Page 371 - The Book Thief

A meaningful unit of

language / a promise / a
short remark, statement,
or conversation.
Related words: term,
name, expression.

Out of respect, the adults kept everyone quiet, and Liesel finished chapter one of
The Whistler.

On their way up the stairs, the children rushed by her, but many of the older
peopleeven Frau Holtzapfel, even Pfiffikus (how appropriate, considering the
title she read from)thanked the girl for the distraction. They did so as they made
their way past and hurried from the house to see if Himmel Street had sustained
any damage.

Himmel Street was untouched.

The only sign of war was a cloud of dust migrating from east to west. It looked
through the windows, trying to find a way inside, and as it simultaneously
thickened and spread, it turned the trail of humans into apparitions.

There were no people on the street anymore.

They were rumors carrying bags.

At home, Papa told Max all about it. Theres fog and ashI think they let us out too
early. He looked to Rosa. Should I go out? To see if they need help where the
bombs dropped?

Rosa was not impressed. Dont be so idiotic, she said. Youll choke on the dust.

No, no, Saukerl, youre staying here. A thought came to her. She looked at Hans
very seriously now. In fact, her face was crayoned with pride. Stay here and tell
him about the girl. Her voice loudened, just slightly. About the book.

Max gave her some added attention.