Page 323 - The Book Thief

door, but it was drawn instantly back.

Mama?

Her face was severe, but it was smiling. What the hell did you do with my
hairbrush, you stupid Saumensch, you little thief ? Ive told you a hundred times
to leave that thing alone, but do you listen? Of course not!

The tirade went on for perhaps another minute, with Liesel making a desperate
suggestion or two about the possible location of the said brush. It ended
abruptly, with Rosa pulling Liesel close, just for a few seconds. Her whisper was
almost impossible to hear, even at such close proximity. You told me to yell at
you. You said theyd all believe it. She looked left and right, her voice like needle
and thread. He woke up, Liesel. Hes awake. From her pocket, she pulled out the
toy soldier with the scratched exterior. He said to give you this. It was his
favorite. She handed it over, held her arms tightly, and smiled. Before Liesel had
a chance to answer, she finished it off. Well? Answer me! Do you have any

other idea where you might have left it?

Hes alive, Liesel thought. . . . No, Mama. Im sorry, Mama, I

Well, what good are you, then? She let go, nodded, and walked away.

For a few moments, Liesel stood. The corridor was huge. She examined the
soldier in her palm. Instinct told her to run home immediately, but common
sense did not allow it. Instead, she placed the ragged soldier in her pocket and
returned to the classroom.

Everyone waited.

Stupid cow, she whispered under her breath.

Again, kids laughed. Frau Olendrich did not.

What was that?

Liesel was on such a high that she felt indestructible. I said, she beamed, stupid
cow, and she didnt have to wait a single moment for the teachers hand to slap
her.