Summary

In the chapter, “Stealing from Rokita,” whatever Irena overheard in the dining room, she shared with the Jews in the laundry room. One morning, her friends in the laundry were crying. Irena noticed Fanka Silberman was not there. She learned Fanka had been given a pass to visit her parents the day before and had not come back. Irena pretended she needed uniforms back from Fanka and managed to get a pass from the major. At the Silberman’s house, the door was open. She called for Fanka but got no answer. As she walked to the staircase, a hand grabbed her ankle. Fanka told Irena her family had been taken. Although Fanka wanted to die, Irena told her she must live for her family. Back at the laundry, Irena swore to herself that the Germans would...