Summary

Elie and Chlomo hold hands as they walk by the crematory. Chlomo collapses among corpses on the way to the showers. Elie shouts at his father who is defenseless and withering away in his slow descent to death. German soldiers force Elie to the block as sirens wail and the camp grows pitch dark. In the morning he realizes he and his father have been separated. Hours later, Elie finds Chlomo begging for coffee and suffering from a fever. Elie discovers the guards are withholding food from Chlomo because he is on the verge of death. Elie gives him the remains of his soup.

Chlomo later contracts dysentery and suffers greatly. His mind and strength rapidly deteriorate. Days later, Chlomo fails to recognize Elie as he passes him. A few days thereafter, Chlomo whispers to Elie the location of hidden gold in the family cellar, having...