“Not bad? I look better than just not bad.”
“The shoes let you down. And your face.”
Rudy placed the lantern on the counter and came toward her in mock-anger, and Liesel had to admit that a nervousness started gripping her. It was with both great relief and disappointment that she watched him trip and fall on the disgraced mannequin.
On the floor, Rudy laughed. Then he closed his eyes, clenching them hard.
Lisel rushed over.
She crouched above him.

Kiss him, Liesel, kiss him.

“Are you alright, Rudy? Rudy?”
“I miss him,” said the boy, sideways, on the floor.
“Frohe Weinachten,” Lisel replied. She helped him up, straightening out the suit.
Merry Christmas.