“I wanted to rest for a few minutes, Frau Aufseherin!” I exclaimed in Polish. “I lost track of the time, but I intended on going back to work, I swear.” I turned to Hania, who stiffened. “Please tell her.”

Silence. The guards waited, and, when all eyes fell on us, Hania’s widened in renewed terror. I repeated myself in Polish, begging her to translate, silently begging her to play along. Without her, this plan was useless.

“Well?” Irena asked in German. “What is this Polack blabbering about? Hurry up, you stupid Jew.”

Hania swallowed hard, this time looking at me with slightly more assurance before responding in German. “She swears she came here to rest and intended on returning to work. She didn’t realize how late it was.”

“I knew she wasn’t sick,” Irena said with a scoff. She grabbed my collar, so I let out an appropriate whimper. “You think you’re so damn clever, hiding in an empty block to avoid your labor assignment, don’t you? If you try that again, I’ll have you moved to Block 25 for good.”

She didn’t wait for Hania to translate before shoving us toward the door. She shouldered her way past the guards and prisoners, not giving anyone the opportunity to question her, and dragged us into the courtyard. We crossed it in a few steps, passed through the gate, and continued without disturbance.

After dinner, Hania and I sneaked to the latrines so we could talk privately. Once I’d explained everything, I concluded with my decision. I couldn’t let Irena attempt to smuggle me out.

“They don’t enforce collective punishment for escaped inmates anymore,” Hania said. “You have nothing to lose.”

“Except our lives if we’re caught.”

“Irena is here undercover and could be caught just as easily if you stay.”

“Which is why she needs to leave.”

“She came back for you, Maria. She left her daughter and risked her life to save yours, and she won’t leave until you do. Don’t keep her from her child any longer than necessary.” I didn’t miss the knowing shine in her eyes.

After Irena had led us from Block 25, I was confident our joint scheme had proved that her intentions were honorable, but, once we reached our block, Hania had paused at the door and turned to Irena. My confidence fled, and I prepared to mollify them if an argument ensued. More guards were walking by, certain to overhear once they drew closer. I gripped Hania’s arm, issuing an alert, but she was already speaking too intently to notice, voice low yet urgent.

“My sons. In Warsaw. Maria said a few years ago you and your—”

I tightened my grasp as my gaze flicked to the guards again; though Hania missed my warning, Irena didn’t. She caught Hania’s collar, cutting her off and pulling her close.