Chop Sticks (Socks CCLXXX)

Margreth couldn't tell how long the family was gone, but day and night had come at least seven, maybe ten times. She had lost count.
She had spent the time talking with das klavier, or the oil lamp. Das klaver had a voice that Margreth loved. They talked of how people would sit and make music with das klavier, or the little hands getting slapped for plinking the black and white keys. Touching the lamp could also get ones hands slapped.
The clock talked softly now, 'Katherina played once in a while, but not as good as..."
Margreth stopped talking.