EDWIN ASHTON
Busy?

HELLMUT REGLER
I work for the Red Cross, yes. I do bookkeeping.

EDWIN
I... I left some tins of cigarettes with Frau Regler.

HELLMUT
I thank you.

EDWIN
You'll know what to get for her health.

HELLMUT
Yes, it is Godsent.

EDWIN
I hope she gets better soon.

HELLMUT
(annoyed)
Yes. How can she in this wet, filthy cellar?

EDWIN
I'm sorry, but things will get better.

HELLMUT
When? When she's dead? Your Major Harkness says he's not responsible. He requisitioned our flat. We were put out in the street with our clothes and bedding.

EDWIN
Yes, it's... It's war.

HELLMUT
It was for an English typist in the military government...one girl.

EDWIN
It's what happens, Mr. Regler.

HELLMUT
The fair-minded English do this?

EDWIN
(growing angry)
It was the Germans who gambled, and they lost.

HELLMUT
Your son didn't talk like this.

EDWIN
He hadn't lost two sons.

HELLMUT
Two?!
(pointing to framed photographs)
Udo killed by the British, Erwin by the Russians, Albert in his U-boat, and Ernst. And now they see my wife is injured, they do nothing.

(Hellmut's daughter comes into the room.)

EMMY REGLER
Papa...

HELLMUT
All that the conquerors have left us...my daughter, Emmy.

 

(from "Two Fathers" by Alexander Baron)