Familiensklaven : $b Roman

A diligent teaching candidate, Fröhlich, arrives at the well‑to‑do Roderich household on a rain‑soaked morning, only to find the usual lesson disrupted by a sudden illness. The family asks him to step in as a sort of “child‑gardener,” guiding their eleven‑year‑old son Walter, a physically fragile boy who has long been sheltered like a delicate greenhouse plant. As he moves between the formal study and the playroom, Fröhlich must adjust his methods, balancing gentle encouragement with the expectations of a household that values decorum as much as education.

Walter, labeled the “lovable fright child,” is eager yet hesitant, his curiosity sparked by simple choices such as dogs versus cats. The domestic scene – a well‑kept garden, a pampered family dog, a prized kitchen cat – provides a vivid backdrop for the tender struggle to awaken a shy mind. Through humor and patience, Fröhlich begins to uncover the quiet hopes and hidden tensions that shape this close‑knit family, setting the stage for a poignant exploration of mentorship and belonging.