It was Sunday afternoon, and although the work never really ended, Bram had decided to be religious and observe his Sunday rest, and leave all the work for sisters to do. He liked to go exploring outside of town and was near the Carrinton estate, when he spotted Ed. Although the boys sometimes argued, Ed also looked out for him, and Bram beamed and approached. “What are you doing, Ed!?”

Ed looked at him in surprise and held up a finger to shush him. "I'm going to sneak around that fancy place. May be snatch something outta their place. So go on home."

Bram grasped. "Ye go to hell for stealin'!"

Sweets didn't count, did they?

Ed rolled his eyes. "The day I see a man healing the blind or bringing the dead back to life, I'll care. If you don't want to be apart of it, go home." He started to turn and continue on.

Bram didn't want to be a thief. But he also didn't want Ed to think he was a coward. "I've stolen lots of things." he lied, puffing his chest out.

"Then why you trying to give me all that brimstone? " He narrowed his eyes and went back to creeping along. "I don't care if you've stolen. go back home."

Now Bram regretted what he had said. He wanted to be tough like Ed and he wanted Ed to think he was. "Ed! Let me help!" he said, following the older boy.

Ed looked over his shoulder and waved him off. "Lower your voice ! What if we get caught ? Your dad'll tan your hide, he will."

Bram stopped. Good point. When father was kind, Bram loved him. But when father was angry, Bram was terrified of him. "Oh right..."

Ed nodded and hurried off. "Just go home! You don't need to see the great stuff these fancy folks have."