"Helmut," Section 2 (Pages 15-22) Summary

War takes over the thoughts and activities of the people in Berlin. Helmut feels shame that he cannot participate in the war. To pass the time, he returns to tracking the timetables of train arrivals and departures, and discovers that the city appears to be emptying. Neighbors disappear and the businesses near Gladigau suddenly have no owners. Even business at Gladigau's is slowing though Gladigau's new use of color film does attract some customers. For the first time, he and Helmut travel to the inner city and find a street lined with swastika banners in full red color. The color film reveals a new element for Helmut, and he begins to experiment, and is pleased with the results.

One evening at the station, Helmut is accosted by a soldier of the German army who is...