If Rudy didn't die

The Bombing of Himmel Street

The book thief stood amidst the rubble and ash, the remains of her home. The soldiers told her she was a survivor- the only survivor. But she just couldn't believe that that could be true. Somethings just weren't possible- and having everyone you love die was one of them.

She searched desperately for the faces of her mama and papa. When she finally found them among all the bodies, there was no doubt that they were gone though. Papa's beautiful silver eyes were a dull gray, and mama... Mama's face was barely recognizable, covered in soot and frozen in a snore. She fell to her knees beside them. "Mama! Papa!" She cried. "Don't be gone, please. I love you mama... I never told you, but I love you. Mama, don't leave me. Do you know that I saw you with Papa's accordion? You held it to you, and you were so beautiful mama. So beautiful." Liesel sobbed, and kissed mama's cheek. Finally she turned to papa. "Papa," she whispered, unable to say anymore. She held him tightly and cried silently against his chest.

  When she looked up, she saw another body being laid near them. She stared. And then... "Nein!" The hoarse sound was ripped from the girl's throat. "Rudy! Nein!" Leaving her papa's side, she rushed over to Rudy.

"Please, no, please," she said. "Rudy, you can't be gone, you can't! I love you Jesse Owens! Goddamn it Rudy, I love you..." Her voice trailed off. She leaned down and pressed her lips softly to his. 

I reached for the boy's soul, but when my fingers touched it, it burned hot with life. Rudy Steiner wasn't dead.

"I love you saukerl, don't you know?" Liesel sobbed.

And then the boy's body convulsed, and Liesel gasped. Rudy grinned weakly up at her. "How about a kiss, saumensch?" He murmered.

Liesel laughed with joy, and kissed him.