Part 2: Chapters 9 and 10 Summary and Analysis

Gerda learns that Abek gave up the relatively luxurious job of portrait painting to come the camp near her. She feels very guilty and shows Abek as much love as possible, resigned to the fact that she will have to marry him even though she does not want to. Gerda and Ilse wait to see Abek each day, sneaking food to him when possible. Although Gerda tries to cheer him up, Abek is descending into deep depression. On May 6, 1944, Frau Kugler announces that the girls will all be moved from Landeshut to large concentration camps. They will be divided into two groups. The girls are terror-stricken.

Frau Kugler arranges for Gerda and Ilse to deliver laundry to Burgberg so that Gerda can tell Abek goodbye. On her twentieth birthday, Gerda is able to see the dreaded Burgberg...