Life Afterward (Inspired by The Book Thief)

Depression

Little Liesel wasn't so little anymore when she met Thomas. He and his parents were visiting Ilsa Hermann and her husband on a trip to take in the sights of post-war Germany. Thomas was born and raised in the wealthy part of Sydney, Australia, and little Liesel, now a grown woman in her mid-20's, caught his eye the minute he walked in the door of the mayor's home.

The first thing he noticed about her was the air of sadness that seemed to swallow her whole. There was a permanent frown on her face and a broken look to her eyes. She was thin from not eating, though Ilsa Hermann would beg her to eat her fill at mealtimes. She floated through the world rather than walked. Sometimes, if caught on a good day, she would smile and joke. If not, she would simply watch whoever was speaking to her with a hazy, otherworldly gaze, like she was seeing something no one else was.

Thomas was enthralled with her, and he managed to convince his parents to stay longer than their weeklong visit with the Hermann's. During his time with the Hermann's, he spent the most of it with Liesel. She was distrustful of this strange man the first several days he began following her around like a puppy. He wasn't like Rudy, who took every chance he could to get into trouble or prove he was stronger and faster than everybody else. Instead, all Thomas wanted was to prove to Liesel she could trust him. He didn't care how anybody else in town saw him.

By the fourth day of his visit, she was beginning to open up to him and smile softly at his attempts to make her laugh. She was still quiet, not speaking more than a few words during their conversations. He began courting her on the sixth day, and she would allow him to hold her hand while they were out in public. Ilsa Hermann was shocked. To tell you the truth, I was shocked. Liesel hadn't let anyone touch her in quite a while. Humans' hearts and romantic feelings will always remain a mystery to me, but I was happy for Liesel. After what my cousin had told me of her and Rudy's friendship, I was glad to see her falling in love with someone else.

Ilsa Hermann, her husband, and Thomas's parents watched from afar, afraid of what would happen if they became involved in the young couple's relationship. It wasn't until after nearly two weeks of Thomas courting Liesel that he came to the mayor and asked for his daughter's hand in marriage. The mayor laughed out loud at that, terrifying Thomas. I found Thomas's proposition funny, too, though I felt bad for the young man. He didn't know what he had said or done wrong, and the mayor couldn't tell him until he was done laughing.

"She's not my daughter, but yes, I believe marriage would do our Liesel well. Take care of her, Thomas, and do not stray. She's strong, but not strong enough to handle losing anymore loved ones, and she truly does love you."

"Thank you, Herr Hermann, thank you so much. I will treat her like royalty."

Thomas was overjoyed, immediately setting up plans and buying a beautiful, shining diamond ring for Liesel who had no idea the next half a week what her lover had planned. She smiled more in the days leading up to the proposal, though she still held a sadness to her that never seemed to disappear completely. Thomas loved her regardless of her past and her frequent mood swings and bouts of sadness. He loved her for who she was, her scars and wounds and beauty and mind alike.

He proposed to her one morning at breakfast, standing and walking to her side of the table and kneeling beside her. Liesel cupped her hands over her mouth, tears glistening in her eyes. She was speechless when he pulled the ring box out from his back pocket and opened it, revealing the shining ring within.

"Liesel, I love you. I've loved you since I first laid eyes on you. Would you do me the honor of being my bride?"

All she could do for several minutes was nod in silence, tears streaming down her cheeks and dripping onto the skirt of the dress she was wearing. It was Ilsa Hermann who prompted her to respond with words, placing a hand on her shoulder and smiling.

"Yes. Yes, I'll marry you. I love you, too, Thomas."

She launched herself at him, wrapping her arms around him and nearly knocking him over. He chuckled and caught her, regaining his balance and helping her to slip the diamond ring onto her ring finger. She kissed him, soft and long, taking him in and feeling him kiss her back. He was the first to pull back from the kiss, running a hand over her hair and standing, helping her to stand.

The wedding took place in a small church near the Hermann household. It was an intimate affair with only Thomas's parents, other close family from his side who were able to travel to Germany on short notice, Ilsa Hermann, and her husband. The ceremony was short, and Liesel looked beautiful in Ilsa Hermann's old wedding dress.

The newly married couple went back to Australia to settle down and start a family of their own. Liesel promised Ilsa Hermann and the mayor she would visit every chance she could, and she would always remember their kindness for taking her in and giving her another chance at life.