We both dreaded the errand and left the package lying on the
towel. Finally I picked it up, before Maria showed any sigh of picking
it up. But Oskar only put it back on the towel in order that Maria
might reach out for it. Maria did not reach out. So I reached out and
gave it to Maria. Maria gave it back to Oskar. I thanked her and made
her a present of it. But she wanted no presents from Oskar. I had to
put it back on the towel. There it lay a long while without stirring.
      -- The tin drum, Gunter Grass