The author demonstrates friendship between Bruno and Shmuel many ways in the book when Bruno comes to the fence every day and talks with Shmuel and sometimes brings food for him knowing that he doesn't eat much. Bruno also goes under the fence, disobeying his father, to help Shmuel find his father. They also hold hands in the gas chamber and they never let go. Bruno learns the true meaning of friendship when shmuel forgives him for telling kotler he is not his friend. He also tells Shmuel that he is his best friend