What, Carl?

I saw the police march a handcuffed person right by me... It frightened me!

Who was that, Carl?

The previous building manager. He didn't handle his duties well.

What a nightmare!

Carl! Couldn't the same thing happen to you?

Don't worry, honey! I'll be a good manager.

Are you happy with your new job, Carl?

I haven't done anything yet, honey.

I talked with our neighbors, Carl. They're really nice.

I was told a man in a top hat walks near the house occasionally.

You can buy some things from him.

What things? Antiques? Don't you have enough things?

Listen to me first. You never listen to what I tell you!

Don't get so steamed! I didn't want to offend you.

You're the master of bringing people down!

Sometimes I think I live with...

What did you say about the trader?

They say he's selling new household supplies.

The old woman on the second floor showed me the perfumed soap she bought from him last month.

I don't have anything like that now, but you can take a look at our other useful items.

Are you once again not satisfied with anything?

I just asked you to buy chocolate for our little one!

I didn't even ask for a bar of strawberry perfumed soap for myself...

The TV broke, Carl.

Take care of the breakage, please. Or call a repairman.

Think of your daughter. She can't watch a single cartoon!

Who lives in apartment 2, Carl?

Jacob Manishek? He's a rather unpleasant person.

Unpleasant is NOT the word.

I left him alone in the kitchen, and he told me many things!

That pig tried to paw her!

It can't be true!

He has the kind of face that makes you believe he could do anything.

What if he's at Martha's? She always plays near the porch!

It's too nasty to even think about!

What a dirt bag! I'll deal with this.

I need your help, honey. I can't find a big enough saucepan.

I searched every nook and cranny, and I have no idea where it is!

Maybe someone stole it. Should we call the police?

Call the police because of an old saucepan?

Don't even think of this! You must have left it in our old house.

If you say so. Can you ask the tenants about the saucepans?

I hope they won't reject the new manager. I'll make a compote for Martha and bring it back.

Okay, I'll ask the neighbors about a saucepan.

Have you found a saucepan, Carl? I've prepared everything for the compote.

Thank you for moving in a doctor, Carl!

Martha constantly feels sick!

You'll become acquainted with them, and talk about this and that...

Tell me what you want, Anna.

Find out if he writes prescriptions from home.

I registered the kids, and don't want to go back to the hospital.

I was cursed for everything I did.

Please ask. I'll make your favorite meatballs.

OK! Since this is about Martha's health, I'll ask him if I have a chance.

Any news about the recipe?

What happened?!

Martha is sick, Carl. And we have no medicine at home.

Can you find some aspirin for our girl?

I waited in line forever only to find out I needed a prescription.

Of course I'll find him! Do you have any news about Martha?

No, it's just a fever. But I don't like how she feels.

How's Martha?

Have you found aspirin, Carl? Martha is worse.

Martha feels worse, Carl. The aspirin didn't help.

She needs a doctor. Find a doctor!

Don't you want to take Martha to the doctor?

We visited her doctor already! He said to give her aspirin and clean her nose with dish soap.

With soap, Carl! How can I clean a kid's nose with soap?

Find a good doctor for our daughter!

If you cannot agree with the doctor, Carl...

I'll take Martha to the doctor.

A person in line suggested this.

He's a professor.

Don't panic, Anna.

This is no ordinary flu; this is something else... I can feel it in my bones!

If you cannot agree with the doctor, Carl...

I'll take Martha to the doctor.

A person in line suggested this.

He's a professor.

Rubbish! It's just the flu.

It's gonna be OK in a couple of days.

This is no ordinary flu; this is something else... I can feel it in my bones!

Martha and I paid a visit to a professor. He's a child specialist.

Things are bad, Carl! He said it's pneumonia with several side effects.

She has a terrible infection in her lungs.

Damn! Where did it come from?

I don't know... Maybe this is because we live in the basement.

Maybe because of the nearby mines.

What should I do?

She will need to be under the constant care of a doctor.

They perform too many tests on children and use rare antibiotics.

Martha might even need surgery!

The professor said he'd do everything we need - for $….The amount depends on your playthrough.

It's a huge sum, Anna!

I know, Carl.

Our daughter's life is at stake!

We need $…to cure Martha.The amount depends on your playthrough.

It's a huge sum, Anna!

I know, Carl.

Our daughter's life is at stake!

Find some money, Carl, even if you have to rob a bank to do it!

Klaus Schimmer was arrested, Carl! Do you know what happened?

How horrible! How could that have happened? What did she drink?

Rat poison

First her husband, now her... It's horrible, Carl!

This house is chaotic!

Don't panic, Anna.

Schimmer was a traitor, and his wife Maria hid his crooked ways.

I hate to say this, but maybe they got their just desserts.

Oh, Carl! When did you change?

The Schimmers left... Maria said they never would have been able to cope with things without your help, and Klaus would have been arrested!

I'm proud of you, Carl!

Let the Schimmers start their life from scratch. I hope they can do it.

Have you read the newspaper, Carl? The barge on which the Schimmers were sailing wrecked!

