Bruno is particularly captivated by Pavel because he is often sent to the commandant's house to deliver his father's reports. During one such visit, Bruno notices that Pavel is acting differently. Instead of his usual cheerful demeanor, Bruno detects a hint of despair and fear.
Curiosity leads Bruno to observe Pavel more closely. He witnesses a shocking incident where the commandant's son, Kurt, mistreats Pavel and throws a plate at him. Pavel is forced to apologize profusely while the commandant ignores his son's behavior. Bruno is both shocked and saddened by the cruel treatment he sees Pavel enduring.
Meanwhile, Bruno continues his friendship with Shmuel. He decides to take a piece of bread from his own kitchen to share with his newfound friend. Bruno brings the bread to the fence on their secret meeting spot, but Shmuel is hesitant to take it, fearing getting in trouble. Eventually, Bruno convinces Shmuel to accept it, and they share the bread together.
Throughout the chapter, Bruno begins to grasp that life inside the concentration camp is not as the adults have presented it. He starts questioning the authority figures in his life and developing empathy for those subjected to cruelty and injustice.