No Maria, it's not possible!
But I think I'm falling in love with him, if I haven't fallen already!
People like him can't love people like you!
But if he only knew the truth...
No Maria!
But we could both be happy again...
No!
Maria's thoughts battled against each other as she paced through the inside of the gazebo, running her fingers through her hair as though she were trying to brush these thoughts out of her head. She sat down on the bench and buried her face in her hands, defeated.
"Maria..." a familiar deep voice sighed.
And there he was, as though he had read her mind and knew she needed to see him again. Maria straightened herself, struggling to wipe the tears from her eyes.
"I've looked everywhere for you...what's the matter?" he asked, moving to her side.
"I just...well, I..." she couldn't find the words. "It doesn't matter."
"Yes, Maria, it does. I can't help if you don't tell me."
"You couldn't help if I did!" she stood up, more frustrated with herself than with him.
"Maria, has someone treated you badly? Frau Schmidt?"
"No." she whispered.
"The children?"
"No."
"Me?" he said with a certain tone of hope in his voice.
"Oh, no, Captain, of course not. There are just...things here that I want and I know I can't have." she tried to explain, hoping she wouldn't have to explain any further.
"Like what, Maria?" he began to step towards her, until their faces were only inches apart.
"Like you." she shyly managed to squeak out.
"Well, if you want me, Maria..." he paused, causing Maria's heart to skip a thousand beats. "You can have me."
And with that, their lips met in a kiss filled with passion and relief, wonder and excitement.
