Page 291 - The Book Thief

there, with Liesel, Tommy, and Tommys little sister, Kristina.

Lets run, Liesel urged him, but Rudy didnt move.

Were not at Hitler Youth now, he informed her. The older boys had already
arrived. Liesel remained next to her friend, as did the twitching Tommy and the
delicate Kristina.

Mr. Steiner, Franz declared, before picking him up and throwing him to the
pavement.

When Rudy stood up, it served only to infuriate Deutscher even more. He
brought him to the ground for a second time, following him down with a knee to
the rib cage.

Again, Rudy stood up, and the group of older boys laughed now at their friend.
This was not the best news for Rudy. Cant you make him feel it? the tallest of

them said. His eyes were as blue and cold as the sky, and the words were all the
incentive Franz needed. He was determined that Rudy would hit the ground and
stay there.

A larger crowd made its way around them as Rudy swung at Franz Deutschers
stomach, missing him completely. Simultaneously, he felt the burning sensation
of a fist on his left eye socket. It arrived with sparks, and he was on the ground
before he even realized. He was punched again, in the same place, and he could
feel the bruise turn yellow and blue and black all at once. Three layers of
exhilarating pain.

The developing crowd gathered and leered to see if Rudy might get up again. He
didnt. This time, he remained on the cold, wet ground, feeling it rise through his

clothes and spread itself out.

The sparks were still in his eyes, and he didnt notice until it was too late that
Franz now stood above him with a brand-new pocketknife, about to crouch
down and cut him.

No! Liesel protested, but the tall one held her back. In her ear, his words were
deep and old.