AN: Hi people! This is for an english assignment. I would really appreciate reviews on content and grammar/spelling, because I want an high grade :D
Disclaimer: Yes, I don't own anything. If I did, Rudy would have been alive!
The sky was red when I came for Max's soul. It was as red as the sky had been so many years ago when Himmel Street burned, together with everything and everyone my book thief knew. Violent red. The color of that symbolizes both love and hate.
Max's end wasn't violent. During his childhood and the time in the war he had suffered enough, and life had decided to be kind to him for the rest of his time. Things seemed to come easy. He had a good career. He had been loved by close family and respected by many.
As I came into the house, I almost tripped over a red striped cat that darted past. Cats have always been disturbed by me.
~Fact~
Animals are able to sense me, way better than humans can.
He was upstairs. When I climbed the steps the house was silence. There is always silence when I arrive. In the midst of the loudest battle or in the noise of an air raid, it seems like time has stopped moving and all the sound is drawn from the sky. I pondered for a while on that thought but my thought quickly moved back to the present when I entered the room.
The presence of the souls surprised me. I thought that Max was more a man to die alone. Even Death makes mistakes. I moved past five healthy young people, from which the oldest' age was around 30. Then I moved past a woman. Her hair was grey, her face wrinkled and her eyes were filled with sad acceptance.
His soul sat up as I approached him. I had not expected another reaction. As I took him into my arms, he seemed lighter than any other soul I had ever carried away. He didn't want to die, of course, but it seemed like he felt content. He accepted it and knew this was the only option.
When I wanted to carry him away, I couldn't help but look at the body he had left behind.
He had kept his feathery hair, only it was grey and thinned now. The small black book I had saved of the car and had carried with me all the time had described it. His hair was the reason Liesel had recognized him, that terrible day when the Jews were marching through the streets.
I could remember the haunted, swampy brown eyes from the last time I had seen him, back in Germany. He had stared me right in the face. I felt a chill when I moved to take him. It wasn't his time yet. I had moved my hand closer to his, but a soldier had taken him away. The gladness I felt when it happened was good.
~Remember~
I'm not evil. I'm a result. I happen, whether I like it or not.
His eyes were less haunted now. With the help of his wife and children, the biggest fear was gone. Still, under the smiles and the happiness a deep dread lingered. Now, when I finally carried him away, his eyes closed in peace.
I stood at his bedside for a minute.
His last standover man.