We Are Wolves chapter sampler

They were kind words, and I was glad that Otto wasn’t scolded, but I felt strange afterwards. A little squirmy in the stomach. Scared without knowing why. But that was yesterday. Today I am happy, holding Mama’s hand as we walk along the lanes, leaping over frozen puddles, singing Christmas songs and laughing. It is so long since I have heard Mama laugh. We are going from farm to farm at the edge of our village, buying anything fresh that might help make a feast for tomorrow night. We are lucky that we live in the country where there are animals and rich fields for growing vegetables and grain. East Prussia is called the breadbasket of Germany. Maybe it should be called the milk can and the soup pot too! But whatever we call it, we are lucky. Especially so because Mama knows the secret to gathering a fine meal. ‘Never ask for too much, Liesl,’ she explains. ‘Just one egg here, a small onion there, a worm-eaten cabbage at the next place. And always pay well. We can’t eat money, but a hearty meal will keep us fat and merry for a few more days.’ Mama pats her skinny stomach and we both laugh. After two hours, our milk can sloshes with creamy, rich milk and our basket is full – four potatoes, an enormous turnip, four eggs, a tiny cabbage (with worm-holes, just as Mama expected) and half a sausage. A real pork sausage that smells of meat and spice. ‘We’ll have a splendid Christmas Eve!’ I cry. ‘All we need now is for Papa to come home and join us.’

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