Part 1, Chapters 9 and 10 Summary and Analysis

Gerda receives a letter from her friend, Erika, who is living with her parents near the former Polish-Russian border. Erika tells Gerda of her joy. She is in love with a boy named Henek and they plan to marry. Gerda realizes more than ever that she does not share this joy when she thinks of Abek. Abek still pursues Gerda, who continues to resist his advances. Gerda's parents support her feelings, although they have sympathy for Abek.

Sadly, Gerda receives an emotional letter from Erika. In the middle of the night, Erika's mother and little baby brother were taken by the Germans. They and many other villagers were taken to a concrete square in the town, forced to lay naked on the ground and trampled by soldiers on their horses. Those who survived were forced to dig...