Summary

Maali sits in a tree and watches smoke drift across the sky. Wondering if it is “people or photographs that are burning,” he laments the loss of his work (248). He doubts anyone “will retrieve [his] negatives” (248). He fears his name will disappear.

Maali visits Hotel Leo. He eavesdrops on Elsa’s conversation with her lover Kuga. They discuss Maali’s case, arguing that he “was killed for the photos,” making them unsafe (249). Kuga tries convincing her to negotiate with the Minister.

A memory returns to Maali. He recalls his Major terminating his contract with the army for “having unnatural relations with soldiers” (253). Maali swore he was “not a homosexual,” insisting he had “a girlfriend” (256). The Major did not believe him. Afterwards, the soldiers confiscated Maali’s camera. Maali had wanted to believe “no harm would reach [him]” because he...