Schwarz Mitternacht

Rufus's voice rattles the house. Hilde hides in her room, crying into a pillow, and still wearing her princess dress from earlier in the day. She cries for upsetting her daddy, Eventhough she doesn't understand why her father is red with rage.

Hilde: (He hasn't stopped yelling since we got home.. He wouldn't even look at me after he set me down! Does..does he hate me now?) *Holds on tighter to the pillow, not hearing her door open.*

Else: You're going to be in big trouble with mommy! Look, Alphonse! Hilde is crying like a big baby.

Hilde: W-why? Why is d-daddy so upset? I w-was just playing Prince and Princess! A-and I'm not crying! *Sniffs as she sits up, wiping her red eyes.*

Else: You're a Jude lover now! You kissed a retarded Jude boy. I heard that from mommy.

Hilde: H-he's not retarded! He's nice and-and sweet and a prince! Y-you're just jealous you don't have a prince like I do Else! *Two big tears roll down her plump little cheeks.*

Else: I heard he's retarded and dumb! And I heard he doesn't know how to talk! That's stupid, Hilde.

Hilde: N-no.. He's n-not, he's..he's..*Begins to cry more, hating how Else is talking about Denzel.*

Alphonse: Stop it, Else! You are just jealous you don't have a boyfriend because you're not a pretty as Hilde!

Else: Shut up, Alphonse. Did you hear from mommy this "boyfriend" is a retarded Jude? Do you know what that means? It means Hilde will burn in the ovens just like the Judes.

Alphonse: No! You shut up, Else! Hilde is our little sister and you should treat her like one! And Father would never let that happen! *Moves to stand in front of Hilde, protecting her from Else.*

Hilde: (He's..being so nice..Why is..my Al back?) *Shyly looks up from her pillow.* I d-don't want to g-go to the s-smelly ovens..

Alphonse: If...you keep teasing Hilde, I'll start swinging my baseball bat in your room. Oh, and I'll walk on your bed with my muddy boots!

Else crosses her arms and quickly stomps off to her room. She slams the door and locks it to keep Alphonse from coming in.

Hilde: T-thank you, A-alphonse..I..w-why did you d-do that? I..thought you liked her more then me..

Alphonse: Because...you're my baby sister. I know I've been mean to you before, but I love my sister. *He reaches out to hug Hilde tightly.*

Hilde: I l-love you too, big brother! *Hugs Alphonse back, crying into her shirt.* I..D-daddy and M-mommy won't t-throw me in the ovens, will t-they? I didn't mean to upset daddy!

Alphonse: No, and if they do, I won't let them. We'll go and stay at Uncle Zechs if that happens!

Hilde: O-okay..I like Uncle Zechs..B-but I don't want daddy t-to to hate me! *Lets out a sob as she hides her face in Alphonse's shirt.*

Alphonse: I don't think dad hates you. Let's get out of this room, and come outside and play with me. I want to play soldier, but it's boring when you do it by yourself.

Hilde: Really? You'll let me play with you? *Looks up excited at Alphonse.* But I have nothing to play in, Mommy will yell if I get my dresses all muddy!

Alphonse: Maybe you can wear my clothes? I don't care if my stuff gets muddy. That's the best part about playing outside. *He smiles excitedly.*

Hilde: Okay! Get out what I can wear, Al! *Jumps off her bed and takes off her crown, setting it on her night stand.*

Alphonse runs to his room and brings a long sleeve shirt and pants with a belt attached for Hilde to wear. While Hilde gets dressed, Alphonse gathers all the toys that will be needed to play "soldier". He chooses two cap gun rifles, one for Hilde and one for himself. He also chooses a large tin box filled with army men. Alphonse runs to Hilde's door, his arms filled with the toys.

Hilde: *Turns to face the door, the sleeves reaching all way down to her knees. The pants barely hanging on even with the belt.* I'm ready to join your army, sir!

