Page 58 of The Tattooist of Auschwitz

‘I don’t know how much longer I can stand this.’

‘It can’t last forever, my darling. Just hang in there, please hang in there. We’ll have the rest of our lives together.’

‘But–’

‘No buts. I promised you we’d leave this place and make a life together.’

‘How can we? We can’t know what tomorrow will bring. Look at what just happened to you.’

‘I’m here with you now, aren’t I?’

‘Lale–’

‘Leave it, Gita.’

‘Will you tell me what happened to you? Where you’ve been?’

Lale shakes his head. ‘No. I’m back here with you now. What matters is what I’ve told you many times, that we will leave this place and have a free life together. Trust me, Gita.’

‘I do.’

Lale likes the sound of that.

‘One day you will say those two little words to me under different circumstances. In front of a rabbi, surrounded by our family and friends.’

Gita giggles and lays her head briefly on his shoulder as they reach the entrance to the women’s camp.

•

As Lale walks back to his block, two youths approach and walk alongside him.

‘You’re the Tätowierer?’

‘Who’s asking?’ says Lale.

‘We hear you might be able to get us some extra food.’

‘Whoever told you that was mistaken.’

‘We can pay,’ one of them says, opening his clenched fist to reveal a small but perfect diamond.

Lale grits his teeth.

‘Go on, take it. If you can get us anything we would really appreciate it, mister.’

‘What block are you in?’

‘Nine.’

How many lives does a cat have?

•

The next morning, Lale hangs around the main gates, bag in hand. Twice SS approach him.

‘Politische Abteilung,’ he says on both occasions, and is left alone. But he is more apprehensive than he used to be. Victor and Yuri break from the line of men entering the camp and greet Lale warmly.

‘Do we ask where you’ve been?’ Victor asks.