The Light in Hidden Places

Max has been leaving the ghetto because it dehumanizes him. One time, a Polish policeman stopped him, accused him of spying, and tried to take him to the Gestapo. Outside the police station, Max hit the man twice and then ran away.

Helena teaches Max a string game, and they sing together when Berdecki knocks on the door. Max hides under the bed. So nothing untoward takes place, a second policeman is there. Stefania doesn’t know Berdecki’s name: She calls him Mr. Blond Policeman. Helena asks what he wants with his sister, and Stefania offers them tea. Mr. Blond Policeman finally says his name, Markus Berdecki, and he warns her not to return to the ghetto. He asks if she needs money, and Stefania wonders if Berdecki thinks she’s a sex worker. Berdecki wants to visit again, but Stefania says no: The neighbors might talk. She says Berdecki should take her and Helena to a cafe.

Max speaks to Stefania about his and the Jews’ dire situation. He feels like nothing, but he doesn’t know what to do. He tells Stefania about his non-Jewish girlfriend, Elzbeta, but he doesn’t think she’d hide him. He asks Stefania to hide him, Henek, Danuta, the Hirsches, and the Schillingers.