Alphonse: At ease, men! *He hands a toy rifle to Hilde.* We have to bomb the enemy base outside, hurry! *He darts down the hallway, excited to play outside.*

Hilde: Yes, sir! *Giggles as she runs after him, holding onto her pants as she runs past him and outside.* To the fort! *Runs to the little fort Alphonse has in the backyard.*

Alphonse: We have to keep the enemy at bay. *He opens the tin box of army men and begins to set them up around the house and behind bushes.*

Hilde: Sir, yes sir! *Grabs one of the cap guns and holds it, shooting at the little toy soldiers.* I got him!

Alphonse: Nice shot! *He giggles and knocks down the toy soldier Hilde was aiming at, pretending he is now dead.* They're coming closer, and we need grenades! *He looks around outside, wondering what he could use for a grenade. He smiles and picks up a fist-sized rock.*

Hilde: Oh no! You get the ones on the left, I'll get the ones on the right! *Grabs another rock and throws it at the little toy soilders, the rock falling short of them.* Duck!

Alphonse: Oh no! *He quickly dives into the dirt, giggling as mud splashes his face.*

Hilde: Sir! Nooooooo! *Runs over and lands next to him, mud soaking her as she giggles madly.* Are you alive, sir?

Alphonse: I...I'm alive. I think I'm wounded! *He giggles and points to the mud on his shirt, pretending that the mud stain is his wound.*

Hilde: Noooooooooooooooooooooooo! * Dramatically cries out and begins to drag Alphonse back behind the fort.* You have to live, sir! Oh no! One's coming! *Quickly shoots at a toy solider.*

Alphonse: Take me to the medics! *He laughs as Hilde attempts to drag him to the fort.*

Hilde: You need to lose weight, sir! I may have to cut off your legs! *Pretends to pull out a knife and moves to Alphonse's legs.*

Alphonse: Don't take my legs. I need them! *He kicks his legs against the ground.*

Hilde: But you're to heavy for me to move! You have to lose some weight or we'll be killed or or captured!

Alphonse: I can make it on my own. *He stands up and pretends to struggle to the fort, giggling as Hilde follows him.*

Hilde: Watch out, sir! *Shoots at the pretend soldier but falls to the muddy ground at being 'shot'.* I've been hit, sir!

Alphonse: It's not a serious wound, we can keep going! *He helps Hilde into the fort and begins to "patch" the wound with caked mud.*

Hilde: We're going to die, sir! There's no way we can fight them all off! *Giggles as she is covered in mud.*

Silke, their mother comes outside when she hears Alphonse's and Hilde's voice. She scolds Alphonse for putting dirt and rocks on Hilde's chest.

Hilde: We're playing, Mommy! I got shot by an enemy soldier! *Giggles as she stands up, smiling through the mud.*

Silke: My goodness, Hilde! You are a mess. Please come inside before dinner so I can clean you up.

Hilde: Aw, okay mommy! *Runs over to her Mother, reaching out for her hand.* Is..is daddy still yelling?

Silke: No, he has calmed down. Come inside, Alphonse.

Alphonse: Okay, Mother.. *Get up and follows after Hilde.*

Hilde: Okay.. *Looks down as they walk inside the house.* D-does daddy hate me now?

Silke: No, I think he was just worried about you. He was worried the retarded Jude was going to hurt you.

Hilde: *Looks down, hating how her family talks about Denzel.* He..wouldn't hurt me, he was nice mommy..

Silke: Listen to mommy, Hilde. We don't like any kind of Jude. You're not allowed to play with that boy anymore.

Hilde: But why? *Looks up with confused innocence.* He was fun and nice and said he'd marry me..

Silke: What? Get inside the house, I would never let you marry a Jude!

Alphonse: It's okay, mom! I think they were just kidding. *He walks inside the house with Hilde.*

Hilde: *Starts to shake, not liking her mother's raised voice and runs into the house, sniffing.* (Why do they hate him so much? I..really liked him! I want to marry him..)

Rufus looks up from reading a book while sitting in his chair at the sound of his children coming inside.

