- We learn that Vahan's buddy Pattoo was the best student at their school, where they became friends, and he's well-mannered, smart, and modest.
- Pattoo's mom, Mrs. Altoonian, is a nice-smelling, warm woman who always serves Vahan nice food and never lets him go home without a kiss on his cheek.
- Vahan doesn't know if Pattoo and his family are still in their home, but he's got nowhere else to go, so he runs there anyway.
- But when he gets to the house, he's uncertain. What if the Turks are in the home? What if he gets caught?
- He decides not to go in just yet, but falls asleep outside before he can decide what to do next.
- Mrs. Altoonian calls his name and welcomes him inside the house; seeing how hungry he is, she makes him some food.
- At first Vahan is ravenous and gulps down bites, but pretty soon, he feels sick—he hasn't eaten properly in days, so his body's not used to it.
- Vahan tells them everything—what happened to his family, how he and Sisak ran away—the whole shebang. Mrs. Altoonian and Pattoo listen and don't say a word.
- When Vahan is done, Mrs. Altoonian says he needs a bath; she seems mad at him, but he can't imagine why.
- Afterward, Mrs. Altoonian takes him to the closet. She tells him they are not safe in Bitlis—no Armenian is—and her husband and other son (Vartan) were taken by the same soldiers who killed Vahan's dad.
- He's got to hide in the closet so no one suspects that he is there. She knows it isn't fair, but she's got to protect Pattoo—his mom would do the same thing if she were in the same shoes.