The soldier stared at Ingrid. His silence was elastic, slowly curling a rope around her neck.

Revolting. If women were so careless to become pregnant at such a time, let women sort it out.

...We're dealing with two devils who both want to rule hell.

We cannot be too cautious, Hannelore. Just because someone knocks on the door doesn't mean you have to open it. Sometimes, sweet girl, there are wolves at the door. If we are not careful, they might eat us.

But unlike Mama, I would not go to heaven. My secrets padlocked the gates. I'd be a torn kite stuck in the dead branches of a tree, unable to fly.

My arm began moving, turning the invisible crank of Death's music box. Somewhere inside, I didn't want the melody to end.

I didn't need his criticism. I carried enough guilt on my own. I had done everything wrong. I had the highest marks in school but couldn't master common sense.

How foolish to believe we are more powerful than the sea or the sky.

No Son [. . .] Not a traitor to your country. Much worse. A traitor to your soul.