“Heavy words are so lightly thrown
But still I’d leap in front of a flying bullet for you…”
~ The Smiths.
September 1939.
After weeks of tension regarding Danzig, Germany invades Poland and plunges Europe into war. Kurt walks to the university and is shocked that people are celebrating in the streets. Finding the university halls deserted, Kurt leaves but runs into a delighted Heinrich just outside the exit who warns him that he can’t hideout on the campus anymore.
At the hospital Ursula is caught up in the excitement like nearly everyone else, while a wary Elisabeth, having treated many injured soldiers from the Condor Legion, avoids her best friend and finishes her shift early. Checking in on Moshe, she’s shocked to find Kurt at home. It’s their first face to face meeting in months, and after some initial awkwardness, she pleads with Kurt not to sign up.
Meanwhile, a fully recovered Wilhelm marches past the Adlon and laughs as anti-aircraft guns are hoisted onto the roof of Berlin’s most elegant hotel. Passing a uniformed Gertrud handing out enlistment flyers on the corner of Unter den Linden and Friedrichstrasse, he takes one.
