Page 310 - The Book Thief

In the outside world, Liesel rushed from school each day in the hope that Max
was feeling better. Has he woken up? Has he eaten?

Go back out, Mama begged her. Youre chewing a hole in my stomach with all
this talking. Go on. Get out there and play soccer, for Gods sake.

Yes, Mama. She was about to open the door. But youll come and get me if he
wakes up, wont you? Just make something up. Scream out like Ive done
something wrong. Start swearing at me. Everyone will believe it, dont worry.

Even Rosa had to smile at that. She placed her knuckles on her hips and
explained that Liesel wasnt too old yet to avoid a Watschen for talking in such a
way. And score a goal, she threatened, or dont come home at all.

Sure, Mama.

Make that two goals, Saumensch!

Yes, Mama.

And stop answering back!

Liesel considered, but she ran onto the street, to oppose Rudy on the mud-
slippery road.

About time, ass scratcher. He welcomed her in the customary way as they fought
for the ball. Where have you been?

Half an hour later, when the ball was squashed by the rare passage of a car on

Himmel Street, Liesel had found her first present for Max Vandenburg. After
judging it irreparable, all of the kids walked home in disgust, leaving the ball
twitching on the cold, blistered road. Liesel and Rudy remained stooped over the
carcass. There was a gaping hole on its side like a mouth.

You want it? Liesel asked.

Rudy shrugged. What do I want with this squashed shit heap of a ball? Theres no
chance of getting air into it now, is there?