Page 239 - The Book Thief

Life was at least starting to mimic normality with more force:

Hans and Rosa Hubermann were arguing in the living room, even if it was much
quieter than it used to be. Liesel, in typical fashion, was an onlooker.

The argument originated the previous night, in the basement, where Hans and
Max were sitting with paint cans, words, and drop sheets. Max asked if Rosa
might be able to cut his hair at some stage. Its getting me in the eyes, hed said, to
which Hans had replied, Ill see what I can do.

Now Rosa was riffling through the drawers. Her words were shoved back to
Papa with the rest of the junk. Where are those damn scissors?

Not in the one below?

Ive been through that one already.

Maybe you missed them.

Do I look blind? She raised her head and bellowed. Liesel!

Im right here.

Hans cowered. Goddamn it, woman, deafen me, why dont you!

Quiet, Saukerl. Rosa went on riffling and addressed the girl. Liesel, where are
the scissors? But Liesel had no idea, either. Saumensch, youre useless, arent
you?

Leave her out of it.

More words were delivered back and forth, from elastic-haired woman to silver-
eyed man, till Rosa slammed the drawer. Ill probably make a lot of mistakes on
him anyway.

Mistakes? Papa looked ready to tear his own hair out by that stage, but his voice
became a barely audible whisper. Who the hells going to see him? He motioned