The Book Thief(95)

Max, Hans, and Rosa I cannot account for, but I know that Liesel Meminger was thinking that if the bombs ever landed on Himmel Street, not only did Max have less chance of survival than everyone else, but he would die completely alone.





FRAU HOLTZAPFELS OFFER





In the morning, the damage was inspected. No one died, but two apartment blocks were reduced to pyramids of rubble, and Rudys favorite Hitler Youth field had an enormous bowl spooned out of it. Half the town stood around its circumference. People estimated its depth, to compare it with their shelters. Several boys and girls spat into it.



Rudy was standing next to Liesel. Looks like they need to fertilize again.



When the next few weeks were raid-free, life almost returned to normal. Two telling moments, however, were on their way.





THE DUAL EVENTS

OF OCTOBER

The hands of Frau Holtzapfel.

The parade of Jews.





Her wrinkles were like slander. Her voice was akin to a beating with a stick.



It was actually quite fortunate that they saw Frau Holtzapfel coming from the living room window, for her knuckles on the door were hard and decisive. They meant business.



Liesel heard the words she dreaded.



You go and answer it, Mama said, and the girl, knowing only too well what was good for her, did as she was told.



Is your mama home? Frau Holtzapfel inquired. Constructed of fifty-year-old wire, she stood on the front step, looking back every so often to view the street. Is that swine of a mother of yours here today?



Liesel turned and called out.





DUDEN DICTIONARY MEANING #5

Gelegenheit Opportunity:

A chance for advancement or progress.

Related words:

prospect, opening, break.





Soon, Rosa was behind her. What do you want here? You want to spit on my kitchen floor now, too?



Frau Holtzapfel was not deterred in the slightest. Is that how you greet everyone who shows up at your front door? What a Gsindel.



Liesel watched. She was unfortunate enough to be sandwiched between them. Rosa pulled her out of the way. Well, are you going to tell me why youre here or not?



Frau Holtzapfel looked once more at the street and back. I have an offer for you.



Mama shifted her weight. Is that right?



No, not you. She dismissed Rosa with a shrug of the voice and focused now on Liesel. You.



Why did you ask for me, then?



Well, I at least need your permission.



Oh, Maria, Liesel thought, this is all I need. What the hell can Holtzapfel want with me?



I liked that book you read in the shelter.



No. Youre not getting it. Liesel was convinced of that. Yes?



I was hoping to hear the rest of it in the shelter, but it looks like were safe for now. She rolled her shoulders and straightened the wire in her back. So I want you to come to my place and read it to me.



Youve got some nerve, Holtzapfel. Rosa was deciding whether to be furious or not. If you think



Ill stop spitting on your door, she interrupted. And Ill give you my coffee ration.



Rosa decided against being furious. And some flour?



What, are you a Jew? Just the coffee. You can swap the coffee with someone else for the flour.



It was decided.



By everyone but the girl.



Good, then, its done.



Mama?



Quiet, Saumensch. Go and get the book. Mama faced Frau Holtzapfel again. What days suit you?



Monday and Friday, four oclock. And today, right now.



Liesel followed the regimented footsteps to Frau Holtzapfels lodging next door, which was a mirror image of the Hubermanns. If anything, it was slightly larger.



When she sat down at the kitchen table, Frau Holtzapfel sat directly in front of her but faced the window. Read, she said.



Chapter two?



No, chapter eight. Of course chapter two! Now get reading before I throw you out.



Yes, Frau Holtzapfel.



Never mind the yes, Frau Holtzapfels. Just open the book. We dont have all day.



Good God, Liesel thought. This is my punishment for all that stealing. Its finally caught up with me.



She read for forty-five minutes, and when the chapter was finished, a bag of coffee was deposited on the table.



Thank you, the woman said. Its a good story. She turned toward the stove and started on some potatoes. Without looking back, she said, Are you still here, are you?



Liesel took that as her cue to leave. Danke schn, Frau Holtzapfel. By the door, when she saw the framed photos of two young men in military uniform, she also threw in a heil Hitler, her arm raised in the kitchen.



Yes. Frau Holtzapfel was proud and afraid. Two sons in Russia. Heil Hitler. She put her water down to boil and even found the manners to walk the few steps with Liesel to the front door. Bis morgen?