"Father, I would like to ask you to remove the stitches from my leg."
"Yes, of course, my child. I will go and get the medical bag."
He returned with a heavy bag, took out a pair of scissors, and proceeded to cut the sutures one by one, then removed them with small tweezers, blotting up a few drops of blood with a piece of gauge.
"Thank you Father, I did not feel any pain," said Anna.
"You are welcome. Now go and get some rest. Tomorrow morning you are leaving."
"That is good news, Father," murmured Anna, unsure if what she just heard was true.
"You will keep in touch by letter, won't you, Anna?"
Anna looked up at him. "After Crete is liberated, I expect to return and visit, or perhaps even before that."
Father Gregorios walked ahead but turned back to face her.
"You know I will be here for you." He turned around. "I will pray for you."
"Thank you Father." Anna stood up.
"But for now, let's pray for Nikolas."
***
Anna slowly walked to her cell. Once inside, she lay on the cot and closed her eyes. The large window of her cell was open. She felt a warm, radiant light glowing over her entire body. An airy sensation overcame her. The refreshing breeze and the luminous light invigorated her, body and soul. Now she was ready to face the rest of her life with no fear of what might come. Her spirit was that strong.