From then on, she ate lunch with him every day and they would talk. Mostly she would and occasionally he'd add a sarcastic remark, but she kept going.
One day he interrupted whatever she was saying to tell her, "Your TV programs are ridiculous."
"Please be more specific."
"Those people that do nothing important and everyone talks about each other."
"Are you talking about reality shows?"
"I suppose."
"Then I agree with you. They are ridiculous."
"Do people here like them?"
"Some people."
"Do you?"
"No."
He was silent after that.
"What sort of programs do you have?" she asked.
"I have no time for television."
"Okay, but you must be aware of what is on."
"Our television, movies, news programs are all controlled by the state. It's all propaganda about how wonderful the Fuhrer and the government is."
"Nothing just for entertainment?"
"Even things billed as entertainment are still propaganda."
"That's so sad."
"It's a travesty. And one of the reasons we're fighting. So that kids can watch TV without being indoctrinated."
She nodded. "That's very noble of you."
His eyes hardened. "I'm not noble. I'm a soldier, fighting for freedom. And I will destroy anything or anyone that gets in the way."
"Okay, you don't believe that's noble, but I do."
"You're such an idealist."
"What do you mean?"
"Everything is painted with your brush of sunshine and rainbows. You have no idea what it means to suffer. You or your husband."
"Don't assume you know everything about me. Everyone has suffering. Mine may be different than yours, but it doesn't mean I haven't experienced it. And the same with my husband. He had a terrible childhood, but he managed to stay positive and make a good life for himself."
"Yeah, I wish I had the opportunity to make a life for myself. I'm too busy fighting."
"That doesn't mean you can't find happiness too."
"What do you know about it? Your reality TV shows. Your movies about fighting Nazis that all end with democracy winning. That's not my life. My war can't be romanticized. Neither can my life."
She looked at him for a few moments, then said, "I know you have a reason to fight. But do you have a reason to win?"
"What?"
"When it's over, if you win—"
"When we win."
"Okay, when you win. What happens then? Will there be someone to share your victory with? Besides your troops?"
"I'll worry about it then."
"What if that's too late? What if the person you'd want isn't there?"
He gave her a hard look, but didn't say anything more.
The next day, he seemed agitated.
"Is something wrong?" she asked him.
"Yes. You. And this place. And these people. This isn't my life. This will never be my life. You think I can just fall in love and get married like you are and my life will be perfect. It won't be."
"I never said that."
"It's what you thought. Because I know your counterpart, I'm supposed to fall in love with her."
"I definitely never said that. And don't try to tell me what I thought. I just believe that if you don't find some joy in your life, no matter how hard it is, you will be a miserable human being."
There was anger on his face, but also desperation. He didn't know how to answer her. He knew she was probably right, but he couldn't admit that to her.
"Why do you keep coming to see me?"
"I told you, it's interesting to talk to you."
"Missing your husband, right?"
"Of course I miss him."
"So, I'm a good substitute."
"Of course you aren't."
He gave her a slight smile. "I think maybe I am. I think you've been coming here to find out what it would be like if your husband was more of a bad boy."
"No, I love my husband exactly as he is."
He got close to her and said in a whisper, "Are you sure about that?"
"Y-yes." She stuttered. "I'm sure."
"Really?" he whispered and put his lips close to hers. As they were about to touch, she reached up and slapped him, then ran out of the room.
He rubbed his cheek and thought, well, that's the end of that.