Summary

In Fort National, Saint-Malo, an American howitzer ranged improperly hits the northern parapet and kills nine of the three hundred and eighty Frenchmen being held against their will. Marie-Laure continues to hide in the attic, unsure of how much time is passing since the bells of St. Vincent’s have gone silent. She hears the German’s voice below, but can’t decipher what he is saying. Desperately thirsty, she uses the shelling to cover the sound of opening one of the two cans she has been hoarding. She drinks the salty liquid and eats the beans inside. Marie-Laure hears the German limp downstairs and summons her courage to go down and fill her empty can with water. She finds the bucket in her room drinks her fill and fills the can before turning to go. Her hands discover her...