The children were playing tag in the garden, running about and shouting with delight. Maria rushed past little Gretl, who was 'it' and having much difficulty tagging anyone. She allowed the little girl to tag her on the leg, sighing and tossing up her hands in feigned exasperation when she did.

"You're it, Fraulein Maria!" The girl squealed as she ran away, laughing excitedly that her turn was done. Maria laughed and began chasing the rest of the children around the yard, finally catching up to Kurt and touching him on the shoulder.

"Kurt's it!" She shouted as he stomped his foot in agitation. He was one of the easiest to catch, so he found himself 'it' quite a lot. "And I'm taking a break."

She walked to the veranda, pouring a glass of water and taking a long drink. Liesl was seated on a bench by the gazebo, having kept to herself quite a bit since they returned home. Maria knew she needed to talk to her, but hadn't been able to get a moment to do so with the other children constantly pushing for her attention.

"I don't know how you run around like that." She turned to find the Captain stepping onto the veranda, moving to stand next to her and pouring a glass of his own water. She smiled, taking another drink before responding.

"It's fine until I stop and realize I can't breath." They shared a laugh, but she remained cautious. She didn't want to be too comfortable with him, or even to be seen being too comfortable with him. Keeping the conversation about the children seemed safe. She nodded her head toward the gazebo. "Have you noticed how distant Liesl has been?"

"She has been particularly quiet, hasn't she? Any idea why?"

"No, not yet." She took another drink and sat her glass upon the table. "Would you mind taking my place in tag while I speak with her?"

"You're joking, Fraulein." She laughed, meeting his eyes. He was standing a bit closer to her than proper, but not close enough that anyone would notice, she thought.

"You don't want to see if Kurt can catch you? He's really not the most athletic." He smiled, looking deeply into her eyes, and she felt herself melting at how strikingly handsome he was. He blinked, apologizing with a raise of his eyebrows before directing his attention back to the conversation at hand.

"Yes, well, I'm not one for running about."

"You could afford to loosen up, Captain." She patted his shoulder as she began to walk toward the gazebo, looking back at him with another quick smile. She didn't know why she did it, but she was very clearly flirting with him. There was no question that she was fanning the flame between them, but she wasn't entirely sure why. She shook her head; it was best to focus on something else.

"What's on your mind, Liesl?" The girl jumped and looked toward her as she approached, walking gently with her hands clasped behind her back.

"Oh, Fraulein Maria, you surprised me." She held a hand to her chest as Maria sat next to her upon the stone bench.

"I'm sorry, I thought you'd hear me coming. You must have been in deep thought." She offered, but Liesl was hesitant to take the bait. "You can talk to me, if you'd like."

"I know. I just...I don't know what's wrong, exactly."

"Did something happen on your trip?"

"I suppose you could say that." She took a deep breath, looking as if she were afraid to speak the words. "I met a boy who was staying in the same hotel. I really liked him, a lot, actually. But now I feel awful because I really like Rolfe too."

"I see. And do you think you'll ever see this boy again?"

"No, he lives in Sweden. But I feel so guilty. I've cheated on Rolfe." Maria bit her lip, trying her best to decide how she was going to ask the question, as her version of cheating may have been a bit different than the teenager's.

"Liesl...you didn't...um" She ran a hand through her hair. "What exactly happened with this boy?"

"Oh, Fraulein Maria, we only kissed. I swear, nothing more." She wanted to breathe a giant sigh of relief, but she held herself together and simply smiled. "I just don't know how I will tell Rolfe. What if he won't want to see me anymore?"

"If he cares for you, you can work through it."

"And if I didn't tell him?"

"Well, your relationship wouldn't be built on honesty. Would you be able to live with that?" Liesl shrugged, and it was obvious that she knew the answer to that question. "What I suggest is that you try to get it off your mind for a bit. And then, when you do see him again, let the conversation come naturally. Take it one day at a time."

"Will that work?"

"It certainly wouldn't hurt to try."

"Thank you." They shared a smile, and Maria wrapped her arm around her for a hug before they stood and walked over to the rest of the family.

The Captain had removed his jacket and was running about, Friedrich chasing after him. Liesl jumped in on the fun, and was immediately tagged. She threw up her hands with laughter and rushed toward her father, chasing and eventually tagging him.

Suddenly his eyes met Maria's from across the garden. She stopped smiling, realizing that she was his chosen target. She shook her head, eyes wide, as he began running toward her. She began to run away, toward the children, who were laughing and squealing in delight. He caught her around the waist and lifted her off her feet, causing her to shout in surprise.

She laughed as he lost balance and they fell to the ground, the children quick to rush up and begin tickling her. As they all parted, laughing and catching their breath, she felt the Captain's hand upon hers beneath the fabric of her dress that was sprawled around her. He squeezed her hand before standing, straightening his tie. He gave her a quick wink before walking back toward the house, patting a couple of the children on their shoulders as he walked past.

They continued laughing and carrying on, but she couldn't catch her breath. His hand nearly burned hers, the simplest touch of his skin unbearable. There was no longer a question of what she was going to do next.