David and Sholomoh stood shoulder-to-shoulder near the couch, both looking a little shell-shocked.
Mariam and Wendy walked in from the kitchen, coffee cups in hand.
Mariam: “So? How did it go at the Taleskys’?”
Sholomoh and David answered in perfect unison, voices low: “Let’s just say we’re glad he wasn’t with us. We’re never letting him go back.”
Richard Thomas (one of the furniture crew) shook his head. “I’ve known that boy five minutes, and I still can’t square the way they spoke to us with the way he treats everyone else. It wasn’t right.”
Ruth crossed the room and pulled Thomas into a soft, grandmotherly hug that smelled of cinnamon and safety. “Welcome home, sweetheart.”
Shoshana laughed. “Grandma, you should’ve stayed in the kitchen—Mom already grilled him like shish kebab when we got here.”
Ruth’s eyes twinkled. “And did he survive?”
Sholomoh gave a gruff nod. “Stood up to your daughter the same way he stood up to me. The boy’s had practice.”
He turned to Thomas. “You’ve seen your room?”
“It’s… more than I ever thought I’d have,” Thomas said quietly.
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David glanced at the small pile of belongings by the door—two duffels and a backpack. “We didn’t realize how little you actually owned.”
Thomas shrugged, a tiny smile. “I made it work.”
Sholomoh cleared his throat. “All right. Rough house rules. Listen close.
- Your first job is to be here if we need help. Doesn’t mean you’re a servant—just present.
- Take care of yourself. Eat, sleep, shower. That’s not negotiable.
- School comes first. If you need tutoring, any man in this room will move heaven and earth.
- You will study for the second and third medallions. Those two gold ones I showed you last night? They’ll be waiting when you’re ready.
- And finally…” He glanced at Shoshana, then back. “Be sensitive with my granddaughter. She’s part of why you’re here, but she’s precious to all of us. Treat her that way.”
Thomas met his eyes steadily. “I’ll remember every one, sir. And I’ll keep them.”
David added, “Check in with me once a week—just a quick call or text. I need to know you’re okay.”
“Done,” Thomas said.
At that exact moment the front door burst open and Veronica strode in like she’d been coming here since kindergarten.
Veronica: “Important question—how’s Tom getting to school tomorrow?”
Thomas: “I can walk or bike. I’m used to it—”
Veronica cut him off. “Wrong answer. You’re riding with me. Shoshana, you cool with that?”
Shoshana grinned. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Veronica turned to Thomas, already planning. “Last class?”
He told her the room number.
“Perfect. I’ll be there at the bell. Oh—and Mom wants you and Shoshana to swing by before y’all leave town. Five minutes, tops.”
Ruth called from the doorway, “Make it quick, kinderlach!”
The trio was out the door in a swirl of laughter and waving.
Ruth watched them go, then turned to the remaining men now drifting downstairs with empty tool belts and satisfied expressions.
“Food’s hot in the kitchen, gentlemen. Eat before you leave, and thank you—for everything.”
She touched David’s arm. “You rushing off?”
David exhaled. “Was planning to, but… the house feels good today.”
Ruth smiled. “Then sit. Your daughter isn’t ready to say goodbye yet. They’ll be back soon.”
Sholomoh lowered himself into his armchair, looked around the room that suddenly felt fuller than it had in years, and gave the smallest, gruff nod of contentment.
The house was no longer quiet.
It was home.