Rudy handed it back. "Speaking of which, I think we're both slightly in for it when we get home. You especially." "Why me?" "You know- your mama." "What about her?" Liesel was exercising the blatant right of every person who's ever belonged to a family. It's all very well for such a person to whine and moan and criticize other family members, but they won't let anyone else do it. That's when you get your back up and show loyalty.

Papa sat with me tonight. He brought the accordion down and sat close to where Max used to sit. I often look at his fingers and face when he plays. the accordion breathes. There are lines on his cheeks. They look drawn on, and for some reason, when I see them, I want to cry. It is not for any sadness or pride. I just like the way they move and change. Sometimes I think my papa is an accordion. When he looks at me and smiles and breathes, I hear the notes.

Humans, if nothing else, have the good sense to die.

Do we spend most of our days trying to remember or to forget? Do we spend most of our time running towards or away from our lives?

Very suddenly. Yes, quite suddenly, I didn't feel like I could handle my feeling of aloneness.

Why me?' I ask God. God says nothing. I laugh and the stars watch. It's good to be alive.

The human child – so much cannier at times than the stupefyingly ponderous adult.