" Liesl, we can't sleep," Marta whispered. I sat up and smiled as I noticed all my siblings were by my bed.
" Don't worry, I can't either. I never can on her anniversary. Come on, you can get into my bed," I said. Gretl and Marta jumped in immediately and curled into each side of me. Kurt and Friedrich lay with their heads at the bottom of the bed and Brigitta and Louisa lay in at each edge.
" Liesl, you remember Mother best. Don't you," Brigitta said.
" Yes, I'm the oldest. I spent the most time with her," I said.
" I wish I remembered more," Kurt said.
" Tell us about her Liesl," Marta whispered.
" Like Father Mother hated parties and big events. I remember when Father had to have a party she would bring me up to bed and read to me for hours then go back down just before the guests left and she would say she had fell asleep. As I got older we began to talk about things more. She told me that she wanted us to be kind and caring and unselfish and always happy. She still said that even when she had the fever. Five years today. So much has changed."
" I'm glad we have Mother now," Gretl yawned.
" Me too. Now go to sleep or Father Christmas won't come," I whispered.