We Are Wolves chapter sampler

sink a ship so they can eat all the sailors as they flounder in the water. Every night, a helpless girl called Liesl is amongst those in distress, and she is always crying and thanking Otto the soldier for saving her life. It’s annoying, but at least every story ends with Liesl and Otto going home to a cottage where there is a blazing fire and an enormous dinner, and they live happily ever after. All stories need a happily ever after. Mama finishes tonight’s story with roast pork and mashed potatoes – she’s careful to avoid carrots for my sake – and tucks the eiderdown beneath our chins. Mia snores softly and we all giggle. How she can sleep through Mama’s stories with Otto’s shouting and sound effects is a mystery. ‘Papa loves Mia’s soft baby snores,’ I whisper. Mama sits back down on our bed. ‘Yes. And he loves the way Otto sleeps with his toy aeroplane stuffed beneath the pillow. And he loves the way you are kind to everyone, Liesl. Papa loves everything about you all.’ ‘Mama,’ I say. ‘Is it true that the war is almost over?’ She tucks a stray wisp of my hair behind my ear before answering. ‘Yes, Liesl, the war will soon be done.’ I smile, but Mama does not. She leans forward and kisses my forehead, keeping her lips against my skin for a long time. When she pulls away, her eyes are shiny. Mama leaves the room, but sorrow lingers in the air and I am confused.

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