Dr. Ryan, Helen Smith and others in “Unfinished Business”

Why don't we start with something easy? You know, a memory. Could be anything.

Helen Smith

Anything?

Well, anything to do with Thomas. Why don't you sit back, shut your eyes if that helps, and, uh, go back to a moment.

Needn't be anything big.

Could be something nice and simple.

Uh, they they heard me scream and wail when Thomas was walking to that van. I wept, I pleaded, and all of my neighbors housewives and my friends they heard me beg him to stop. Stop and go back in the house. Don't do this. I'm so so ashamed.

But any mother would've wept and pleaded. Don't you think?

My son was a hero, I was a weakling.

No. No, no. It takes strength to grieve openly.

Does it?

It's the weak who conceal their feelings behind a tough façade. Now, just by me saying this, you won't magically let go of your shame. But, if it makes it any easier, there is nothing more important to the Aryan state than a powerful mother who brings the full force of her emotions and convictions to daily life in the Reich.