Ka-Be
- Primo finds himself working with a younger man, Null Achtzehn (which means Zero Eighteen—he doesn't even have a name anymore). This guy is way dangerous, because he's completely indifferent. No one wants to work with him.
- No one wants to work with Primo, either, because he's klutzy and weak. After all, the guy's a chemist, not an athlete.
- Several supply trucks stop in the area where Primo and the other prisoners are working, and for a moment he has a vivid fantasy of escaping in one of those trucks.
- While carrying a heavy load, Primo's strength totally gives out, and he cuts his foot badly.
- Since his foot isn't broken, the Kapo makes him return to work. When he returns to his hut, he discovers the foot is pretty badly hurt. He knows this could be the beginning of the end.
- He decides he'll go to something called Ka-Be after dinner. This turns out to be the Krankenbau, or the medical clinic. They call it Ka-Be for short (after the German letters).
- After waiting in yet another long line, Primo is examined by the doctor. He's told to return to his hut, and to report back to Ka-Be in the morning instead of going to work.
- The next morning, Primo gets to line up with the others who are going to the clinic.
- The guards take away his meager belongings (his bowl, spoon, gloves and hat). Some of the other prisoners laugh at him, since he should have known to hide them or leave them with someone before reporting to the clinic.
- More waiting for poor Primo. By now he's been on his feet (including his severely injured foot) for over ten hours waiting to have a second medical examination.
- While in line, he tries to talk to another prisoner, a Polish non-Jew, who ignores him and makes fun of the high number tattooed on his arm. (You could tell a person's nationality and how long he's been in the camp by his number. The higher numbers are the newer prisoners.)
- As a further insult, the nurse (who looks very much like the Polish guy) points out Primo's emaciated body and how weak he is. Chillingly, he says: "You Jew, finished. You soon ready for crematorium."
- Finally, Primo is examined and is allowed into the medical hut, where he finds a bunk all to himself.
- He gets to stay in Ka-Be for some time, and gets a rest from working.
- Even though it's relatively easier for Primo in the medical clinic, he learns one of the horrible truths of the camp here: about the selections and the gas chambers.
- Primo is not ready to believe this yet, though.
- The next day, Schmulek is ominously selected by the SS to leave Ka-Be. He gives Primo his spoon and knife before he leaves.
- While still in Ka-Be, Primo meets his friend, Piero Sonnino, who plans to stay in the medical clinic until the end of winter. He's faking having a stomach illness.
- Being in Ka-Be gives Primo and the other prisoners time to reflect on what's happening to them. This isn't possible while they're being worked so hard and are constantly hungry.