INT. KITCHEN – LATE NIGHT

  Rose sees Tamar enter, her expression a confusing mix of shock, amusement, and something deeper.

  Rose (raising an eyebrow):

  Is something happening? Your face looks like it can’t decide which emotion to land on.

  Tamar (still processing):

  Okay. You are never going to guess who I just saw ask Tzuriel for a real, passionate kiss.

  Miryam (eyes widening):

  No. She didn’t.

  She did not.

  Tamar:

  Oh, she did. And let me tell you—she got a toe-curling kiss in return.

  I’ve got to admit, even in the heat of the moment, I’ve never seen a guy keep his hands so still.

  But after a minute, I pulled them apart.

  Rose (grinning):

  So… where are they now?

  Tamar:

  I sent them to their separate rooms.

  But I think we need to talk about passion—what’s good about it, and what’s dangerous.

  This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

  This is her first relationship, and Tzuriel is so cautious... I don’t think either of them knows what alarm bells should sound.

  Rose (nodding slowly):

  I can see that.

  But let me get this straight—she asked him?

  Tamar:

  Yes.

  They didn’t know I was watching or listening.

  Miryam (in disbelief):

  Wait, you said his hands didn’t move?

  Tamar:

  That’s what struck me.

  She told him, “You know the limits.”

  I think—after everything that’s happened—she just needed to know how much he really feels for her.

  And I can say, without a doubt… he showed her.

  But you know what’s funny?

  This all started with Zeb’s offer.

  Rose:

  I can see how that would bring up a lot of questions.

  Tamar:

  Do you remember when you brought up the idea of him going on a mission?

  I think I get it now.

  It’s easy to forget all that’s happened to that kid over the past few months.

  Rose:

  I’m almost convinced that his mission means more than we really understand.

  Unless… you heard something you feel you could share?

  Tamar (quietly):

  I think we’ve taken for granted the intentionality behind his choices.

  He’s not just going along with things.

  That mission—it was a promise he made to himself, before us, before this whole life.

  It’s the last piece of his own story he’s still holding onto.

  It’s why you still hear that rebellious spirit in him, even when he talks about doing good.

  Rose (softly):

  Yes… There was always that question of what he’d do before the Rite of Adoption.

  Miryam:

  We were just glad he agreed.

  Tamar:

  But I don’t think he just agreed.

  From what I heard… he made an oath.

  To Shoshana. To our family. To the organization.

  His mission wasn’t about permission—it was a promise.

  And now? Saying he’s “all in” means he’s committed. Fully. No halfway.

  He told Shoshana that even if she joined his faith, they’d still marry under the chuppah.

  He understands that he’s becoming part of a Jewish family.

  Rose (leaning on the counter):

  I’ve been wondering about that.

  Since that day… he still goes to church, sure.

  But his commitment?

  It seems to be with us.