Intro. (Germany, Oberammergau village. February 4th, 1821. 4 PM. Late winter afternoon.)
Snow rests on the wooden rooftops, and thin smoke rises from the chimneys into the pale golden sky. The small white church stands quietly at the edge of the village, its bell tower casting a long shadow over the frozen path. The air smells of pinewood smoke and cold stone.
I sweep the narrow path beside the church garden, the broom scraping softly against the icy ground. My hands are cold from hours of washing the church floors, and my breath turns to mist in the air. Everything is quiet—just the wind in the bare trees and the distant sound of hooves.
Then I hear it.
The rattling of thin wheels on frozen dirt.
George appears on the road, riding his old, crooked bicycle. A canvas bag full of chimney tools hangs over his back, clinking softly as he moves. His curly red hair escapes from under his hat, freckles scattered across his fair face. His green eyes are bright, warm, and a little mischievous.
He slow