Rufus: How did you get so dirty, Hilde?

Hilde: *Jumps at the sound of Rufus's voice, shyly looks up.* I..w-was playing soldier with Alphonse, I got shot..

Rufus: I see that... *He sighs at the sight of Hilde and Alphonse.* Come to the downstairs bathroom with me, Alphonse. I'll help clean you up while your mother takes care of Hilde.

Alphonse: Okay, father.. But I can bathe myself if you want to continue reading.. *Smiles at Hilde as she walks away with their Mother.*

Rufus: Yes that's fine, but I'll have to take your clothing. If I don't, dirt will get on the bathroom floor.

Alphonse: Okay, father! *Smiles at his Father before he goes to the downstairs bathroom.* Hilde was fun to play with!

Rufus: I'm glad you two played outside together. *He sighs sadly from the stresses of the day as he follows Alphonse.*

Alphonse: Me too, Else was being really mean to her and said you and Mother would throw her in the ovens with the rest of the Judes! ...You won't do that, right Father? *Looks up worried.*

Rufus: (I have to admit, I would do that to someone else's child...but I will not have my Hilde go to the camps.) No, I won't send her to the ovens...

Alphonse: Promise, Father? I..I dislike them too, but Hilde is too young to understand.. I think she's really scared you hate her, Father.. *Walks into the bathroom and begins to undress.*

Rufus: I know she is too young. She will understand soon enough. *He stands outside the bathroom door to give Alphonse privacy while he undresses.* I'll keep Hilde safe, and when I'm gone, that will be your job.

Alphonse: I will, father.. I'll keep her safe, I promise! *Cracks the door open and hands his dirty clothes to his father.* I know I haven't been a good big brother, but I'll be better!

Rufus: That's a good boy. *He lays Alphonse's dirty clothing across his arm.* I'm depending on you.

Alphonse: I know, Father. I will make you proud! *Smiles at Alphonse, blushing lightly at being naked. His body showing his changes.*

Rufus: Stand proud...You're my only son, Alphonse. *He quietly walks away from the bathroom to place Alphonse's clothing in the washer.*

Alphonse: Yes, Father.. I will be the best for you.. *Walks into the bath tub to clean himself off, feeling better about himself.* (I will protect her, I promise Father..)

Meanwhile, Hilde is prepared for her bath. Her mother first places Hilde's clothing into the washer before returning to the upstairs bathroom to help Hilde.

Hilde: Daddy didn't seem mad at me.. Does he still love me? *Looks up at her Mother before she climbs into the tub.* Ohh! It's cold!

Silke: Of course daddy loves you. My goodness, Hilde! Your hair is just...caked with filth! *She applies a large amount of shampoo to the top of Hilde's head and begins to lather her.*

Hilde: We were attacked, mommy! *Giggles softly before she shivers.* Can I sleep with you and daddy tonight? *Shivers at the cold water.*

Silke: You can tonight. Do you remember what day is coming up in a few weeks?

Hilde: Thank you, Mommy! *Smiles brightly at her mother and giggles excitedly.* My Kinderfesten!

Silke: Do you know how old you'll be?

Hilde: Um.. *Looks down at her fingers and counts out the number on them.* I'll be seven! I'm going to be a big girl!

Silke: That's right, and this year, I'll let you help me bake the cake. I have to start teaching you how to cook. If you take after me, you'll make your german husband happy.

Hilde: Yes, I want to make my husband happy and proud of me! Like daddy is with you! *Curls her knees up and hugs them.* Maybe..for my birthday I can have a little sister? *Looks up hopefully.*

Silke: A baby sister takes time. It would be impossible to give you a baby sister in a few weeks.

Hilde: A little brother, then? Yeah, I want a little brother, so I'll be Daddy's little girl! *Giggles softly, wanting to be her Father's baby girl forever.*

Silke: Any new baby takes time. If I tried now, they wouldn't come until almost your next birthday.

