The sky is darkening. Our ride is over and I successfully avoided mortifying myself.
"Come in." I gesture to the door.
Mama rounds the corner. "Ernst! Home already?"
"Mama, we haven't left yet." I say, slightly exasperated. "Melchior was helping me with the horses."
"Oh, yes. Hello Melchior, I didn't see you there. Come in, come in. Would you like something to eat? Drink, perhaps?"
Melchior smiles politely. "No, thank you, Frau Robel. We should really go, before it gets too dark."
"Of course, of course. Ernst, be careful. I'm sure you're in capable hands with Melchior here, but still…" She bites her lip.
"Goodbye, Mama," I say quickly. "Melchior, let's go." I push him back out the door.
He laughs as Mama closes the door, nearly drowning out her final warnings. "Why the violence?" he asks, raising his eyebrows.
"She was about to tell me I couldn't go, didn't you see?"
Melchior just smiles. I turn away, flustered. We start walking down the road.
"So," I begin, trying to start some kind of conversation. "Does your mama always send you to the market with boys from school?"
He chuckles softly. "Usually I take Moritz. But today I wanted a change."
"I see."
Silence. One of those horrible, horrible silences that stretches on and on until someone breaks it.
Finally, we enter the market. My eyes gleam with expectation and excitement. I love the market. Everything is so alive! I didn't think it would be as busy as it is. People of all ages, sizes and genders babble around Melchior and I, picking out food for next week's meals.
Melchior pushes ahead. Afraid of being separated, I grab the end of his shirt. He stops, startled, and turns to face me, breaking my grip.
"I-I didn't want to lose you. Uh, in the crowd, I mean." Blushing again.
"Of course, I'm sorry. I didn't think." He grabs my wrist instead. "You don't have to trail behind me, Ernst." He grins. It's infectious. I feel like a small child again. He and I run from stall to stall, gathering whatever Melchior's mama told him to get… And some she didn't.
We finished much, much too late. "Melchior, Mama will be so upset with me." I frown. "I'd better get home before she sends a search party after me."
"Well, let me walk you," Melchior answers.
I shake my head. "No, I know you're late as well. I can't make you even later. I don't want you to get in trouble on my account."
Melchior looks concerned. "And I don't want you getting hurt!"
I smile, just a little. "I'll be fine," I assure him. "I've walked home from the market before."
"Alone? And in the dark?" He looks almost angry now.
"Melchior? Please don't be upset with me." I place a hand on his shoulder. "I'll be fine," I repeat.
He sighs, exasperated. "Then go by yourself. I'll see you next week, Ernst." He turns to walk away, and I don't stop him.
"I had fun," I call.
He turns just a little, still walking. He's smiling. He says nothing but gives a small wave.
I'm beaming.