Uncle Isaac laid down his knife and fork.
"Yes, I am a Jew, obviously my family and friends, too, Herr Leutnant."
"I suppose it is your duty to report us to the authorities"
"But I am German, and served as a young machine gunner on the Western Front in the last war. I never dreamed then that it would come to this. Reuben here is half jewish on his father's side. My brother who fell on the Somme, fighting for his country. Despite all that's going on, I'm proud that Reuben is fighting for his country too, and we're very grateful to have him back in our arms. But we have been trying to survive the last few crazy years, until things become normal again. You must do your duty, but our lives depend on you."
I didn't know what to say. I had heard rumours of course, but never imagined it was like this.
Isaac fell silent. Reuben just stared at me, his body language told me that he would use his very cutlery to defend his family against the rifle butts and truncheons of the Gestapo, if need be.
I rose from the table. And took off my tunic.
"You don't have a rodent problem in your attic, Herr Francks. You have some human people up there who I am sure would be more comfortable down here joining us for supper. I'd be delighted if they would join us, even though I won't ever be able to remember meeting them..."
Lt de Bunsen, U-46
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