Franzi frantically said, ‘That’s not true, mother. Paula’s the one who saved me from the fire! She’s the one who tried to help me!’

Andreas said, ‘Franzeska, calm down. We know you’ve been through a lot these last months and it’s perfectly understandable for you to be upset and emotional.’

Franzi protested, ‘Yes, I’ve been through a lot but she’s been there for me every step of the way.’

Gertrud said, ‘Franzeska.’

Franzi continued, ‘Please, mother. Please just listen to me.’ Andreas and Gertrud were all quiet and listening. ‘Some time last year, I started having feeling for Paula. She was my friend and my neighbor. We had a secret relationship. She wasn’t proud of it with lying to her husband. And even thought I was with someone else, I still wanted to be with Paula.’ Then Franzi paused and continued, ‘When I was sure she was in love with me, there was a huge drama and she ran away. When she came back, I tried to forget what had happened before. When that failed, I tried cocaine so I wouldn’t feel anything.’

Gertrud said, ‘Franzeska, please’ under her tears of disbelief.

Franzi said, ‘My roommate was a user and her dealer made her sell to payoff her debt. She still got to use some but she had to sell off the streets.’

Andreas said, ‘And it was this roommate that got you hooked on cocaine?’

Franzi answered, ‘Yes. Then I stole from my boss’ coffee shop and got fired.’

Gertrud said, ‘My God, Almighty.’

Franzi said, ‘Paula came over to my flatshare and she tried to get me out of everything. I told her it was none of her business. But then…..she told me that…it was her business because….she loved me. And she told me that to my face.’

Andreas didn’t know what to say. But Gertrud imagined pouring gasoline and burning Paula at the stake.

Gertrud bent over to Franzi’s side and said, ‘Don’t worry, Franzeska. She’s not going to be a part of your life anymore. As soon as you are able, we are taking you home and you can begin a new life.’

Franzi glared away from her mother. She didn’t like what Gertrud had to say for Paula. It was like she was some bible flashing bigot who knew less about the book of God than the people who wrote it. When Franzi looked at the window from her bed, she saw Paula’s reflection from the door, turned and called ‘Paula’ with her hand reaching out. And Paula came in without a moment’s hesitation.