Page 369 - The Book Thief

Rosa held furiously on to Liesels hand.

The sound of crying children kicked and punched.

Even Rudy stood completely erect, feigning nonchalance, tensing himself
against the tension. Arms and elbows fought for room. Some of the adults tried
to calm the infants. Others were unsuccessful in calming themselves.

Shut that kid up! Frau Holtzapfel clamored, but her sentence was just another
hapless voice in the warm chaos of the shelter. Grimy tears were loosened from
childrens eyes, and the smell of night breath, underarm sweat, and overworn
clothes was stirred and stewed in what was now a cauldron swimming with
humans.

Although they were right next to each other, Liesel was forced to call out,
Mama? Again, Mama, youre squashing my hand!

What?

My hand!

Rosa released her, and for comfort, to shut out the din of the basement, Liesel
opened one of her books and began to read. The book on top of the pile was The
Whistler and she spoke it aloud to help her concentrate. The opening paragraph
was numb in her ears.

What did you say? Mama roared, but Liesel ignored her. She remained focused
on the first page.

When she turned to page two, it was Rudy who noticed. He paid direct attention
to what Liesel was reading, and he tapped his brother and his sisters, telling them
to do the same. Hans Hubermann came closer and called out, and soon, a
quietness started bleeding through the crowded basement. By page three,
everyone was silent but Liesel.

She didnt dare to look up, but she could feel their frightened eyes hanging on to
her as she hauled the words in and breathed them out. A voice played the notes
inside her. This, it said, is your accordion.