Hello.

Hello, Maria. You look great!

Oh, thank you! And happy birthday, by the way.

Well, thanks... Have you seen the news?

Thanks, although between work, chores at home and taking care of my kid, I don't have the time to celebrate.

I barely have time to watch "Patriots Cry, Too" on TV.

Lucky you!

Tell me about your family.

Klaus and I met at a charity reception hosted by the Ministry of Finance to support our soldiers.

I brought the best students from our school to recite patriotic poems.

Klaus helped me arrange everything. After that, we spent the whole night talking about literature! It was like in the movies - sparks were flying!

Ours was lightning, actually!

That sounds romantic.

It was beautiful! I knew he'd make me happy. He's such a sensitive person!

Only my daughter's birth was as important to me as meeting Klaus!

We tried for years to have a baby, but couldn't.

We were desperate, and clung to our last hope: treatment in Valverde. Back then, we could still leave the country legally.

Klaus obtained permission through his connections at the Ministry.

I'm glad it worked out. A child can brighten a colorless home.

I felt that way when my son was born.

Do you ever talk to him?

He lives too far away. The letters I send him get lost on the way.

What a shame.

Maria, this is none of my business, but I found out you're infertile.

That's true. After Zlata, I haven't been able to...

No, I mean genetically. You have never been able to bear a child...

So where did Zlata come from?

Hector, I have no idea how you found out, but you must keep that to yourself!

We paid a dear price for Zlata! She's our daughter, even if she's not our blood!

I'll do anything for her. Anything! Do you hear me?

I hear you, Maria.

I beg you, Hector, please, don't tell anyone!

Dear Hector, I have a request for you - a small one. Do you happen to have a ball?

A ball? The kind kids play with? Sorry, but my son has outgrown those kinds of toys. We donated everything to the nearby orphanage.

I don't mean to be a bother, but could you ask the neighbors? I doubt they'll say no to the manager.

Sure. I'd be glad to help.

Maria, I heard your daughter was run over. That's terrible! How is she?

Not well, but I'm positive Klaus will find the money we need to pay for her surgery.

I don't even want to think about him failing!

How is she doing?

She's in critical condition. She needs a bone marrow transplant.

I'm feel lost, Hector, like I'm in a dream. It's as though nothing is real.

I don't remember if you know or not, but Zlata's our daughter - our precious little girl.

But we're not her biological parents, so we can't be donors; only her closest relatives will work.

Can I help you?

I'm not sure, but it's worth a shot. Could you try to find her real parents?

Perhaps you know some officials who might have that information? Please, talk to my husband, if you haven't already.

I'll see what I can do, Maria.

How is she doing?

She's in critical condition and needs a donor asap... Her organs are failing because she's not producing enough blood.

I'm no expert, but don't they transplant marrow only after radiotherapy?

I don't know, Hector. The nurse said the car that hit Zlata was transporting something. It must have been something secret.

Something radioactive?

How's Zlata doing?

She... She passed...

Oh, no, no, no!

...

...

...

Maria, please, talk to me. How can I help you? Would you like some water?

What? Oh, it's you, Hector. Sorry, what were you saying?

Yes, Maria. What can I do to help you?

What can anyone do? Zlata, my baby girl...

...

...

What are you going to do now?

We need to cure our girl - by hook or by crook.

I feel like I'll die if we fail.

I have something to tell you, Maria, but I don't know how...

Did you find Zlata's parents?

No, but I'm getting close. There's a problem, though. Bruno Hempf has the information we need, but he wants you to pay for it.

How much does he want?

...

It's not a matter of how much, it's a matter of what. I can't even think of a way to tell you this, you being a lady and all...

He... Well...

Say no more. I know what you mean. What else could we possibly expect from that lustful jerk!

He wants to get laid, like last time.

Well, in general, you're right...

He'll be waiting for you in the same place he was last time.

Don't look at me like that, Hector! The last time, I had to - for Klaus!

