Summary

In Chapter 17, Cristian and his classmates were sent to a field to collect produce for Harvest Day. All students were required by law “devote themselves to helping the great golden era of Romania [which] meant raking a thick field or sorting through boxes of vegetables outside the city” (59). As they stood in the desolate field, Luca, Cristian’s best friend attempted to address the recent animosity between them. Cristian was convinced that Luca had ratted on him for having the dollar bill and punched him in the face.

The narrator was instructed to meet Agent Paddle Hands at a host location in Chapter 18. In the apartment, the agent interrogated Cristian and asked him to draw a map of the Van Dorns’ apartment. Cristian sketched a crude outline of the floor plan, intentionally omitting details. In Chapter 19, Cristian talked with Liliana. She offered...