We Are Wolves chapter sampler

silly chicken! Should our dear Herr Hitler be exposed to such a ridiculous sight?’ Otto and I are now giggling. Mama nods at Opa. Opa walks over to the picture and turns it the right way around. Herr Hitler is looking down on us once more. ‘Now, children,’ says Papa, his face stern, ‘best behaviour while I’m gone. Use your manners. Wash behind your ears. And no more rude words about Herr Hitler.’ Opa snorts once more. ‘Papa,’ coos Mia. Papa’s scowl melts. He drops to his knees and opens his arms wide. Otto and I rush at him. Mia toddles in. Even Mama joins us. Papa folds himself around us until we are a Papa- Liesl-Otto-Mia-Mama blob. It’s our favourite thing to be, this blob. I press my nose into Papa’s coat and breathe deeply. I love the smell of Papa. He is soap and schnapps and nutmeg. But now, in this moment, there is something new, something bitter, like pickled onions. Papa smells of sorrow. ‘We’ll be fine, Papa,’ I mumble into his chest. ‘We will be on our best behaviour.’ ‘Yes, Papa,’ Otto whispers. ‘I won’t curse Herr Hitler and I will chew with my mouth closed from now on.’ Mia giggles – a bubbly baby giggle that makes me want to join in.

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