Maria entered the Mother Abbess' office and there she saw … him. He was standing there, more elegant than ever. He gave her that shy and breathtaking smile she would probably never be able to get out of her mind.

"Good afternoon, Captain."

"Good afternoon, Fraulein."

This is all that was said. None of them dared to say anything. But the silence itself was worth a thousand words. The Mother Abbess started to feel there might be more than a simple employer-employee relationship. Maybe friendship? No, it was even more than that. When friends meet, they can't stop talking and talking for hours. Maria's silence was betryaing her feelings more than words could. Maria was far from being a silent person after all! So, they were both obviously uncomfortable in each other's company.

"Maria dear, why don't you go for a walk with Captain Von Trapp, and show him our lovely garden?"

"Yes Mother, that is a nice idea. At least, if you would like to Captain?"

If he would like to? Of course he would! He could travel the whole world with her! Those gorgeous eyes, he couldn't refuse them anything.

"I'd be delighted."

A few moments later, they were walking around the abbey's simple, yet coulourful garden. In summertime, the smell of roses, and the sight of all the grown flowers, vegetables and fruits was a real delight.

Again, silence. Maria thought it was high time to "break the ice". A simple, innocent topic. The weather? No, TOO simple.

"How are the children?"

"Not too bad, but not too well either. They have been missing you, your music, your games, … your smile."

Ouch! Maria realised too late that the question she thought would be innocent was actually the one which would lead them right to the topic she had so wanted to avoid.

"Oh … I'm sorry I … I …"

"You don't have to be sorry, Fraulein. You missed the abbey, so you simply followed your heart, like you always do."

"I just felt the time had come for me to say my vows."

"The children will miss you, but I'm sure they will get over it after a little while. They'll just need some time."

"... You followed your heart …" he said. If she had indeed followed her heart, she certainly wouldn't be here.

"Fraulein, I was thinking that maybe …"

"Yes?"

"Well, before you say your vows, it would be nice of you could come to see the children, and talk to them. I'm sure it would help if you could explain to them why you can't stay any longer."

"And say a proper goodbye! It was so bad of me to run away like a thief, in the middle of the night."

Georg couldn't help smiling at her.

"A very nice thief then I would say …"

"You're flattering me Captain. You can count on me, I will go see the children. Tomorrow, maybe?"

"You're welcome anytime Fraulein."

"You can't imagine how guilty I am feeling. But I need to move on and live the life I was born to live."

Those words she had just said hurt him so much. She was a nun, and that is the only reason why he couldn't tell his feelings. If he did, he would lose her forever. So he decided he would take what she could give him: friendship. And love for his children. At least if he didn't say anything, he might be able to see her once in a while. It was really painful, but the only option so far.

Suddenly, her voice brought him back to reality.

"Are you all right Captain?"

"Oh … what … yes, I am. Sorry, I was lost in my thoughts."

"Good thoughts I hope."

"Well to be honest, I was wondering how a person like you can live the abbey life. I mean, you're so full of energy and can hardly remain quiet."

She cracked up.

"Well, my turn to be honest. I am far from being a role model. The world's record of kissing-the-floor is mine."

"Kissing the floor? Why didn't I think of that? Instead of letting you teaching my children how to be the noisiest."

"Oh I am so sorry, but you will have to cope with it from now on."

"I know! And I am very thankful for that. You taught us that life can be enjoyed no matter what happens, that in everything there is a bright side. You brought us back to life Fraulein, nothing less than that."

"I am so happy I could help. Now my mind is in peace, and I feel more ready than ever to say my vows. Thanks to the children … and you. For once in my life I felt useful, and I know this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Help people."

"I'm sure you will do great."

"Thank you."

He tried not to show it, but this conversation was so painful to him. He couldn't take it anymore, so he decided it would be best for him to leave.

"So I can expect to see you tomorrow?"

"Of course! I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Thank you again, Fraulein."

"Anytime, Captain. I will always be here for you and the children."

Not the way he wanted her to, but she would be there ...

"Well … goodbye, Fraulein."

"Goodbye, Captain."