Page 405 - The Book Thief
P. 405
of her papa going to war and grabs
her jacket at each side of her body.
And its cold, Max. Its so cold. . . .
Five days later, when she continued her habit of looking at the weather, she did
not get a chance to see the sky.
Next door, Barbara Steiner was sitting on the front step with her neatly combed
hair. She was smoking a cigarette and shivering. On her way over, Liesel was
interrupted by the sight of Kurt. He came out and sat with his mother. When he
saw the girl stop, he called out.
Come on, Liesel. Rudy will be out soon.
After a short pause, she continued walking toward the step.
Barbara smoked.
A wrinkle of ash was teetering at the end of the cigarette. Kurt took it, ashed it,
inhaled, then gave it back.
When the cigarette was done, Rudys mother looked up. She ran a hand through
her tidy lines of hair.
Our papas going, too, Kurt said.
Quietness then.
A group of kids was kicking a ball, up near Frau Dillers.
When they come and ask you for one of your children, Barbara Steiner
explained, to no one in particular, youre supposed to say yes.
