The boys retreated down the hall, and Tim waved back at their congenial teacher. "Maybe someday we will, Mr. Boyse!" he called.

The next afternoon, Alice brought to school her big beautiful Skira art books, and she'd already marked out several sections that she planned to discuss with Tim and Bennie. She knew that she was correct in planning these little special sessions for both of the twins because of Bennie's paper. Why it was almost worse than no paper at all! The boy said such disparaging things about the masterpiece they'd seen that day in the museum that it was clear he needed some guidance.

The pretty dark-haired teacher sat in the empty study room, at one of the small desk seats designed for the students. They were all in a row and connected to one another in a pattern that stretched back, filling the entire room. When not used for study, this room was used as a small lecture hall and sometimes movies were shown there rather than in the larger auditorium. Alice was looking forward to seeing the boys even though she'd already seen them earlier that morning in English class. But this was different… more meaningful, really, and she felt the odd little lift to her spirits that made her feel more alive, more vital than usual.

When at last the door opened and the two blond youths walked in, Alice was surprised to feel her blood racing in her veins. They were such handsome children, and she in a sense represented their salvation. Much later they would go out into the world as much more complete human beings, as men, because of her tutoring.

"We brought you a present, Miss Appleton!" Tim and Bennie chorused as they approached Alice's seat.

"Oh! How sweet," Alice cried, "An apple for the teacher… but this one is glazed isn't it?" Alice took the large bright shiny fruit and turned it in her palm. Little tears of gratitude formed in her eyes. Obviously the boys realized what she was trying to do for them.