I couldn't stand to see him withering anymore, aching so badly to have a child. I didn't want our marriage to fall apart...

And that fat bastard started groping me at that charity reception where Klaus and I met! I hate that swine!

Oh, how ecstatic he was when I came to him begging for help! His cheeks were flapping in anticipation!

Maria, you don't have to tell me...

Shut up, Hector! Zlata's presence in our lives has cleansed me of every speck of dirt that soiled me as I did what I had to do.

Love erases every sin committed for the good of a child, including both past and future transgressions!

Tell Hempf I will do what he wants.

I ask just one more thing of you, Hector. Please don't tell my husband about this. He's far too sensitive to survive it.

I have something to tell you, Maria, but I don't know how...

Did you find Zlata's parents?

No, but I'm getting close. There's a problem, though. Bruno Hempf has the information we need, but he wants you to pay for it.

How much does he want?

He wants money. Lots and lots of money.

Oh... Talk with Klaus. I'm sure he'll come up with whatever is needed.

Our daughter is more important than money.

This isn't the first time you've had to do this?

That's none of your concern. I'd do anything to save my daughter.

Hector! Why did you tell Klaus about Bruno's proposal?!

He's furious! He said he'll leave me if I give Bruno what he wants!

I'm sorry, Maria, but I couldn't keep that from him.

As disgusting as it is, it was an easy way to find out about Zlata's parents!

What am I supposed to do now?

I'll think of something.

I have something to tell you, Maria, but I don't know how...

Did you find Zlata's parents?

No, but I'm getting close. There's a problem, though. Bruno Hempf has the information we need, but he wants you to pay for it.

How much does he want?

He wants his nephew to replace your husband at the Ministry.

He wants Klaus to quit.

I'm sure Klaus can find similar work... Did you talk with him already? If not, please do. Tell him everything.

My husband knows what to do!

I pray they're still alive - either of them!

Let them be alive and well!

Finding them will be half the battle. We'll also have to convince them to become donors.

I'll beg on my knees. I'll do anything they want as long as my baby is saved!

I have the information you need! Zlata's biological parents are Jacob and Louisa Manishek.

What a coincidence!

My prayers were answered! They're not just alive and well, they're our neighbors!

I hope they'll be willing to save our girl... Klaus will talk with them.

Thank you, Hector!

This is madness! I don't understand the reason behind all of these inspections!

We live in astonishing times. Sometimes, I think things couldn't possibly get worse...

Then the Ministry issues a new directive, and I see that I was wrong. It can always get worse - far worse!

I hope the war will be over soon...

I don't know how I would respond to a request to donate blood for a long-deceased daughter...

I just hope they'll say yes. This is Zlata's only chance.

Have you heard about Louisa taking Zlata?

I'm torn to pieces! On one hand, I'm happy Zlata is alive and well...

On the other, I'm furious at Louisa! How could she abduct my child?

She's her mother, just like you are. What would you do in her shoes?

I didn't say I don't understand her. But I'm still mad!

I miss my baby so much... I wish they'd find her and bring her home!

Maria, I'm very sorry for your loss...

I can't believe Zlata is gone... This is wrong... So wrong... I don't know how to deal with it.

As for Louisa, I'll pray for her. She was only trying to save her daughter... My daughter... OUR daughter!

I'd give my life to bring Zlata back!

Do you know Bruno Hempf, Maria?

Why do you ask?

He's my boss, and he…mentioned you.

I see… I'd change the subject, if you don't mind.

I'd rather forget the circumstances of our meeting.

Did you want something?

Hector, we've got enough on our plates as it is; now there's bed bugs in the apartment!

OK, Maria, I'll see what I can do.

Can you exterminate them?

Maria, as you know, Klaus asked me to find Zlata's biological parents.

I need something with her DNA. Nowadays, scientific progress makes it possible to compare the samples with the database.

Oh, right, Klaus mentioned this. Will that lollipop do? She's been shewing on it the day before.

Sorry, Hector, I can't help crying…