The lie

In 1944, Heinrich Fausten and Gretel Sanders meet and fall in love shortly before an air raid and arrange to meet the next afternoon. The next morning, however, Heinrich is called away prematurely. The Allies have landed in Normandy. Heinrich and Gretel lose sight of each other. Due to a kidney disease, Gretel manages to conceal her pregnancy. Just before the Americans arrive, she gives birth to their son. In the chaos of that night, Gretel's mother declares the child to be her own, sparing Gretel the shame of being an illegitimate mother. But Gretel suffers from this lie all her life. She turns down two serious opportunities to marry. Several times Gretel and Heinrich almost meet again, but never really. Heinrich marries Helma, who devotedly nursed him in the military hospital.... Heinrich and Helma's daughter Pe.