[Scene: In the car, just after getting in to head home]

  Veronica (glancing at Thomas as she buckles her seatbelt): That was a really nice thing you did today—for Sophia. How did you know she was being harassed?

  Thomas (starting the engine, eyes on the road): I didn’t. Not exactly. I just had this feeling I should check in on her. That’s why I asked where her class was this morning. Honestly, I was planning to check on her after this weekend anyway. I remember what it’s like to have a crush that goes nowhere.

  Veronica (softly): You’ve got to tell?

  Thomas (nods once): Tiffaney.

  Veronica (raising her eyebrows): Tiffaney?

  Thomas (a small smile): Yeah. Since third grade.

  Veronica: Does she know?

  Thomas: Not that I’m aware of. Still... it always felt a little too close to home.

  Veronica (quiet for a beat, then nodding): I get that. Being in the same group... things get complicated when someone breaks up. It ripples.

  Thomas: Exactly. [pauses] Oh, by the way—can we swing by Wendy’s? I’ve got a feeling we should pick up Morgan.

  Veronica (a bit surprised): That’s... random. But okay. Let’s check on her.

  [Scene: A few minutes later, at Wendy’s front door. She opens it looking exhausted. Morgan is fussy in the background.]

  Thomas (gently): Hey.

  Veronica (stepping in beside him): We’re here to get Morgan. Where’s his diaper bag?

  Wendy (relieved, but clearly worn out): In the nursery.

  [Veronica heads off toward the nursery. Thomas stays in the entryway with Wendy.]

  Thomas (quietly): Would you like a hug?

  [Wendy nods faintly. Thomas steps forward and gives her a careful, comforting hug.]

  Thomas (softly): Eric worked the weekend, didn’t he? And Morgan’s got colic?

  Wendy (voice cracking): Yeah… I thought I could handle it.

  Veronica (re-entering with the bag, gently finishing Wendy’s sentence): Then it all hit at once. My mom used to say it sneaks up on you—that point where you're just trying not to fall apart.

  Wendy (looking at her gratefully): Yes. That’s exactly it. But... how did you know?

  Veronica (nodding toward Thomas): He just had a feeling. So here we are.

  Thomas: We’ve got Morgan. You know where we’ll be—either my place or Veronica’s.

  Veronica (kind): Come get him whenever you’re ready. No pressure.

  [Scene: At Thomas’s house. Ruth is standing at the door as they arrive.]

  Ruth (opening her arms): You two put your bags down and come here. Let me give you a big hug.

  [They drop their things and let Ruth pull them into a warm embrace.]

  Ruth (smiling with pride): That was a big day. A surprising one too. You helped more than one person today.

  Sophia’s mom called to say thank you—whatever happened, it clearly meant something. Sophia wouldn’t talk much, but her mom said she came home... calmer.

  And now this—picking up Morgan? Without being asked?

  This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

  [She shakes her head affectionately.]

  Ruth: Are you sure there’s not one more good deed left in you today? Besides helping me around the house?

  Thomas (grinning): Depends. Is it dishes?

  Ruth (mock stern): Dishes and folding laundry.

  Veronica (groaning but smiling): Of course it is.

  [They help with the dishes and clothes then settle down to do home work in the living room.]

  [By 7:30 PM, the house is lively with youth group leaders and participants. Thomas, holding a now-calm Morgan, draws quiet attention from the girls in the group, making him slightly uncomfortable. Veronica’s parents, Ruth, and Sholomoh listen from the nearby office, the door cracked open. Jonathan stands to address the group.]

  Jonathan: I was approached this weekend with a Secret Santa idea. I know, sounds basic—but this version has real depth.

  [The group glances toward Thomas, sensing his influence.]

  Jonathan: Here’s the thing: we learn best by doing—and by paying attention. One of the hardest skills to teach is being observant of others’ needs. But like anything else, it can be practiced.

  So the plan is this: the younger members of the group will be on the lookout for classmates or families who might have a rough Christmas. They’ll quietly report back to us or a senior member.

  How does that sound so far?

