The dust gathered around Maria as she watched the bus pull away, leaving her standing alone on the outskirts of town. She turned and glanced around, realizing it was the first time she had been completely alone since she had started working for the Von Trapps. She had hoped that coming into town and being away from the villa would help her sort out her muddled thoughts.

She had been awake most of the night before, the events of the last few days swimming through her head. When she had gone down to breakfast earlier that morning, the Captain had taken one look at her and told her to take the day off. Despite the children's protests and her guilt for neglecting her duties, Maria was grateful for the time alone. A part of her was ashamed that she enjoyed the private time, while another part of her kept wondering what the family was doing in her absence.

The sound of commercial commotion caught her ear, and she turned to walk into the central part of town, where she could lose herself in the crowds. The busy hubbub of the Getreidegasse with its various shops was a stark contrast to the peaceful grounds of the villa, even when the children were at their most active. Countless people rushed by Maria, none of them noticing her as she sauntered along, quietly observing everything.

She walked closer to the toy store and studied the display in the window. Dozens of small plush sheep and other farm animals stared back at her. She remembered the less than facile task of managing the numerous puppets with the children, and how proud she had been when their efforts were rewarded with their successful show. The Captain had been so proud of his children; his applause had been louder than anyone else's. Maria smiled as she remembered the glow to his face when he congratulated his children, and then how he had looked up at her, his expression a mixture of admiration and gratitude.

Maria blinked, snapping back into the present. She looked again at the display of animals and wondered why her thoughts had traveled back to that evening. Agitated, she turned quickly away from the toy shop window. She walked further along the street until she came into the open market place.

When she had left the villa earlier, the sky was overcast. But as she walked through the crowds, she felt the warmth of the sun on her back. The gentle heat seemed to calm her nerves. Distant laughter echoed in the air, and Maria felt more comforted as she allowed the genial mood of her surroundings to soak over her.

Maria stopped in front of one of the stands and surveyed the assortment of fruits. Her mind wandered to the vast collection the family had packed on their last picnic. Her hand absently went up to her hair, where the Captain had placed the edelweiss when they had taken their walk. She could practically feel the flower behind her ear at that moment. His gentle voice was so clear in her head, and she remembered how his face had seemed to brighten as she expressed her feelings about "her" mountain. He seemed to always know what she was talking about, even if she couldn't express it in the most eloquent of terms.

She mentally replayed his explanation of why he and the Baroness had called off their engagement, and she felt her breath quicken at the mere memory of the way he had been looking at her.

Maria stared down at the fruit, feeling more than flustered that she couldn't keep her mind off of the Captain. Sighing heavily, she walked away from the market place, almost resentful that its many denizens couldn't distract her.

She sat at the fountain in front of the Cathedral, watching the people pass by. She heard the faint sound of music, and she looked over to where a man was playing a small accordion at an outdoor café. Maria smiled at the familiar tune, and she watched as the caf's customers showed their enthusiasm for the entertainment.

Feeling rejuvenated with the musical distraction, Maria stood up and walked away from the central part of town. She didn't have any set destination; she was determined to just walk. The streets became less crowded and she realized that she was in the residential section. The taller buildings shielded the sun from her, and she wrapped her arms around her chest against the slightly chillier air.

The music of the accordion player seemed to have followed her, as she still heard his song in her head. The soothing melody continued, and she thought back to the night before, when the Captain had sung his lullaby. Sitting amidst the children and gazing at him as he sang, Maria had felt so rested; like she belonged. His eyes had traveled around the group, and she had noticed how they had seemed to soften when they had met hers for a split second. Gretl had nuzzled further into her lap as she'd watched him, transfixed by his voice and how perfect the moment had seemed.

Feeling more relaxed, she walked into an open courtyard, and once again was immersed in the sun. Squinting her eyes against the sudden brightness, she watched the light reflect off of the windows, making her surroundings seem even more brilliant. An image instantly flashed before her: a set of piercing eyes staring at her and a soft yet gentle hand cupping her cheek. She raised her fingers to her face, once again feeling the heat travel down her spine as she became lost in the memory.

Maria sighed, a soft smile forming on her face as she continued to think about him. They shared so much: the children, their faith, their love of music, their devotion to their homeland. They had a connection, and that bond was stronger than anything she had ever felt before. While he already had a name for it, she was beginning to think maybe it was mutual.

She stopped walking, surprised at the sudden ease with which the thought had entered her mind. It had simply appeared, and as she reflected on it, she felt a mixture of excitement and wonder flood over her. Things started to become clear. The thought of loving the Captain made her pulse quicken, and she noted the calming sense of peace that had come over her despite her racing heart.

Looking around, she studied her surroundings. Her mouth fell slightly as she saw to where, exactly, she had been walking. Her aimless wandering had taken her to Klauss's door in the Parsch section, and she blinked several times. She cast a look skyward, partially amused at the destination she had subconsciously chosen after all.

Her amusement didn't last long; it was time to do something. She knew the Captain's feelings, and she could guess what Klauss felt as well. And now she finally knew what her own heart wanted.

Maria swallowed, nervousness filling her at the thought of what she must do, knowing now was the time to do it. She had to act upon her choice and take the next step, no matter how painful it was going to be. She offered a silent prayer for God to give her the strength she'd need.

Taking a deep breath, she continued her walk, only this time, she had a clear destination in mind.

To be continued…

A/N – I don't think I'll ever be happy with this scene. But sometimes, the more one looks at something, the more complicated it gets. So, I'm leaving it as is, at least for now.

I should add, that some of the ideas initially expressed in Chapter 12 ("The Picnic") and echoed here were influenced by Ilandra's amazing Something Good. Those ideas, being, the concept of Maria thinking she "owns" a mountain. I hope Ilandra doesn't mind me paraphrasing the idea; it is hers, after all.

Thank you all so much for your wonderful reviews thus far. They're greatly appreciated! - INAC