Even before Shoshana answered the phone, Thomas’s voice was brimming with energy.

  Thomas (excited):

  Shoshana, I think we’ve been reading the Summa Theologica all wrong.

  Shoshana (amused):

  Really? How so?

  Thomas:

  It’s not about memorizing what Aquinas says. It’s about how he asks the questions. Take “Is theology a science?”—we read the article, but I missed the deeper point.

  To Aquinas, “science” isn’t a subject. It’s a method—a disciplined process of asking, testing, refining. It’s a way of examining truth. And I realized… that’s what we do in our relationship.

  Shoshana (curious):

  You mean we’re… testing each other?

  Thomas:

  In a way, yes. When I came into this, I knew I wanted something meaningful. So I prioritized emotional connection over physical contact. And with Veronica, I’ve watched how differently she approaches Mark—the whole thing is built around attraction.

  Shoshana (groaning):

  Ugh, yes. She thought he was beautiful. The moment he paid attention to her, she practically melted. You should’ve seen my eye-rolls.

  Thomas (laughing):

  I can imagine.

  But here’s the point: I’ve lived in emotional insecurity for so long that I crave safety. Physical affection doesn’t give me that. Trust does.

  Shoshana (quieting):

  That… explains a lot. Some of my frustration with you makes more sense now.

  You never treated physical closeness as proof of security.

  Thomas:

  Exactly. Aquinas teaches us to examine our assumptions, to reason through why we do things. I think the Summa isn’t just theology. It’s a model for how to approach truth—and relationships.

  Shoshana fell silent for a beat. Then:

  Shoshana:

  Hold that thought. I’m calling my dad.

  She hung up. Ten minutes later, Thomas’s phone buzzed.

  Shoshana:

  Dad says, “Get to his office now.”

  Thomas:

  I’m at your grandparents’ house.

  Shoshana:

  Grandpa’s office used to be Dad’s—until it became Grandpa’s again.

  Just get there.

  The Office

  A few minutes later, the phone rang in Sholomoh’s office. He stepped inside, answered, then called Thomas and Ruth in. Once everyone was seated, he closed the door.

  Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

  David (on speaker):

  Shoshana, tell me again what you asked.

  Shoshana:

  I asked if Tzuriel was right—that the point of the Summa isn’t to memorize Aquinas’s teachings but to learn his method. The way he asks questions, examines assumptions, tests reasoning.

  And if that’s true, then we can use that same “science” to examine our relationships. Like comparing how Thomas approaches ours—looking for emotional security—versus how Mark and Veronica approach theirs, which is mostly physical attraction.

  Something like that.

  Sholomoh:

  When did this come to you?

  Thomas:

  I was thinking about it while waiting for dinner… and it clicked after I finished washing the dishes.

  Ruth (impressed):

  I don’t even know what to say.

  But I want you both to keep this between us for now.

  Thomas:

  Should I not share it with Veronica?

  Myriam (entering):

  No—not yet. I’ll talk to her parents.

  Part of spiritual formation is discovering insights on your own. Shoshana was already close, so we’re making an exception. With Thomas guiding her, she’ll reach the next level.

  Ruth:

  And that “next level” is self-improvement—learning to question, examine, and reflect.

  One of the virtues you two have been practicing, whether you know it or not, is intimacy. Wouldn’t you agree?

  Myriam:

  Yes. Shoshana still has more to understand, but she’s ready.

  Future Meetings and Boundaries

  David:

  Are you two coming up to shul in two weeks? I’ve been considering letting you see each other.

  But—you won’t be allowed to touch.

  Shoshana:

  Not if I’m on my period.

  Myriam:

  No, it’ll be just after. Your waiting days. You won’t need anything.

  But still—no touching.

  Shoshana (groaning):

  Ugh. Fine. No touching.

  Ruth:

  If you can commit to that, we have something to share with you. But you have to promise. Otherwise you’ll stay home.

  Shoshana:

  I promise.

