Chapter 101
"Mom, can we really eat these roots?" David crouched on the ground, poking curiously at the pile of freshly dug brown roots.
Emily Johnson knelt beside him, picking one up and weighing it in her palm. "Don't judge them by their looks. There's treasure hidden inside."
Tommy wrinkled his nose as he leaned closer. "They smell bad."
"They won't smell like this once they're prepared," Emily explained with a smile. "These vine roots contain starch, just like the sweet potatoes we eat."
The boys' eyes widened in amazement. Suddenly, David remembered something. "Is this like what the book says—that everything has a use?"
"Smart boy!" Emily patted his head approvingly. "That's why reading is important. It teaches us so many interesting things. Like..."
"Like why it rains?" Tommy blurted out.
"Exactly." Emily pointed at the sky. "See those dark clouds before it rains?"
Both boys nodded eagerly, their heads bobbing like little chicks pecking at grain.
Back home, Emily brought out a plate of freshly washed fruit—bright red apples and golden pears that made the children's mouths water.
"Save some for Dad," David said thoughtfully.
Emily's hand paused. The origin of these fruits wasn't easy to explain. "Don't worry, I've set aside something special for your father."
She quietly placed a few wild berries on the windowsill. These were common in the village and wouldn't raise suspicion.
"So sweet!" Tommy took a bite of an apple, his eyes closing in delight.
Just as they were eating, the courtyard gate creaked open. Michael Stone walked in, dust-covered and sweating.
"Dad!" The boys rushed toward him, holding out their fruit.
Michael froze. "Where did you get this?"
"Mom found them in the mountains!" Tommy announced proudly.
His expression darkened instantly. In three quick strides, he was in front of Emily. "You went into the mountains?" His voice carried a note of fear. "It's dangerous this season—wild boars are foraging..."
Emily quickly reassured him. "I only went near the foothills, not deep inside."
Michael's frown remained. He picked up one of the wild berries from the windowsill and took a bite. The sweet-tart juice burst in his mouth.
"Good, right?" David asked expectantly.
"Yeah." Michael's expression softened as he ruffled his son's hair. "Your mom picked them, so of course they're good."
Emily changed the subject. "How much longer until your brothers' house is finished? I need to go to town tomorrow to buy a few things."
"At least ten more days." Michael wiped his brow. "What do you need? I can get it for you."
Emily hesitated. "Just... women's things." She couldn't exactly say she wanted to buy meat for a feast.
"Then I'll take you on the bicycle," Michael said firmly. "The town isn't safe lately."
Emily groaned inwardly. How was she supposed to secretly stock up in her space now?