  Sophia: So, how do the adults fit in?

  May (stepping forward): We act as guides. We’ll help identify what the family might need—and help deliver gifts or support as discreetly as possible. You’ve seen Thomas do this. He pays attention because he was shown how. I think this idea is more personal to him than he lets on.

  Jonathan: Veronica, want to explain how we’ll structure things?

  Veronica: Sure. We’re thinking of dividing into groups of five. That gives us four or five teams of teens and preteens—with built-in mentorship and leadership opportunities.

  Eli: What will Thomas be doing?

  Thomas: I’ll be around for support—helping work through any problems. But honestly, I want to focus more on mentoring around Summa Theologica with Jonathan. If you need help with this project, talk to Daniel.

  Eli: Why not you?

  Thomas: Depends on what you need. The text is hard—I can’t just give you answers. But if it’s about Secret Santa or general guidance, I’m happy to help.

  Sholomoh (gently): Eli, do you ever feel like your parents are too busy to notice your needs?

  Sophia: Not always, but… yeah.

  Eli: Sometimes, yeah.

  May: So what should be our priority, even with this project?

  [Murmurs of "school" and "family."]

  Sholomoh: Then where should Thomas’ focus be?

  Eli (reluctantly): Same.

  Thomas (quietly): Do you know why I had Morgan tonight?

  Wendy (softly): Because I was overwhelmed and too exhausted to even ask for help. Thank you. It’s amazing what a few quiet minutes can do for your sanity.

  Thomas: I’m not trying to overextend. This project will need you guys to carry the ball. If you want it to happen, make it happen.

  Daniel: Just know—you’ve got support. Any one of us. But this is meant to be youth-led, adult-supported. The adult support is already here. The rest is up to you.

  Jonathan: Any questions or concerns?

  [The group murmurs quietly but no one speaks up.]

  Jonathan: Veronica, what did you call this model?

  Veronica: We called it Family Home Evening. The idea is to teach a short lesson, discuss concerns, and plan meaningful activities as a group.

  Jonathan: I like it. I want to schedule another in early December to check progress and coordinate. Maybe I can host.

  Jonathan (to his group): Alright—those who rode with me, I’ve still got homework. Let’s go.

  [The group begins to head out. Soon, only Thomas, Veronica, the Mendelsons, and Eric’s family remain.]

  Daniel (to Thomas): Good work tonight.

  Sholomoh: Shoshana wants to say something.

  [Thomas walks over to the phone where Shoshana has been listening in.]

  Thomas: Hey.

  Shoshana (voice warm): You should see the grin on Dad’s face. Mom’s been taking notes. I—I don’t even know what to say. We’ll talk Wednesday.

  Thomas (smiling): Any excuse to hear your voice.

  Shoshana: Good.

  [The call ends. May turns to Veronica.]

  May (teasing): You better let Shoshana know—if she doesn’t want him, we do. I think your dad’s right.

  Veronica (blushing): Mom! I’m too young. And Shoshana’s my best friend.

  Eric: Thomas, there are leaders—and then there are leaders. You’re the rare kind. Thanks again for picking up Morgan. He’s calm now.

  Ruth: I think he’s sensitive to emotions. He’s been peaceful here.

  Veronica: We’re happy to take him again if you ever need. Even just for a date night.

  Wendy (genuinely): You have no idea how much that means. But I think I’m okay now. Eric hasn’t eaten, so we’ll head out.

  And no, Ruth—you don’t need to cook anything for us.

  Thomas (playfully): Double date again soon?

  Daniel (grinning): I think it was technically a triple date, but sure—we’re up for it.

  [Eric and Wendy’s family leave, then Daniel’s family. The house grows quieter. Ruth sits on the couch and gestures for Thomas to join her. She pulls him into a long hug.]

  Ruth (softly): How did you know?

  Thomas (quietly): I should be asking you the same.

  Ruth: What I saw you do for Wendy tonight… that’s how you earned your shekel. You didn’t go looking for a cause. You just felt the need—and responded.

  [Thomas lets the moment sit, resting in the quiet approval.]