  Sholomoh:

  Can we visit after services in two weeks?

  David:

  Of course. No need to ask.

  Ruth:

  Good. One less thing to stress about for Thanksgiving.

  David:

  Speaking of Thanksgiving—are you coming up? We’d love to host you all for the long weekend.

  Ruth burst into laughter.

  Shoshana:

  What’s so funny?

  Ruth:

  Just imagining Tzuriel spending four days in the same house as you—trying to behave.

  He’d be smiling, but his eyes would scream for help. His leg would bounce. He wouldn’t even know how he feels.

  Shoshana:

  Why would he have a problem with me?

  Myriam:

  It’s not you. He’s scared of himself.

  I’ve seen how he looks at you. He’s very attracted to you—physically. That scares him.

  Shoshana:

  I thought that was supposed to be a good thing.

  Ruth:

  It is. Beautiful, even.

  But remember that first hug—when you pulled away? He didn’t want distance any more than you did.

  Losing control frightens him.

  Shoshana (soft):

  …oh.

  Myriam:

  Ideally, you’d wait until marriage for anything sexual. But I’m realistic.

  I don’t want secrecy or shame. And your discipline has been astonishing—more than I expected, more than I could’ve asked.

  Keep this up, and you’ll keep affection from getting tangled in desire.

  Thomas:

  I won’t lie. Part of me wants that intimacy.

  But I want us more. I want every hug and kiss to matter. I don’t want to be desensitized.

  Shoshana:

  Unlike school—where people are all over each other in week one, and bored by week three unless they escalate things.

  Ruth:

  Exactly. You don’t realize how rare your connection is. How deeply Thomas values you.

  If he’s cautious, it’s from a good place.

  Assignments and Goodnight

  David:

  All right. I expect the write-up from both of you before the weekend. I’ll help Shoshana refine her ideas. Dad, help Thomas with content.

  Ruth:

  And I’ll handle grammar and spelling. No offense—Dad’s not the master of that.

  Sholomoh (smirking):

  None taken.

  David:

  Also, we’ll soon talk about involving you in the Circle. It’s the women’s counterpart to the Lodge—different structure, same values.

  Thomas:

  And the report from last Sunday—I’ll have that done too.

  Shoshana:

  And I’m already working on the changes we discussed. I feel more connected at school. Less isolated.

  But it’s only been a few days.

  David:

  Good. Keep going.

  Sholomoh:

  Let’s wrap for tonight. You two will talk again over the weekend.

  Ruth (warm smile):

  Time for sleep, my dear scholars.

  – This chapter marks Thomas’s first major interpretive breakthrough with Summa Theologica.

  It’s not about mastering Aquinas’s conclusions, but learning to think the way Aquinas thinks—to question assumptions, test ideas, and examine truth through disciplined reasoning. This will quietly become one of Thomas’s core strengths later in the series.

  – The parallel between Aquinas’s method and Thomas & Shoshana’s relationship is intentional.

  Their relationship is built the same way Aquinas builds arguments:

  slowly, carefully, examining motives and reactions, learning by comparison rather than impulse.

  – The family council scene serves several purposes:

  ? It shows the adults treating the teens with seriousness and respect.

  ? It reveals that insight is treated as something earned, not given.

  ? It foreshadows both the Circle and the Lodge as mentorship structures.

  ? It highlights how much the community values emotional discipline over physical boundaries.

  – “No touching in two weeks” is not just a rule—it’s a tension point.

  The adults know what they’re doing:

  give the teens a reward that challenges their self-control, and in doing so reveal their growth.

  – This chapter also begins the thread of Shoshana’s growth.

  She isn’t just reacting to Thomas anymore; she’s starting to reflect, question, and reach the “next level” her parents are expecting of her.

  – And finally, all the humor about Thanksgiving foreshadows a very crowded, very emotional holiday arc.

  Expect tension, awkwardness, and at least one scene where Thomas tries way too hard to look calm.