Part Two, Artifices, The Secret Miracle Summary

Jaromir Hladik is a writer who has an unfinished tragedy called The Enemies. Hladik is also a Jew. Hladik is arrested and sentenced to die. While in jail awaiting his execution, Hladik regrets never having finished his tragedy. Hladik prays to God to grant him a year to finish his tragedy. In a dream, Hladik is told by God that his wish will be granted. Hladik is filled with hope, however, when the guards come and get him for his execution, Hladik's hope is dashed. The guards place Hladik near the courtyard wall and aim their weapons. As they fire, Hladik becomes aware that time seems to have stopped. Hladik then realizes that although he will eventually die, God has stretched the final seconds of his life into a year in his mind...