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Wendla lay her head in the lap of her mothers as she read the bible to her. Though she had heard this story multiple times, presumably her mother as well, her mother seemed to never get sick of it. Though her mother had never denied her education previously she longed to go to school, just to sit in a classroom instead of lingering in the forest would truly seem like heaven to her, as boring as it may seem she only wished to know more. She’d never want to bug her mama with begs for knowledge, surely if it were needed to know she’d already be made aware. Right?
Wendla sighed.“Wendla, is everything okay?” Frau Bergmann queried, placing her hand on her daughter’s face.“Yes, mama, everything is fine,” Wendla reassured and her mother frowned, caressing her face.“Are you sure, mein schatzi?” Her mother asked once again.“It's just that…” Wendla took a deep breath, “I’ve lived for 14 years yet I haven’t stepped foot in a school! I know I’m a girl and that it’s odd for girls to do such things but Anna’s parents homeschool her... And Thea has Hansi who tells her everything he learns!” Wendla pleaded.
“What are you inferring, Wendla?” Her mother looked down at her, furrowing her eyebrows.“I want to go to school, mama, or at least learn!” Wendla begged.
“Oh, Wendla, why must you constantly stress me with silly questions like this?” Her mother pouted.
“I’m sorry, mama!” Wendla frowned, “"I should get going, I’ve been laying here far too long, perhaps I’ll collect berries for us to share tonight.”“Alright, child, don’t get into any trouble, please.” Her mother smiled, sending her off.Wendla hopped along in the dimly lit forest which was filled with various flowers. She picked a few, maybe she’d give some to her friends, Thea, Moritz, Martha, or Anna. She smiled warmly at the thought of her best friends, though another boy had been sneaking into her mind recently, Melchior Gabor—the smartest boy in town, perhaps even the world.
She giggled and continued to daydream, perhaps he’d bring her to school himself and tell the teachers it was okay for a girl to go to his school. She tried to rid herself of the thought, she shouldn't get her hopes up, it’d never happen, as her mama says, school isn’t for girls. She frowned and continued to pick more berries, she moved the bush a bit and spotted two boys sitting by a tree, one resting his head on the other's shoulder.It had been her old friends, Hanschen and Ernst. She debated on going up to them, Ernst and her had been close when they shared a bible study group, Hanschen she always knew to avoid. Thea told her so. She’d even heard he wore nightgowns! Just the thought of it made her giggle. She walked up to them, berries in hand.“Hello, Hansi and Ernst!” She smiled and Ernst jumped up from Hanschen’s shoulder, as if he’d been caught doing something wrong, “I saw you two boys sitting here and you seemed hungry! Luckily I picked berries. Would you like any?”“We’re fine, Bergmann.” Hanschen uttered, looking up at her coldly as if she’d interrupted something.“I’d like some.” Ernst returned the smile, sticking a hand out.
“May I sit with you two? I’m never allowed to hang out with boys.” Wendla asked, popping a few berries into Ernst’s palm.“No, you’re not allowed to for a reason.” Hanschen rolled his eyes.“Of course, Wendla! Don’t be silly.” Ernst replied and Wendla sat next to them.“What’s it like going to school?” Wendla queried, sitting down and crossing her arms.“It’s the worst, Wendla! Only think. An essay every night, numerous difficult mathematics questions!” Ernst pouted, popping a berry into his mouth and then handing one to Hanschen.
“Yet it's better than sitting home every day, knowing practically nothing!” Wendla expressed, throwing her hands up.“That is true.” Hanschen replied honestly, “I’m not sure what I’d do without going to school, sitting home with Thea each day. I fear I'll die.” Hanschen said and Ernst giggled.
“I suppose.” Ernst shrugged, “Though you don’t find school hard, Hanschen. If you were in my place you’d see. 59th place. Just on the brink of failure!”
Wendla touched Ernst’s shoulder, “Yet I suppose it’s better than knowing nothing.” Ernst continued and Hanschen nodded in agreement.“Gabor said he believes girls AND boys should go to school together, that perhaps further in time that’ll happen,” Hanschen added.“I only hope that’ll be true.” Wendla frowned.“Me as well,” Ernst responded.“I agree,” Hanschen said as he ate a berry.
"I should get going," Wendla said, then left.