I wasn't sure if I liked this chapter. :( And I'm pretty sure they're not called "cookies" in Germany, but hey, we do what we can. ("IN MY BEEED—")

Also there will be TWO CHAPTERS up today (since this one is so short), are you ready for this?

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We're at the crossroads. Hanschen turns to face me, handing over the books he had insisted on carrying.

"So this is where I leave. One of these days, I'll see if Mother will have Frau Robel over… And you may come."

I nod slowly. "You're welcome at my house anytime. Mama wouldn't mind at all."

I think he smiled. Just a little, but it's there.

"I will keep that in mind. Goodbye, Ernst."

"Goodbye…"

He turns on his heel and takes the right path. I take the left, and I'm reminded all too much of the night Hanschen sprained my wrist. I attempt to calm my breathing. I think back on our walk but can't remember much… Just what I shouldn't. Were Hanschen's eyes always such a piercing, bright blue? Did his arms always look so strong, almost… Inviting? I shake my head and walk faster. What am I even thinking? Hanschen's a boy. I'm a boy. Two boys couldn't possibly…

I walk even faster.

"Mama, I'm home." As soon as I walk in the door, I can smell something sweet baking. I close my eyes, savoring the scent.

I hear Mama calling from the kitchen. "Put your things away, Ernst, then come in here for some cookies!"

I hastily obey, Hanschen temporarily forgotten. I rush back downstairs, too impatient to change out of my school clothes. Mama smiles at me as I bound around the corner, giving her a hug as I enter.

"Hello, Mama," I say.

She raises her eyebrow, still smiling. "Is there something you'd like, Ernst?"

I smile widely. "There is one thing…"

"Maybe this?" She pulls a cookie from the tray behind her.

I grab it from her, still grinning. "I cannot say no to your cooking. Thank you, Mama." I sit down at the table, where there is a glass of milk waiting for me. Mama sits at the other end of the table, enjoying her own cookie.

"What happened at school today, Ernst?"

My eyes grow wide as I remember. "Moritz was yelled at for getting a question wrong." I duck my head. "And I probably should have woke him up. Melchior was struck for trying to help him."

Mama says nothing.

"And Hanschen Rilow walked me home." I've finished my snack.

"Oh, he did? Is he a friend?"

I pause. Is he? "Yes…" I stand, pushing my chair in. "Thank you for the cookie, Mama." I shine my smile again.

"You're welcome, Ernst. Now go do your homework." She smiles back.

Once again, I climb the stairs to my bedroom. While I change out of my uniform, I think. Would I call Hanschen my friend? I know he doesn't consider me a friend. To him I'm just a classmate, one of five acquaintances.

I pull out my bible and flip to the Psalms. The thin pages provide me with comfort. Smiling happily, I begin to read.