Behind the Bedroom Wall

Korinna continues to help her mother to deliver food to the Krugmanns and decides to visit Rachel in the space behind the wardrobe. She notes how bad the space smells and how confined and airless it feels once the wardrobe is pulled back into place.

Korinna brings an old set of colored pencils for Rachel; Rachel is delighted and grateful but also surprised at the gift: “You don’t like Jews” (113). Korinna is embarrassed and uneasy with her candor; she doesn’t know what to say. They talk about the colors of the pencils and compare them to each other’s hair; Rachel tells Korinna that she wishes her hair were blonde—then they wouldn’t have to hide. Korinna draws a picture of her own house so that Rachel knows what it looks like. When Frau Rehme knocks, Korinna is startled and reflects on how scary it must be for Sophie and Rachel each time the wardrobe is opened. Korinna gives Rachel an old doll, and Rachel is thrilled. Rachel tells Korinna that she calls the kitten Tag, which is Hebrew for “day,” because she gets to play with him during the day. Korinna agrees that this is a great name for the cat.