Shmuel was surprised and confused as he observed Bruno. Despite some differences in their appearance, such as Bruno being less thin and less pale, he found them remarkably similar, almost identical in a way. This made Shmuel reflect on how appearances might not fully distinguish people and how they might be more alike than they seem.

He thought it was extraordinary to see such similarities between boys from vastly different backgrounds, highlighting a deeper connection beyond outer differences. Shmuel’s thoughts conveyed a realization that beneath surface appearances, there may be common humanity that unites us all.