Nobody was rescued. Do you hear that? Nobody!

It's their fate...

If you hadn't tried to help them, they might still be alive.

If they had been alive, Klaus would have been jailed.

And Maria would have already been on the streets.

This is the dark side of irony, Anna.

Life is unfair...

Have you heard, Carl? Klaus went mad after Maria's arrest!

They say he tried to free his wife. He went to the police and was shot!

Maria tried to commit suicide after that!

I just can't believe it...

Everything would have been different if they'd stayed within law.

How senseless you've become, Carl!

How could one think of such a thing?

What's in the box in your office?

Why does a stranger live in our apartment, Carl?

Keep your mouth shut! Got it?

I'm completing a secret task!

Don't get mad, okay?

Tell that tenant to stop snoring and littering!

I'm tired of picking up fingernails in your office. He's always biting them!

I found a note for you, darling.

Call 89-35-78.

Thank you, my love.

You're welcome.

Carl, buy us a radio. Are you a manager, or not?

I always hear the news over the phone!

You bought a radio? I've already chosen a spot for it - in your office!

What's that vehicle by our house?

This is the mobile propaganda unit. It will leave in a couple of days.

That's good, because I heard tenants don't like him. Neither do I.

It's too loud. It's OK during the day, but it's really disturbing at night.

Better not say that to anyone but me.

Our state's propaganda can't disturb you. Do you understand?

Of course. I'm sorry.

What happened to that funny car, Carl?

It was blown up. I'm in the process of finding the culprit.

Hmmm... What if it blew up on its own? The repairman stopped by, I poured him some tea, and he told me the engine was malfunctioning.

Someone repaired it… They replaced a part with something taken off a tractor, or a washing machine...

Damn it! Am I the only one doing my job?

When was our leader born, Anna?

That Airel Johnson is a glutton and a drunkard!

Have you seen the bills for his parties?! Pressed caviar, truffles, champagne...

We haven't even heard of deli goods like those! Why do we have to pay for all of this?!

This general is a VIP. He's highly regarded by the Ministry.

I was told the state would reimburse for all of my expenses. We just need to be patient

I wish we could eat like that! We're going to go broke!

Patrick has died…

My son, my poor son…

First Martha's illness, now this… I can't do this anymore…

Why do we have to go through this?!

Everything has been getting worse and worse since we moved here…

Oh, Patrick... Why?

Is that true, Carl? Was there a bomb in the building?

Stop panicking! It's OK!

What if there's another one somewhere?

I'll find and defuse it. Calm down, Anna, it'll be OK.

I'm worried sick! We all almost died!

What do you think of her?

I think she's not what she seems.

Have you seen her daughter? How could anyone raise a kid that way? She's weird...

Really?

Really, Carl, I wouldn't want someone like that living next to me.

She told me she's going to bear seven kids for our Dear Leader. The first one will be a girl, and she's going to name her Directive...

What do you think of her?

Have you seen her daughter? She's weird…

She's... She's very similar to Patrick. She's like he was after he returned from that place...

Of course, she was a very strange woman. But I feel sorry for her.

Creepy.

Honestly, I'm not surprised. That's not the way to raise a child!

Patriotism is important, but loving your kid means more!

Have you talked to Albert Meineke?

Yes, but he didn't say anything.

It took me a while to figure out his signs. Then he started grunting...

Just what we needed...

On the other hand, a mute is a perfect tenant. He won't make any noise, he won't be asking for this and that...

We don't want him to write any complaints about us! He has hands, you know...

Anna, what do you think about us leaving the country?

I think this is a bad joke, Carl. Where could we go?

I understand your attitude, but this is not a joke. We have a chance to emigrate! It's risky, but do you want to?

But, Carl, we already take risks every day!

I want to go where my family will be safe.

It's a place where kids don't die because customs bulldozes over imported medicines while all our hospitals have is cotton and saline.

What kind of life is this? Let's leave, Carl.

I was notified about an upcoming assessment.

I'm afraid, Carl!

I'm not thrilled about that, either. Who knows what they could find out about me?

And they're always loading me down with impossible tasks.

I had to break more than a few rules.

Oh, Carl. What should we do?

I'll figure something out.

Are you up to something, Carl? What if you get arrested?

I'll figure something out.

Anna, I brought Martha's medicine!

Alloisius said you should read the instructions carefully.

Our girl will be well again! I'm thrilled, Carl!

What else did he say?

He said that'll make her feel better, but there's little hope for a complete recovery.

We'll see. The main thing is to keep the apartment warm and make sure Martha eats well. No more sausages and pasta, just porridge and other healthy foods.

Sausages?! Is he insane? Are you sure that's what he said?

Sausages have long been made out of paper!

She can't have anymore sausages. It's best to give her porridge, soup, and fresh fruit.

That changes everything!

It's been forever since she ate fruit. Patrick brought her some raspberries from the Botanical Garden, but it was only a handful...

Bring her a big apple! At least one!

