We’ll see each other again (leaves).

The door opens and Siobhan enters. Ebba is thrown over the bed crying with her face in the pillow.

Shiobhan:  I was only 13 years old when my mother threw me into a herd of beasts (pause). I couldn’t get out of bed for a week. Yes….I was made a woman at that moment and I learned that my breasts had value and that my vulva fed a family of 6. The insignificant body of a woman is so powerful if used adequately. I grew up, never knowing what love was or the absurd illusion that a young woman feels when being in love. What is it? (pause) Survival my dear! This world is a wretched place and we are its plague; clinging to a false and vain idea of freedom.  The only freedom you’ll find is in this house…outside there’ s only piles of bodies. Here… a certain affection every morning. (Looks at Ebba) One week, no more than that (leaves).

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