" Liesl, Liesl. Wake up." I opened my eyes, the younger twelve were crowded around my bed.
" What is it," I asked, sitting up.
" Fräulein Maria's gone. She isn't in her room," Marta said.
" Maybe she's away for a walk," I said.
" Her bag and guitar is gone too," Werner said.
" Go get dressed, then we'll go downstairs and see if we can find her," Rolfe said. They all nodded and left the room.
" Do you think she'd really leave us," I asked.
" I don't think so. But if she is gone there must be a reason," he said and I nodded. I got out of bed and took a dress from my wardrobe. I pulled it on then brushed my hair. I walked out of the room to check on Marta and Gretl.
" Liesl, help me," Marta said. I nodded and took the brush. I braided the front of her hair and left the rest of it down.
A few minutes later we were standing in Father's study.
" She can't have just left," Louisa said.
" She didn't say goodbye," Gretl cried.
" Fräulein Maria is gone. She wanted to go back to the abbey," Father said.
" She couldn't have," Brigitta said.
" That's enough. Liesl you are in charge," Father said and I nodded.
" Go up to the schoolroom," I said.
We walked out of the study where the Grubers were standing and we all walked upstairs.
" We're going to Switzerland tomorrow. The doctors don't give Grandmother another week," Rolfe said quietly.
" At least you'll be able to see her," I said.
" I don't know if I want to, I know how bad that is because I don't want to see her sick," he said.
" I felt the same with Mother but I had to be strong for the others," I said.
I checked on the younger girls then walked into my room. I pulled on my nightdress and then climbed into bed. When everything was quiet I heard crying.
" Louisa, are you alright," I whispered.
" Yes," she said.
" No you aren't," I said. " Come over here." She climbed out of her bed and walked to mine. She slipped under the covers and hugged me.
" Why did she go. I didn't do anything," Louisa said through her sobs.
" I know. She left and I don't know why. But we have Father back," I said.
" But Fräulein Maria was like Mama," she whispered.
" I know. Now stop crying and go to sleep," I said, rubbing her back. The crying slowly stopped and I smiled. I carefully wiped her cheeks with my finger and kissed her forehead.