Daniel:
Take a look at this.
[Thomas scans the page. His brow furrows slightly as he reads the mirrored list of Franklin's virtues and the Mussar middot.]
Thomas:
Okay... I thought there were supposed to be 13. I count 26.
Looks like each one is paired—Franklin’s with a Mussar. That’s… interesting.
Any reason why?
Daniel:
The simple reason? We think you can handle it—as long as the concepts stay connected.
You already do well with some of these. But this isn’t about knowing them.
It’s about habits. Repetition. Discipline.
Any questions so far?
Thomas:
Yeah. How exactly am I supposed to use this?
[Daniel pulls out a finely bound journal and places it on the desk in front of him.]
Daniel:
That’s why I made this. Actually, a whole series—one for each 13-week cycle.
Each day you’ll focus on a Franklin virtue and its corresponding middah.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
There are quotes, mantras, space for reflections—how you’re feeling, what you notice, that sort of thing.
Sholomoh:
And we’ll be meeting weekly—me, you, and David.
Dr. Morwell also wants you to track how you’re processing it emotionally. He’ll be helping you work through that.
Daniel:
We’re starting with Temperance and Savlanut. Just follow the daily prompts. We’ll check in on Thursday.
Sholomoh:
Alright, take a few minutes to flip through the journal.
I’ll call David—he wanted to debrief this week with us.
[A few moments pass. The phone connects, and David’s voice comes through the speaker, light with humor.]
David (joking):
You know, I always figured I’d have to hide my daughter from the world.
Didn’t expect I’d be considering hiding you, Thomas.
Daniel:
Shall we list the crimes? Let’s look at the damage Thomas did to our peaceful little corner this week.
[He begins ticking off fingers, mock-serious.]
- Wendy. Stepped in when she needed relief the most. Quiet. Clean. Just what she needed.
- Youth Group. He intervened with one of the girls being bullied—not just stopped it, but set a tone. Now she walks to lunch with others. She’s not alone anymore.
- Jonathan. Got him to meet with youth leadership. Set real plans in motion. The kids are fired up. They’re watching out for each other now.
And that’s just Monday.
Thomas (quietly): It didn’t feel like that much.
Daniel:
It never does—to the person actually doing the work.
[He keeps going, holding up more fingers.]
- Tutored Jonathan. His dad says it’s the first real breakthrough they’ve seen.
- Saturday night dessert outing with the teens—Sophia, Sonya, Eli, Jonathan—plus Thomas and Veronica. He quietly paid for the whole table. Manager came by to compliment the group on how respectful they were.
And get this—every one of those teens mirrored Thomas and Veronica’s example the whole evening. Respectful. Poised.
David:
And over here? Shoshana and I took notes from Monday’s meeting and used them to draft Wednesday’s discussion. When Thomas called to tutor her, she led the call—with local youth group leaders listening in. Explained his plan with clarity and confidence. Now they’re rolling it out.
So… what’s the appropriate punishment for all this disruption?
Daniel and Sholomoh (in unison):
A lot.
Daniel:
I say we drag him in front of the Worshipful Master and make him account for these crimes against tranquility.
[Just then, Ruth pokes her head through the doorway, smirking.]
Ruth:
Would you two knock it off and just tell him you’re proud of him?
It’s been years since we’ve seen the Lodge and the auxiliaries this engaged. He’s done something real here.
[Thomas glances down at the journal in his hands. His expression is unreadable—overwhelmed, maybe. The room is quiet for a beat, full of quiet meaning.]
Daniel:
You’re doing more than you realize, son.
Just remember—don’t carry it all alone.
David:
Alright, I’ve got a teenage girl here giving me the death glare for taking the first call this week.
Shoshana, you're up.
[They hear muffled movement, then Shoshana’s voice comes on the line—clear, enthusiastic, a little nervous.]
Shoshana:
It worked. I don’t know how, but after Wednesday’s call, something changed.
We’ve always sat together at lunch, but now… it’s different. We’re organizing. We’re talking. That idea of meeting before youth group to prep together? Genius. Total game-changer.
And Thomas? They were all jealous I got to be part of that first meeting—even if it was over the phone.
I’m proud of you—for not trying to take all the credit.
You don’t even know how many of us are looking to you for guidance.
Thomas:
I feel like I’m the wrong person for that.
Shoshana:
Are you in?
Thomas: (softly)
Shoshana… you know I’m all in.
[Daniel leans toward Sholomoh and whispers, deadpan.]
Daniel:
Did she just ask if he loves her?
Sholomoh (whispers back):
Yes.
And he just said yes.
Shoshana (voice gentler):
Just so you know… I don’t feel so lonely anymore.
But I am excited to see you again.
Oh—and I heard from Sonya. She asked why Veronica is so protective of you.
Tell her thanks for me.
One more thing. Tell our lovely neighbor I called first dibs.
I was the one who approached him.
Right now, I’m planning to fight to keep him. If that ever changes… then sure, he’s fair game for Veronica.
But as far as the other girls? Let’s just say… they haven’t exactly proven themselves worthy.
David:
And Thomas—you’ll need a jacket, tie, and slacks for Tuesday.
Ruth:
I’ll make sure something appropriate is laid out for him.
Sholomoh:
Wait... you were serious about dragging him in front of the Worshipful?
Daniel:
Of course I was. You think I’d pass up a chance to put him on the hot seat after this week?