Hilde: Okay, that's what I want for my birthday next year! Tell Daddy I want a little brother! *Shivers as water is dumped over her head, cries out as soap stings her eyes.* It hurts, mommy!

Silke: Keep your eyes closed. *She pours water over Hilde's head to wash away any and all soap.* I'll make sure to tell daddy that you want a little brother.

Hilde: Okay..Thank you, mommy! *Keeps her eyes closed tightly, moving her hands to cover them as well.* I..want a kitty this year!

Silke: We'll see what happens. Everything has to be a surprise.

Hilde: Aw, okay! Maybe my curls will be back? *Looks up hopefully when her mother stops dumping the water.*

Silke: Maybe... Would you like a puppy too?

Hilde: Hmm.. Will it be a nice puppy? Not like the ones where daddy works? *Giggles as she feels her body being scrubbed clean.*

Silke: I'm sure your father would pick out a nice one for you.

Hilde: It could sleep with me and keep the evil monsters away when daddy isn't here to fight them off! *Giggles louder as her mother finds her ticklish spots.*

Silke: It can stay in your room, but I don't want animals on your bed.

Hilde: (I'll just bring it up after she tucks me in!) Okay, mommy! I think I'm clean now!

Silke: Yes, I believe you are now clean. I have never seen you so dirty in my life!

Hilde: It was fun Mommy! I like playing with Alphonse! *Holds her arms up for her mother to pull her out of the tub.*

Silke: I understand. Next time, just play nicer so you don't become filthy. *She lifts Hilde out of the bath tub.*

Hilde: I want to play Prince and Princess again! I wonder if Alphonse will play that with me! *Smiles as she grabs a towel and covers herself.* I'm cold, mommy!

Silke: Dry yourself. *She holds Hilde's towel and wraps it tight around Hilde's body.*

Hilde: Daddy dried me last time! He was silly! *Giggles as she awkwardly dries herself with the large towel.*

Silke: This is how you do it. *She grabs each end of the towel and quickly pulls each end, causing Hilde to jolt forward slightly, and making her giggle.*

Hilde: This is fun, mommy! I think I'm all dry now! Can I put on my night gown? The pretty white one you got me?

Silke: Yes you may, but we still have to eat dinner.

Hilde: I..I'm not hungry, can I go to bed? (I miss Denzel.. And I don't want to see Else, she'll get daddy to hate me!)

Silke: You're not hungry at all? Well, I guess it's alright. You had a rough day.

Hilde: I just want to lay down, maybe read my fairy tale book! *Wraps the towel around herself again before she runs to her room, grabbing her nightgown from the closet and pulling it over her head.*

Silke: Do you want me or daddy to read to you?

Hilde: No, I'm okay mommy..I'll get my doll and book and go to your and daddy's room! I can still sleep with you, right?

Silke: You can do what you want, your dad and I don't mind.

Hilde: Thank you, mommy! I love you! *Hugs her Mother tightly.*

Silke: You know that if you get hungry, you can come down and eat with us.

Hilde: I know, mommy! *Walks over and grabs her doll and the big book of fairytales and begins to walk to her parent's room.*

An hour after Hilde settles in her parent's room, Alphonse walks into the room with a plate of food for Hilde.

Alphonse: You must be hungry! *He sits on the bed next to Hilde.*

Hilde: *Looks up from her book with a smile.* Yeah! But I didn't want to see Else.. And..I don't want to upset daddy..

Alphonse: Don't worry, dad yelled at Else after dinner. She's pouting in her room now. *He laughs.* Mom made Bamberger und Krautbraten.

Hilde: Really? *Giggles as she reaches over for her plate of food, humming at the smell.* Mmm! Mommy made my favorite! *Eagerly digs into her food.*

Alphonse: I picked the onions out of mine. I hate onions. *He sticks his tounge out as he watches Hilde slurp down a cooked sliver of onion.*

Hilde: I like them! Uncle Zechs said he would eat them raw when he was your age as a snack! *Giggles at Alphonse's face.* Isn't daddy's bed soft!

