Scene: Dr. Morwell’s office. Thomas steps inside. Dr. Morwell greets him with an easy, knowing smile.]

  Dr. Morwell (grinning):

  I’m not going to lie—my brother’s in the same youth leadership group as Shoshana. So yes, I heard all about the now-famous Wednesday night call.

  He said you never took over—but somehow kept everyone engaged. He was especially impressed that you let Shoshana present the idea to the leaders herself. That really stuck with him.

  Boy, is he excited.

  But what I want to know is… how do you feel about how the week went?

  Take a breath if you need to.

  [Thomas drifts, eyes unfocused. Dr. Morwell lets the silence stand. After a few minutes—]

  Thomas (quietly):

  We coordinated everything Monday. Shoshana listened in on the call. Her mom took detailed notes, so by Wednesday it was mostly clarifying expectations—what guidance to give, what to watch for.

  Dr. Morwell:

  I was warned you have a habit of stating things very clearly—almost clinically—while minimizing your own role. So let me ask again: how do you feel about what you helped set up?

  Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

  Two programs, from what I hear.

  Thomas (measured):

  I guess… I was the catalyst. I helped it happen.

  But I don’t want to carry the weight of it all.

  Dr. Morwell (nodding):

  That’s an unusually precise way to put it.

  Though—if I’m being honest—I think you did mess up Wednesday night.

  [Thomas looks up, surprised.]

  Dr. Morwell (smiling):

  My brother was thrilled to work with you. Then he found out he’d have to wait and go down to Lake Jackson.

  He was a little disappointed.

  Thomas (genuine):

  I’m sorry. I didn’t think about that part. I had… other things on my mind.

  Dr. Morwell:

  Totally understandable. Honestly, it was probably the right call.

  You look happy—but I can still see the weight. The pressure of watching things move forward.

  Thomas:

  This feels different than last week.

  The way you’re talking.

  Dr. Morwell (thoughtful):

  Let’s just say some of my assumptions about you have changed.

  At first, I thought you were a strong-willed leader—always charging the front. That’s what I’d heard.

  But now I see it’s not that you can’t lead from the front—it’s that you’re willing to step aside and let others be seen.

  That’s something most adults never learn.

  Ruth mentioned that after Monday and Wednesday, she needed some reassurance. Said it was a bit draining.

  Also… my wife wants to meet you. After what my brother shared, she’s curious.

  I’ll check with David and Myriam first—I just want to understand your connection with them a little better.

  Thomas (steady):

  If that’s the case—Friday or Sunday.

  Thursday’s a family day.

  Dr. Morwell (smiling):

  As it should be.

  May I ask—just now, before you spoke—you seemed far away. Where did you go?

  Thomas (after a pause):

  Ms. Hendrix taught me a visualization technique when I was younger. To regulate emotions.

  I went back to a moment tied to that lesson. A photo. A memory.

  Dr. Morwell (impressed):

  Good instinct. Don’t hesitate to use that here.

  In fact, we might start sessions that way. I’ve heard—and I’m starting to see—that you’re a great conversationalist when you’re relaxed. Otherwise, you choose every word like it costs something.

  You’re keeping up with your grades, so… I think I’ll send you home instead of back to school.

  Go get a hug. Get some personal attention. Take Shabbat to recover.

  If you stop by the bookshop—take it slow.

  You’ve earned that much.

  I was planning to go over the thirteen virtues you were assigned…

  but I think we’ll save those for next week.