INT. MENDELSON KITCHEN – LATE MORNING

  Ruth stands at the kitchen window, arms folded, a small smile on her lips as she watches the golden November leaves drift down. Outside, Thomas and Shoshana sit quietly on the backyard swing, swaying gently, their heads close together.

  Miryam (entering, casually):

  So, what are the plans for the end of the year?

  Ruth (still watching the window):

  Normally I wouldn’t give it much thought, but… I guess this year is different.

  Miryam:

  It’s been a few years since you’ve had a teenager in the house. Though “young man” might be more accurate. He helped pack the bags before we even arrived.

  Ruth (smiling):

  He did most of the heavy lifting—literally. Even remade all the beds so they’d be fresh when we got home.

  Miryam:

  David told me a request went through for special dispensation. Thomas might be allowed to attend lodge as a probationary member.

  Ruth:

  I think he’ll decline for now. His heart’s focused on the youth program. That’s where he’s starting to see his own impact.

  Miryam:

  It’s hard to believe a few months ago, no one knew him. And now… people are looking to him as an example.

  Ruth (turning from the window):

  Which brings us back to your question—we do need a plan. The hardest part is deciding how much time they should be apart. I hate the thought of it… but I still think it’s necessary.

  Miryam:

  I’ve been considering keeping them out of the Secret Santa for both groups. Give them time to rest, recharge before the new year.

  Ruth (nods):

  That’s wise.

  Miryam (suddenly remembering):

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  Did you hear? Daniel got us tickets to The Nutcracker.

  Ruth (perking up):

  Box seats, no less. I was thinking we could split the break between here and our place. Or maybe Shoshana could stay with Veronica, depending on the schedule.

  David enters the kitchen, catching the tail end of the conversation.

  David:

  So what are you two planning now?

  Miryam:

  Winter break. The priority is giving our troublemakers some time to recover before the calendar flips.

  Zeb (joining, grinning):

  I don’t know what you think, but I’d love to get Thomas working with us over the summer. I’ve seen how he reasons things out. Even if we have to find a role for Shoshana too. Funny timing—we’re looking for someone with basic coding skills, and he’s got them.

  David:

  How long do you think you’d need to test him?

  Zeb:

  A week. Maybe just enough to get him set up with a machine here—or upgrade his at home. Ideally both, so he can practice wherever he is.

  Dad, what do you think?

  David:

  I’ve been thinking about his family’s donut shop. Word is, the grandmother’s planning to retire. SBSO’s looking into securing the business. I was wondering if Tamar might manage it on Tzuriel’s behalf.

  Zeb:

  She’d be perfect. She clearly has a soft spot for him. But isn’t it a little early to set up something that big?

  David:

  There are a few reasons. One, it’s a locally known chain. Two, we’ve wanted a place to train bakers—help them master the craft. The income could support SBSO, and it would provide a solid foundation for Tzuriel long-term.

  Ruth:

  It all sounds good, but talk to Tamar.

  Tamar walks in just as her name is mentioned.

  Tamar (arching an eyebrow, amused):

  What does my hubby need to talk to me about?

  David:

  Tzuriel’s family business might be coming up for sale. SBSO’s thinking of purchasing it—and we’d like you to manage it, if you’re willing.

  Tamar (grinning):

  Finally, a way to be superior to the kid.

  I’m guessing he won’t know about this for a while?

  David:

  Not until after high school. Maybe not until after his mission.

  Tamar (blinking):

  Wait, mission? I thought he was supposed to be Jewish.

  David:

  He is. But I think the idea of a mission—structured, purposeful—is part of what’s driving his discipline with Shoshana. Some in the organization see it as a good thing. But he can’t submit paperwork for over a year yet.

  Zeb:

  What do you think he’ll do afterward?

  David:

  I imagine he’ll continue helping SBSO. And if he and Shoshana are still together, any children they have will be Jewish. That’s not a small thing. I think he knows this only works if they’re fully committed to each other.

  Zeb:

  That’s why I like the coding idea. Let’s draw him into the organization in a way that feels like his choice. Give him something real to contribute—even before he decides what’s next. That might ground him in Jewish life better than any lesson could.

  A quiet beat. Ruth turns back to the window. Outside, the teens are still on the swing, caught in a world all their own.

  Ruth (softly):

  Whatever we decide… they’ll need space to grow.

  But also… a strong tether.

  David (gently, to the group):

  So, I guess for now, we’ll have Tzuriel up here the first week of winter break.

  Then Shoshana will be down at Veronica’s… or at Dad’s.

  Is everyone in agreement?

  Everyone glances around the room—nodding slowly. No one says it aloud, but it’s clear: this isn’t just a schedule. It’s a commitment to guide two young hearts without breaking them.

  Outside, the swing keeps moving—soft, steady, like time itself.