Scene: Around 9:30 a.m. — a knock at the door. Tamar opens it to see Dr. Morwell and his elegant wife standing on the porch.]
Tamar:
Mom, were you expecting Dr. Morwell this morning?
Miryam (thinking):
I remember he asked to stop by—I don’t remember him saying when.
(soft smile) Dear, let them in.
Ms. Morwell (warmly):
I hope we’re not intruding.
I just wanted to see them together. Where are they?
Tamar:
Actually, it’s a good time. They’re out back on the bench swing.
You can watch from the kitchen window—it’s been Mom and Grandma’s favorite sight this week.
[They lead them into the kitchen, offer tea, and gesture to the window. Through it, Thomas is reading to Shoshana, the two of them close but peaceful on the swing.]
Ms. Morwell (soft chuckle):
They look like they stepped out of a Hallmark movie.
Rose:
Yes. They do.
Miryam:
I’ve got to say—I’m happy with how this relationship is growing.
Tamar (grinning):
They even had a real “discipline kiss” last night.
Dr. Morwell (raising an eyebrow):
Discipline kiss?
Tamar (amused):
Like an old movie kiss—intense, passionate, but respectful.
I let it go for a minute, then stepped in. That felt right.
Ms. Morwell:
Sounds like a moment to witness.
Dr. Morwell:
So… where do you all see this heading?
Rose:
Better-than-average odds, I’d say.
Miryam:
Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
But I’m guessing you’re not just here to watch young love.
You’re excited, aren’t you? I remember how curious I was when he first came onto our radar.
Rose (gently):
Keep it light—there are others waiting to meet with them today.
[They head outside. Shoshana spots them first.]
Shoshana (surprised):
Mrs. Morwell? What are you doing here?
Thomas:
I think Mr. Morwell and his wife wanted to meet me officially.
Ms. Morwell (cheerfully):
That—and I wanted to see you two together before the youth group gets here and wipes you out.
Now, Shoshana… tell me about that kiss.
Shoshana (blushing, laughing):
It was good. Safe… and passionate.
Dr. Morwell (grinning):
Okay. Noted.
Thomas:
It was something that needed to be expressed.
But now—it’s become something more than that moment.
[Shoshana gives him a grateful look. She doesn’t want to re-explain. He just did it for her.]
Ms. Morwell (softly):
We’re still getting used to seeing her this attached to someone.
But you both seem steady.
Dr. Morwell:
Thomas, where do you see this going?
Thomas:
Where a committed relationship leads. That’s what I’m aiming for.
Dr. Morwell:
Shoshana, did you know I’ve been working with Thomas recently?
Shoshana (turning to Thomas):
No! Tzuriel—you didn’t tell me he was your counselor?
Thomas:
It’s fairly recent… and I didn’t realize you knew each other so well.
Shoshana (teasing):
The community’s smaller than you think.
Something tells me my brother-in-law had a hand in this.
Thomas (lightly):
Maybe.
But this—what you see with me and Shoshana—is real.
Ms. Morwell (smiling):
They weren’t prepared for teasing, were they?
Dr. Morwell:
What about the youth group’s reaction to the plan you two proposed?
Shoshana:
That was all Thomas. But I appreciated how he gave me space to present it.
It made our group stronger. I felt trusted.
Dr. Morwell:
And your virtues journals? How are those going?
Shoshana:
We’ve been working on them together.
It’s nice—to ask each other how we’re doing with keeping them.
Funny thing is… we’re aligned this week.
Dr. Morwell (nods):
Good. I expected Thomas to answer, but I get the message loud and clear.
Dr. Morwell:
Thomas—how are you handling everything?
Thomas:
Yesterday, I needed time to myself after morning minyan.
But overall, I’m doing fine.
Dr. Morwell:
What happened yesterday?
Shoshana:
We were called up to the bimah.
Plus, all the attention—it got a little overwhelming.
Especially since he’s still learning the rhythm of things.
Thomas:
It was my first morning minyan.
Dr. Morwell:
Ah. That makes sense.
Shoshana (smirking):
You say that, but he looked calm as anything.
Zeb said he handled this morning even better.
Dr. Morwell:
How was this morning?
Thomas (modest):
It went fine.
Ms. Morwell:
Ezra told us he was impressed. He said he’d love to help you keep learning—if you’re willing.
Dr. Morwell:
What time is the youth group arriving?
Shoshana:
Around eleven. So we’ve got an hour.
Ms. Morwell:
Well—we can see you two are still enjoying your quiet time.
We’ll go back inside and check in with the others.
(turning to Thomas)
Next time you’re up here, we’d love to have you over for dinner.
And Shoshana, if you’d like to come too, you’re warmly invited.
I think the two of you are something special.
[They walk back toward the house. Through the window, those inside see Shoshana and Thomas both let out a breath, relaxing visibly.]
Ruth (to Ms. Morwell):
Did that go how you expected?
Ms. Morwell (smiling):
Actually… yes.
My husband says that when Thomas is uncomfortable, he gets very cautious with his words.
But he showed us a lot—without saying too much.
I invited them over for dinner. Maybe next time we’ll catch them a little less guarded.
Would you mind if we stayed until the youth group arrives?
I think we’d like to watch the interaction—just a little longer.
