Summary

As Chapter 21 begins, Dita continues to be saddened at the passing of Fredy, and cannot come to terms with his suicide. Looking for answers, she speaks with Mrs. Turnovská to see if she can provide any insight. She claims there are many theories circulating: some say he took his life so that the Nazi's would not be the ones to kill him, whereas other say he could not handle the idea of leading innocent children to death. Either way, there is no answer.

Meanwhile, the relationship between SS guard Viktor and inmate Renée continues to develop. He tells her that he is going to escape and gather fake release documents so that Renée and her mother will be released. Renée is skeptical at first. Optimism is rare at Auschwitz.

By Chapter 22, Rudi has been overtaken by the idea of...