Disclaimer: I don't own The Book Thief

Rudy opened the big wooden door. Liesel stood there, her cheeks flushed and lips swollen, her golden curls messily spilling out of their bun. "How was your day?" he asked.

She looked to the floor. "It was fine. Dinner is on the table." He pushed past her into the kitchen. A pot of steaming pea soup and warm brown bread greeted him. Liesel sat down, silently spooning the vile mixture into her mouth and occasionally nibbling at her bread. Rudy went to the cupboard for a bowl, opening it just as she shrieked for him to stop. A feather-haired Jew stared back at him.

"Who is this?" he roared. She rushed to the aid of her lover as he scrambled out of the cupboard. The Jew winced at his capture and tears streamed down Liesel's face.

"His name is Max, Rudy, and I love him."

"How long?"

"What do you mean, Rudy?"

"How long have you loved him? How soon into our marriage did you betray me?"

"I loved him long before we married. Mama and Papa hid him during the war. He and I have our words, but you have nothing with me."

His voice quieted to calm rage. "Did you ever love me?" The tears kept flowing.

"No." She whisped as she looked between the two men. "And now I suppose there is something I have to tell you both..."

"What?" Both men said with equal hope and worry.