Mrs. Fraumeni slowed as she reached the empty parking lot. Wearing their uniforms, the children sang for Max and Miss Crickard.

"My heart wants to sing every song it hears. My heart wants to beat like the wings of the birds
that rise from the lake to the trees (to the trees)" Mrs. Fraumeni hid behind a rather large parked truck. Her eyes softened, as she nodded slightly to the music.   She was amazed at the fact that her students could do harmony, and stay on part. "My heart wants to sigh like a chime that flies from a church on a breeze, To laugh like a brook when it trips and falls over stones on its way (on it's way)" With a growing smile, Mrs. Fraumeni walked into the middle of the parking lot and joined in with the singing.

"To sing through the night like a lark who is learning to pray I go to the hills when my heart is lonely" Everyone gaped at her, astonished. They didn’t think she knew this song, and she hadn’t permitted 3 part singing in the past. The children exchanged amazed glances and gazed adoringly at their principal as she sang solo: "I know I will hear what I've heard before" The children came back in for the last lines: "My heart will be blessed with the sound of music, and I'll sing once more"

Brenda appeared behind the same truck that Mrs. Fraumeni stood behind moments before, and watched. Mrs. Fraumeni smiled faintly and took a few hesitant steps toward her students. Mimma ran over and gave her a hug. The rest of the children surrounded her. Mrs. Fraumeni hugged the little ones and playfully nudged the others. They all started to laugh. Brenda looked at the scene before her and bowed her head. Then she motioned Kelly to take a small bouquet of white wildflowers to Miss Crickard.

"Wild weeds!" Miss Crickard exclaimed with forced delight. Kelly curtsied. "Oh!" Miss Crickard gave Kelly a hug. "You never told me how enchanting your students are." She told Mrs. Fraumeni. Mrs. Fraumeni shook her head as if to say, ‘No, I didn't realize it myself.’ She turned, looked over at the large truck, and saw Brenda who hurried to the street.

"Don't go away!" Mrs. Fraumeni told the children. She strode quickly in the direction the Brenda had gone just as Brenda reached the curb. "Ms..." Brenda hesitated then turned to face Mrs. Fraumeni.

"I ... behaved badly. I apologize."

"No, I'm, I'm far too outspoken. It's one of my worst faults." Brenda explained to the Major.

"You were right. I don't know my students."

"There's still time, Major. They want so much for you to like them."

"And you've brought ... music back into the school? I'd forgotten." Brenda started up the stairs. "Ms." She stopped. "I want you to stay." Brenda stared at her. Mrs. Fraumeni smiled contritely. "I, uh, ask you to stay."

"If I could be of any help." Brenda offered.

"You have already. More than you know." With a quick smile, Mrs. Fraumeni strode back to the parking lot. Beaming with happiness, Brenda clasped her hands and dashed back to the parking lot.