Topic: Puzzled

What I’m puzzled about is why Bruno pretended not to know Shmuel when Shmuel was at Bruno’s house. Bruno was surprised to see Shmuel in the kitchen. And as much as Bruno was sheltered and naive, he did not admit that he had a friendship with Shmuel. Bruno offered Shmuel food without understanding that he could get Shmuel into big trouble if Shmuel was caught eating food. When Shmuel was caught eating, he told Lt. Kotler that he and Bruno were friends. Even though Shmuel was telling the truth, Lt. Kotler didn’t believe him. Bruno may or may not have known that Shmuel wouldn’t be believed by Lt. Kotler. Still, he lied and said he didn’t know who Shmuel was. I don’t think he intentionally tried to get his friend in trouble, more as he was intimidated by Lt. Kotler, and didn’t want to say something wrong. What would happen if Bruno told the truth? Would he get in trouble or scolded, or would Shmuel still be the one to take the blame? Would Bruno not be allowed to hang out with Shmuel anymore? Would there be a change of heart? Realistically, probably not. No matter what Bruno would say, Shmuel would still possibly take the fall. Bruno would be seen as a child who didn’t know any better. Shmuel however, wouldn’t, and would get a harsh punishment. Shmuel thought that his only friend would back him up. I can’t imagine what he felt when Bruno said he didn’t know him. He was betrayed by everyone, and now his only friend, Bruno, did the same. Even though Bruno later apologized to Shmuel, I don’t think he forgave him completely. I feel like Shmuel was forced to forgive him, because he had no friends except for Bruno. If he chose not to forgive Bruno, their friendship would likely be over, and that would be that. There would be no one happy.