Hanschen peered up at Anna's house, taking a deep breath. He'd been feeling strange all day. Sad, really. Frustrated with himself that he was letting himself feel that way. Frustrated with everyone else that he had reason to. His dad, most of all. At least his mother had said 'Happy Birthday' to him before she'd left to go see the other church ladies.

Wendla had suggested he go see Anna, and perhaps she was right. Why would she know what today was, anyway?

He sighed and approached the front door, rapping his knuckles on it.