Page 284 - The Book Thief

What? he asked. What is it?

Saukerl, she accused him. Where are my shoes? Rudys face whitened, which left
her in no doubt. Theyre back at the house, she suggested, arent they?

Rudy searched desperately around himself, begging against all reality that he
might have brought them with him. He imagined himself picking them up,
wishing it truebut the shoes were not there. They sat uselessly, or actually, much
worse, incriminatingly, by the wall at 8 Grande Strasse.

Dummkopf ! he admonished himself, smacking his ear. He looked down
shamefully at the sullen sight of Liesels socks. Idiot! It didnt take him long to
decide on making it right. Earnestly, he said, Just wait, and he hurried back
around the corner.

Dont get caught, Liesel called after him, but he didnt hear.

The minutes were heavy while he was gone.

Darkness was now complete and Liesel was quite certain that a Watschen was
most likely in the cards when she returned home. Hurry, she murmured, but still
Rudy didnt appear. She imagined the sound of a police siren throwing itself
forward and reeling itself in. Collecting itself.

Still, nothing.

Only when she walked back to the intersection of the two streets in her damp,
dirty socks did she see him. Rudys triumphant face was held nicely up as he
trotted steadily toward her. His teeth were gnashed into a grin, and the shoes
dangled from his hand. They nearly killed me, he said, but I made it. Once theyd

crossed the river, he handed Liesel the shoes, and she threw them down.

Sitting on the ground, she looked up at her best friend. Danke, she said. Thank
you.

Rudy bowed. My pleasure. He tried for a little more. No point asking if I get a
kiss for that, I guess?

For bringing my shoes, which you left behind?