Summary

As Kasia and her sister descend the plane in New York, she sees Caroline and considers how, “Caroline means joy, so it’s no wonder we were all so happy to see her” (417). Zuzanna and Kasia are brought to Mount Sinai hospital for chemotherapy and leg reconstructive surgery. As Kasia’s X-rays are taken and reviewed, it’s clear that she still carries a piece of Ravensbrück within her. The foreign objects Nazi doctors shoved in her leg to simulate battle wounds—splinters, nails, bacteria—light up on the X-Ray. Memories of Ravensbrück come back to Kasia, haunting her as she remembers the days spent recovering in a plaster cast. Afraid, she walks away, “happy to keep my antalgic gait, thank you” (421).

Zuzanna catches up with her sister outside and calms her worries. “The thought of another plaster…and...