The final chord of Schumann’s Papillons reverberated in the banquet hall. Alone at the piano, prisoner 19628 desperately eyed the half-eaten feast to the SS officers’ boisterous rendition of Die Fahne Hoch in the adjoining parlor.
As 19628 snatched an orange, a lieutenant entered, calling, “Let me fetch my briefcase!”
Outraged, he stormed toward 19628, who crumpled on the floor, begging for forgiveness.
Poised to strike a blow, the officer’s expression suddenly softened.
“Frau Glick…you were my favorite music teacher.”
Briefcase in hand, the lieutenant tearfully glanced back at the trembling, prostrated figure before gently closing the door behind him.