Alphonse: I guess, I like stiffer is too soft.

Hilde: I love Mommy's and Daddy's bed! But I like mine too, daddy got me the same as his! *Quickly finishes her meal before she lays back in the bed, holding her stomach.* Ohh, I'm so full!

Alphonse: Oh, mom said she's going to bake some Weixenkeimbrot tomorrow. I'm not supposed to know, it was going to be a surprise. I heard her talking to dad about it.

Hilde: Mmmm! I can't wait to have some! Maybe she'll let me help her, she said I needed to learn how to cook. *Nuzzles into the pillow she knows is her Father's, smiling at the scent.* Big Brother?

Alphonse: Yes, Hilde?

Hilde: Will you read my stories with me? Daddy usually does, but he's..I don't think he will tonight.. *Turns to look at Alphonse, holding her doll tightly.*

Alphonse: (Ew, I hate fairytales...But I'll do it for Hilde.) *He chokes down his feelings and opens the book to read to Hilde.*

Hilde: Thank you, Al! *Giggles happily and snuggles against Alphonse's side, following the words as he reads.* (Alphonse hasn't read to me in..I don't think he ever read to me!)

Alphonse: (This story looks really boring...) Once apon a time, there was a princess named Elizabeth...

Hilde: And she was the prettiest princess in the land.. *Mouths the words as Alphonse reads aloud.*

Alphonse: (I already hate this story!) And one day, a fierce dragon blew fire on the land! He wanted to eat the princess!

Hilde: Alphonse! That's not how this story goes! Her evil Mother locks her up because she would turn into a blue monster at night!

Alphonse: I'm making up a better story! You'll see.

Hilde: What's better then a story about a prince that sees the true beauty in her, even if she looks..ugly at times.. (Denzel was my prince..Now I lost him!) *Sniffs at the thought.*

Alphonse: That...umm...The dragon is really a prince who needs a princess! The princess's evil mother put a spell on the prince so her daughter would never find a husband. How about that?

Hilde: Aww! The poor Prince! Tell me more, Ally! Does she ever find out that the dragon is her true love? *Looks up excited at Alphonse, hanging on his every word.*

Alphonse: Well...the King searches for his daughter and sends out knights to slay the dragon for eating his daughter. The dragon keeps the princess in his cave, and the princess grows to love the dragon. The princess learns about the spell her mother casted on the prince, and chooses to have the same spell casted on her, so she can be with her dragon prince forever.

Hilde: Wow..That's so sweet and beautiful! I hope I find a prince like that.. You're really good at telling stories, tell me another! *Rests her head on Alphonse's chest.*

Alphonse: Well...umm, let me try to think of another story! *He leans his head back to think of a new story as their father walks in.*

Hilde: *Looks up at her Father and snuggles closer to Alphonse, still feeling a bit uneasy with her father.* (I never seen daddy so mad.. I don't want him to hate me.)

Rufus: *He smiles at the sight of Alphonse reading to Hilde on his bed.* I'm proud of you, Alphonse. Thank you for taking care of Hilde.

Alphonse: It was no problem, Father. I had fun with her.. But I will go get ready for bed since you're here! *Gets off the bed, chuckles as Hilde falls back on the pillow.*

Hilde: Good Night, Alphonse! You have to tell me the story tomorrow, I want to hear another one! *Holds her doll tightly as Alphonse walks out, leaving her alone with her Father.*

Rufus: Are you angry at me, Hilde? *He sits on the edge of the bed and smiles kindly at Hilde.*

Hilde: What? No, daddy! I..I am upset you yelled at Uncle Zechs.. Do..you still love me, daddy? *Shyly moves closer to Rufus.*

Rufus: I'll always love my baby girl. *He opens his arms to invite Hilde for a hug.*

Hilde: *Crawls on the bed to Rufus and hugs him tightly, her doll pressed between them.* I didn't mean to make you so mad..

