Page 348 - The Book Thief

THE TRILOGY

While Liesel worked, Rudy ran.

He did laps of Hubert Oval, ran around the block, and raced almost everyone
from the bottom of Himmel Street to Frau Dillers, giving varied head starts.

On a few occasions, when Liesel was helping Mama in the kitchen, Rosa would
look out the window and say, Whats that little Saukerl up to this time? All that
running out there.

Liesel would move to the window. At least he hasnt painted himself black again.

Well, thats something, isnt it?

RUDYS REASONS
In the middle of August, a Hitler Youth
carnival was being held, and Rudy was
intent on winning four events: the 1500,
400, 200, and of course, the 100. He liked
his new Hitler Youth leaders and wanted to
please them, and he wanted to show his old
friend Franz Deutscher a thing or two.

Four gold medals, he said to Liesel one afternoon when she did laps with him at
Hubert Oval. Like Jesse Owens back in 36.

Youre not still obsessed with him, are you?

Rudys feet rhymed with his breathing. Not really, but it would be nice, wouldnt
it? It would show all those bastards who said I was crazy. Theyd see that I wasnt
so stupid after all.