Thievery

July 6, 1940

Dear Journal,

I have been so busy reading my books with papa that it took me over a year to continue writing my entries. Once the second Great War has began, the rationing of all supplies had as well, food in particular. This was definitely a problem Rudy, since he was always hungry before, but now he was to the point of starvation. To make the situation even worse, his father's business was doing quite poorly too. I want to help him out, but the little food we have is a mama's pea soup, which probably would do no good anyways. So, in order to get his mind off of food, Rudy and I went swimming the river. This also happens to be the day that I almost drown after Rudy convinced me that the water was fairly swallow. I nearly escaped death by dog-paddling my way to dry land. And I surely cursed that maniac for putting my life in danger.

It was only a few days later that we gave into our hunger and decided that we had to do something about our diets. Rudy and I just happened to notice a teenage boy with several fresh apples, we knew instantly he was one of those "fruit stealers" and also our only chance for a decent meal. A few days later, we saw that same boy and then followed him to the fruit stealers' hideout, by Amper River. There, we met their leader, Arthur Berg. He and I his fellow thieves examined us from top to bottom. At first, I was really worried that they thought we would be burdens. But once they heard that I was the one that beat up Ludwig Schmeikl and Rudy was the Jesse Owens incident; we were readily accepted. I made sure the rules that Arthur announced: don't get caught on the fence, one person is in the tree, while one person collects and the most vital regulation, is to scream if you see someone coming. In no time, we were ready to put the plan into action; Rudy and I cleared the wire fence without much trouble. This operation went smoothly and when we returned to the hideout Rudy and I received six apples each.

We had to get rid of the apples before we returned home that night; I mean there was no way we were going to explain the apples' origin. There was only one way to do so, we had to eat until we couldn't eat anymore and then find a way keep our self from out of trouble, no matter what happens: "On the river bank where she learned to swim, each apple was disposed of. Unaccustomed to such luxury, they knew it was likely they'd be sick. They ate anyway...the apples, she thought happily. The apples, and she vomited one more time for luck" (Zusak 153). I knew this would happen, but I accepted the consequences of my actions. I certainly did not like throwing up or lying to mama but those apples were worth it. Rudy and I may never have another chance to experience being too full; therefore, I was not willing to let anything, even my own stomach, ruin this.

I still feel a bit sick, so I have to conclude this entry now, but I will promise start writing more often.