Rufus: I know you didn't mean to. You will gain understanding in time...

Hilde: (I don't want to understand, if it means I'll hate Denzel..) Did mommy tell you what I wanted as my gifts?

Rufus: She told me you wanted a cat or a dog. Which would you like?

Hilde: Hmm..I..want a kitty! A girl one who is all white! I'll name her Snow White! Oh, and next year I want a little brother! Mommy said it'd be to soon to have one this year.*Pouts.*

Rufus: Yes, it takes a very long time to get a little brother...

Hilde:Well, I want one! But not a little sister, I want to be your baby girl! *Looks up with a sweet smile at Rufus.*

Rufus: We'll see. You can't pick the gender of your baby... It just happens.

Hilde: But..I want to be your only baby girl! If mommy has another girl, you'll forget about me cause she'll be even prettier!

Rufus: What? *He chuckles.* I will never forget about you, Hilde.

Hilde: But..she'd be all cute and pretty and-and..soft! *Nuzzles into Rufus's chest, hugging him tighter.*

Rufus: Well, soft, but you'll be a big sister. Won't you like being a big sister?

Hilde: Yeah...But..I wanna be your baby, daddy! *Looks up with her baby blue eyes.*

Rufus: All of my children are my babies...I know it's hard for you to understand right now.

Hilde: I..don't wanna be forgotten and put in the smelly ovens!

Rufus: You won't be put in the ovens. I'll have you know that I punished Else for talking to you like that.

Hilde: Alphonse told me.. She was really mean to me today! *Looks down.* Why does she hate me, daddy? I'm always nice to her!

Rufus: I don't know, she's growing up too...

Hilde: Can I go with you to work tomorrow, daddy? I can do paperwork for you!

Rufus: I don't think so, baby. I don't have office work tomorrow...

Hilde: Okay...*Looks down sadly, plays with Rufus's shirt.*

Rufus: I have field work to do today... And I can't have you going into camp again.

Hilde: I don't like the camp! But Reno and Vincent were nice! Reno was silly! *Giggles as she thinks of him.*

Rufus: I don't want you to go near that...red-haired piece of trash.

Hilde: Daddy? But..he saved me.. *Looks up confused.* I don't understand, daddy.

Rufus: He's in the camp for a sex crime, Hilde...

Hilde: ...What's sex, daddy? *Cocks her head to the side.*

Rufus: (I should have thought of that when I told her.) It's how you and your brother and sister were made. But...some people have unlawful and illegal relationships. It's hard for you to understand, but that piece of garbage has sex with other men. That is illegal.

Hilde: Oh...I..don't really get it.. But okay, daddy! So..youand mommy will have to have sex to make my little brother?

Rufus: That's right...that is what happens when a man and woman love each other.

Hilde: (So..Denzel and I will have sex at some point!) *Smiles at the thought, snuggles closer to Rufus and yawns.*

Rufus: Go to bed, Hilde. You look very tired.

Hilde: Mommy said I could sleep with you and her tonight. Can you tell me a story, daddy?

Rufus: I can read a story. Go ahead and lay down, rest your tired head.

Hilde: Okay.. *Crawls back up to the top of the bed, getting under the blankets with her doll as she rests her head on Rufus's pillow.* Will you lay next to me, daddy?

Rufus: I thought you wanted me to read a story to you...

Hilde: You can read while laying down! Silly, daddy! *Giggles tiredly as she snuggles closer to Rufus.*

Rufus: Alright...*He lays down next to Hilde and watches over her as she falls asleep.*

Hilde: Mm..*Quickly falls asleep, nuzzling closet to her Father for comfort and warmth.*

Rufus: (I knew she would fall asleep...)

A few minutes later, Silke comes into the room her and Rufus share.

Silke: *Smiles at the sight of her youngest curled up to her father.* She looks so peaceful..

Rufus: When I came in, Alphonse was telling her a story.

