Cilka's Journey

Content Warning: This study guide contains depictions of genocide, rape, sexual assault, suicide, and drug addiction.

When the ambulance arrives at the hospital, Cilka conducts triage so well that Pavel compliments her. She then assists Yelena, who tells a miner named Mikhail that his right leg must be amputated. Cilka comforts him and promises to take care of him.

That night, Cilka dreams of Dr. Mengele from Auschwitz, who lured children away from the camp with candy and a flashing smile. No one saw the children who went with him again. Cilka wakes and cries out, drawing her hut-mates’ attention. Elena puts her arm around Cilka, and Olga tells her to focus on happy memories, so Cilka remembers her 15th birthday, a beautiful spring day on which she tried to convince her father to let her drive the car and spent quality time with her family, traveling through Bardejov. This memory allows Cilka to sleep.

When Cilka returns to the ward, a nurse tells Cilka that Mikhail made it through the night and that he’s in a bed near the nurse’s station so she can easily observe him. Cilka and the other nurse get to work with their regular duties and Cilka is soon told to report to the ambulance.