Nothing that has happened to you makes any sense. Civilized people do not try to exterminate an entire society, a complete culture. You cannot understand what is going on. All you know is that your well- ordered, sensible life has been turned upside-down.
When you arrive at Dachau, the confusion continues. You are processed like any other prisoner, stripped of your clothing and given filthy rags to wear, assigned to an over-crowded barrack, issued a bowl and a spoon, and fed a watery soup. Your head is shaved, and a number is tattooed onto your left forearm. You feel that you have landed on a different planet.
Just as unexpectedly, however, you are called into the central office, where an officer informs you that there must have been a mistake and are now free to go. Absolutely no explanation is given. You do not understand why this is happening to you; you have never heard of any prisoner being released like this. However, you do not ask questions, fearing the authorities will change their minds again.
Once outside the gates, with new identification cards and some money given you by the sympathetic camp commander, you try to decide which way to go.
Switzerland, which is close by, will be safe. However, it will be difficult to cross the border. Perhaps France would be a more suitable destination.
If you decide to go to Switzerland, continue to page 147.
If you elect to go to France, continue to page 167.