So yeah, I wrote this chapter forever ago, but it's Sunday so I thought I'd put it up. And I have no idea where this story is going! Haha I'm writing with no plan, that's never good…But I know how it will end, and I have a title now, so this is good.

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It's Sunday. Mama has deemed me well enough to go to church, as the doctor said I only had a sprained wrist. This makes me very happy. Church is the highlight of my week, and when I miss it, I get upset.

Mama and I travel down the road. Memories of the other night flicker through my mind. I can pinpoint the exact location where Hanschen knocked me down. I unconsciously rub at the wrappings on my wrist.

We finally arrive and take our usual places near the front. I take a look around before the service starts. Melchior is not here, as usual, and I'm not disappointed because I did not expect him. I spot the rest of my classmates. Everything seems normal. I give a little wave to Thea and she smiles back. As the priest steps up to the podium, I turn to the front and open my Bible. The sermon begins. I listen intensely, hanging onto his every word.

After church, I make my way over to where the other children are gathered. Anna waves as I approach. "Hello, Ernst!" I smile and wave. She runs up and gives me a hug, laughing. I sit down with Thea, Wendla and Anna. I always got along better with the girls for some reason.

Otto and Georg sit close, discussing something in fevered whispers. Hanschen is alone, reclining on his hands with his legs stretched out in front of him. Moritz is with his father, watching everyone else with an almost wistful stare.

I turn back to my company. "Wendla, how are you?" I ask.

She smiles. "Very well, actually. Thank you. And yourself? What happened to your arm?" she adds, glancing down and seeing the wrappings.

"Oh, I… fell." I say, waiting until Wendla looks at Anna to sneak a glance at Hanschen. He appears not to hear me.

"Oh," Thea adds. "Are you okay?"

"I'll be fine in a few days. It will heal."

This seemed to satisfy the girls, and they start to babble among themselves.

Hanschen moves to sit cross-legged, catching my eye. He holds eye contact for just long enough for him to give a thankful nod. When I drop my gaze, blush starting, Hanschen gets up, sauntering over to where his parents stand.

The Rilows say their final goodbyes and leave. I turn my attention back to the girls. Wendla is talking to me.

"So, you went to the market with Melchi Gabor?"

Thea leans in closer. All eyes on me.

"Um… yes."

"And what was he like?" Thea asks excitedly.

I giggle. "You've talked to him before, Thea."

She sighs melodramatically. "Yes, but it's been so long since I've talked to him. Has he changed much?"

I think for just a moment. "Yes…"

Thea's eyebrows are raised, expectant. "Oh, please, Ernst. Humor me?"

I can't help but smile. All of the girls lean in closer as I tell of my day. When I finish—leaving out Hanschen—Thea sighs.

"You're a fool, Ernst."

Anna nods in agreement. "You should have let him take you home. He's so wonderful."

It doesn't escape my notice that Wendla is silent, picking at the grass.