Fake Ploeg had a son with the same name who was a classmate of Anton's. Anton recalls that Fake was as cruel as his father, but also appeared to be a victim of his father's cruelty. One day when Fake came to school in the uniform for the Nazi Youth, Anton stood up for him by walking into the classroom to sit with him despite the teacher refusing to enter until he took off the uniform. Fake never forgot this kindness on Anton's part. In 1956, Anton and Fake meet again. Fake tells Anton how difficult it had been after his father's death for his family. Fake continues to believe his father was innocent of the crimes the Resistance accused him of, clinging to the child's ideal of a beloved parent.