The skeletal structure of the penal colony was just visible through the overgrown foliage. It was a shadow being cast by someone who was no longer there.

It seemed ironic to him that this place that had been so hidden from everyone was now being concealed by the very environment that housed it.

Despite its current appearance, the memories that the place created within him were strong, sharp. As he walked around the bare bones of the building he noticed something jutting out of the wreckage, bent down to pick it up. He stretched the leather in his hands. He could smell the swill that they had served him and called food, feel the sting of the commandants whip, the crush of his boot. So much pain..

"Have you experienced enough yet, or do you need more time?"

He looked over at her. This was what made sense to him. In Europe everything was going mad. But when he looked at her this seemed to be the sanest place in the world.

"No, I don't need any more. I have what I was looking for."

They left the place together. He hoped that this would put an end to the dreams, the nightmares.

"Maybe we can go back to Leipzig now, go home?"

She asked.

He cradled the head of the bullwhip. Turned to look at her.

"I would like that."