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[Thinking]

What is she thinking? I can’t stand living like this!

[Giggle gone to a twitching grin]

You are a cool one, Nina! You’d think you’d just seen Charlie yesterday!

[Slowly—coolly and reflectively]

Well, the war is over. Coming back safe from Europe isn’t such an unusual feat now, is it?

[Thinking bitterly]

A taunt I didn’t fight  physically unfit  not like Gordon  Gordon in flames  how she must resent my living! thinking of me, scribbling in press bureau louder and louder lies  drown the guns and the screams  deafen the world with lies  hired choir of liars!

[Forcing a joking tone]

Little you know the deadly risks I ran, Nina ! If you’d eaten some of the food they gave me on my renovated transport, you’d shower me with congratulations!

[The forces a snicker]

[Coolly]

Well, you’re here, and that’s that.

[Then suddenly expanding in a sweet, genuinely affectionate smile]

And I am glad, Charlie, always glad you’re here! You know that.