Silke: Really? He seems to have changed again, he is close to her like they were when she was little..*Walks over to her closet and begins to undressed.*

Rufus: He's becoming a man... Sometimes it's a natural thing to tease their sisters.

Silke: Yes, but to cut one's hair? That is to much, Rufus.. *Shivers as her body is exposed too the cool air of the house before she grabs one of her nightgowns.*

Rufus: I was worse when I was his age. Alphonse...is just finding out who he is.

Silke: Was? You still can be, dear.. *Chuckles softly as she turns around after pulling her nightgown over her head and walks over to the bed, laying down on the other side of Hilde.* She was very worried about you..

Rufus: Yes, I'll admit that I lost my temper. It was warranted, though.

Silke: Yes, to think our little angel was..touched by such a sinful thing! Her first kiss, ripped away from her! *Softly strokes Hilde's cheeks.*

Rufus: I don't want to think about it.

Silke: I understand, no need to upset the children again.. *Pulls the blankets up to cover her.* It's hard to believe she is going to be seven..

Rufus: A big girl...

Silke: Yes, we will have to make this party special for her. Invite all her children of the soldiers so she can make new friends..

Rufus: What did you want to get for Hilde this year?

Silke: She mentioned she wanted a kitten or puppy.. But I think a kitten would be better for a girl, we can get Alphonse a puppy his next birthday..

Rufus: I think all of the children should get an animal soon. It will teach them responsibility.

Silke: Yes, that sounds good. We can get Else a pair of Love birds.. She has always wanted some..

Rufus: Birds? I think she wants birds, but will she take care of them? Else hates cleaning up.

Silke: She'll have too, I won't clean after those.. And if she doesn't, then I will give them to Hilde and she will be grounded to her room.

Rufus: You know...I've been thinking about an idea for the children. I want you to tell me what you think.

Silke: What is it?

Rufus: What if...we bought some chickens and ducks for the children to take care of?

Silke: Hmm.. They would have to learn how to care for them and keep them safe.. I think it is a good idea, my dear.. But I think we can still get Hilde a kitten for her gift as well..Since those will be for all of them..

Rufus: Right...And each little one will have their own duties. I wanted Alphonse to help me build the pen for the animals.

Silke: He will love that, Rufus. He needs his father at this time in his life, he is learning to become a man and needs you to show him how..

Rufus: It's confirmed then...If I can get off work a little early, we can start tomorrow.

Silke: Yes, that will make all the children happy. *Sighs as she turns to her side to look at him.* Did..she tell you what she wanted at first?

Rufus: Yes...Hilde wants a little brother.

Silke: I..don't know if I can take almost losing another one, Rufus.. What if we really lost him or her? I couldn't take that..

Rufus: That...was just a fluke. It's been almost 7 years, and medicine has had advancements. It won't happen again.

Silke: Do you want to have another one, dear? I don't think I have many years left to have them..

Rufus: I believe I would like to have another. I think the children would love to have another sibling.

Silke: Yes, it will be a bit hard on Hilde..She is used to being the baby but I believe she will be a great big sister.. *Smiles softly as she sees Hilde starting to suck her thumb.*

Rufus: I think she will love her sibling. She's the one who was begging me for another one.

Silke: A brother, she is worried if it is a girl she won't be the diamond in your eye anymore.. But she will be an angel like always.. When..do you wish to start trying?

Rufus: I don't know. When would you like to try?

Silke: We can't tonight since she is in our bed..But..I guss we could try tomorrow.. I know I haven't fulfilled my wifely duties to you the past few years..

Rufus: You're right... We'll try tomorrow, I promise.

Silke: Alright, dear.. We will have to wait till after the kids go to bed, if I remember, you like to talk loudly and when I make noise..

Rufus: Of course. We can do anything you like...

Silke: We can talk more about it tomorrow, we should join our children in sleep..

Rufus: Yes, I am tired. Good night. *He settles into his pillow to sleep.*

Silke: Good night, my dear.. *Sighs as she closes her eyes, smiles as she feels Hilde roll on top of Rufus.*