Are you crazy? They're prohibited. Haven't you read the newspaper?

Nothing bad will come out of your daughter eating a juicy apple! Take one from someone and bring it home.

Remember: I don't want crab apples. They're sour and full of bugs.

What did the doctor say?

I haven't gone yet, Carl.

I'll tell you when something changes.

Here's the medicine, Carl. The doctor says Martha will feel better soon. Then she'll have to get some lab tests done and continue her treatment.

What else did he say?

He said finding money for Martha's treatment was a heroic deed, and we managed to do it!

We also have to make sure she's well fed and warm.

Bring her apples, please.

Anna, apples are prohibited!

So what? Confiscate one from someone and bring it home. Just one! Martha needs vitamins, Carl!

Did you get an apple?

What do you want, Anna?

Carl, it's very cold in here.

We need a heater! Martha's feet are as cold as ice… We live in that cold basement, like rats...

Okay, I will.

Hurry! Before she gets worse.

Did you get the heater?

I brought you strawberry soap, Anna...

Oh, Carl! You remembered I love strawberries!

Thank you, my love!

I have a surprise for you, too. I found a golden brooch by the bus stop. None of the tenants have reported losing it...

Take it. Perhaps you could sell it. Or maybe someone will come looking for it.

What do you want, Anna?

Carl, Martha needs more medicine!

Lung syrup. But...

But what?

The only way to get it is illegally. It's against the law to import it.

Can you get it?

Martha has fluid in her lungs. The doctors at the hospital said she has only a couple of weeks to live, Carl!

Our baby is dying. Find the medicine, Carl!

I'll do everything I can, Anna, but I can't change the import laws.

To hell with the borders, Carl! Steal a tank if needed! Martha must survive by any means possible!

What's it called?

Liebespirit, or "the pure spirit," as people call it. People abroad have used it for years to cure lung disease.

I'll do my best.

I beg you, Carl, find that medicine!

How's Martha doing?

Your daughter is a fighter, just like you! She's much better now!

We couldn't save her, Carl! How will we live now? I'm scared, Carl, and lonely...

Can I help you?

Give me Martha back. I want her and Patrick here again to make us happy. I just want life to go back to like it was. Make it so!

I want to be a mother of two again.

The letter blocks on the floor… I can't pick up her toys. I just can't...

What do you want, Anna?

I need $500 for groceries.

You asked for money for buying groceries.

$500

What do you want, Anna?

I need $700 for utility bills.

You asked for money for paying the bills.

$700

The utilities bill came today. Why are they so high?!

I told you!

These monsters know no mercy! Our bills keep skyrocketing. Soon, all we'll be doing is working to pay them off!

Anna, we're already spending all we earn on our bills.

Did you hear the Gorchiks were captured at the border? That's the family of Patrick's girlfriend. He wanted to go with them!

It's a good thing he didn't go!

They were executed, Carl! And I heard the youngest one was sent to a labor camp...

That's sad. But I guess the state knows better than we do who to imprison and who to execute...

Carl, why are you so insensitive?

What do you think about Patrick going to school, Anna? Should I give him the money?

I don't know, Carl. He really wants to study, but on the other hand...

...he keeps talking about his girlfriend and freedom of speech.

Working might make him grow up. And we could use the additional income.

But that's his future. It could be better than ours. How much does he need?

Poor Martha is still unwell.

I understand. I'll think again.

Do you know Patrick wants to leave?

Yes, he told me.

What do you think?

My heart is breaking, Carl. They'll kill him at the border! They'll shoot him like a dog, my poor boy!

I tried to talk him out of it, but he wouldn't listen to me. And we spend SO MUCH to cure Martha.

But they love each other! And he'll be better off abroad, I guess...

It's up to you.

Do you know Patrick wants to leave?

Yes, he told me. He's really upset about having to give up his education.

What do you think? Shall we help him?

My heart is breaking, Carl. They'll kill him at the border! They'll shoot him like a dog, my poor boy!

I tried to talk him out of it but he won't listen...

What's up with Patrick? He's behaving oddly...

He asked me why we didn't have the Great Leader's portrait in our apartment.

And when I said the last thing we needed was him, he yelled at me to be more respectful when mentioning HIM.

What did you expect? He's been through Corrections. Hopefully, he'll be back to his old self sooner or later.

For now, mind your mouth when talking to him...

What's going on, Carl? Our son is threatening to issue a report!

I'm glad Patrick left. He seems to be doing OK. What do you think?

Me, too.

Maybe he'll have a future there.

I don't understand, Carl. Did our son go to the wrong country?!

Looks like it...

But how?! How is that possible?! Everyone knows the difference between North and South Borea!

I think the problem is he didn't make it to the geography class in his university yet...

The geography teacher was arrested before the school year started for cartography sabotage.

Patrick didn't know which Borea is which...

Oh, Carl! What should we do?

I'm afraid nothing can be done. At least for now. You know how it is…

As they say, North Borea is easy to find, difficult to enter, and impossible to leave.

Oh... Poor Patrick...