We Are Wolves chapter sampler

man, but Jakob is a skinny sixteen-year-old boy. He looks like a scarecrow with his sleeves flapping down over his fingertips. ‘Four new soldiers,’ I say. ‘No, five!’ shouts Otto. ‘Look! Hitler even wants Herr Beck in his army.’ Otto turns to me, his blue eyes wide. ‘Herr Beck is ancient, Liesl – almost as old as Opa. And he’s deaf! As deaf as a post!’ Otto is right. Herr Beck is a clockmaker and I expect all that ticking and chiming has worn out his eardrums. The other day I called hello as I passed his shop and he replied, ‘Yes, yes, business is slow these days.’ We watch as Herr Beck huffs and puffs to catch up to Papa. Papa holds the old man’s arm while he gets his breath back. Then, together, Hitler’s new soldiers disappear down the street – three old men, a boy and a limping papa. They will all be heroes soon, when Germany wins the war. ‘Hans and Wolfgang are playing in the street!’ shouts Otto. He flaps through the curtains back into the sitting room. ‘Mama! Mama! Can I go out to play?’ Otto leaps from sadness to joy so easily. Mama blinks as though she can’t quite remember where she is. ‘Of course,’ she says, her voice flat. ‘Take Mia with you. Her pram is by the door. A bit of fresh air will do you both good.’ Otto swoops Mia up from the floor and runs into the hallway. Mia squeals with delight and fear as he tosses her

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