Page 353 - The Book Thief

A boy with rusty brown hair and a big stride won by at least five meters.

Rudy remained.

Later, when the day was complete and the sun was taken from Himmel Street,
Liesel sat with her friend on the footpath.

They talked about everything else, from Franz Deutschers face after the 1500 to
one of the eleven-year-old girls having a tantrum after losing the discus.

Before they proceeded to their respective homes, Rudys voice reached over and
handed Liesel the truth. For a while, it sat on her shoulder, but a few thoughts
later, it made its way to her ear.

RUDYS VOICE
I did it on purpose.

When the confession registered, Liesel asked the only question available. But
why, Rudy? Why did you do it?

He was standing with a hand on his hip, and he did not answer. There was
nothing but a knowing smile and a slow walk that lolled him home. They never
talked about it again.

For Liesels part, she often wondered what Rudys answer might have been had
she pushed him. Perhaps three medals had shown what hed wanted to show, or
he was afraid to lose that final race. In the end, the only explanation she allowed
herself to hear was an inner teenage voice.

Because he isnt Jesse Owens.

Only when she got up to leave did she notice the three imitation-gold medals
sitting next to her. She knocked on the Steiners door and held them out to him.

You forgot these.