Chapter 105

"Sister-in-law, do you know how to knit sweaters?" Emily Johnson suddenly asked.

The younger sister-in-law blinked in surprise. "A little. My elder sister-in-law gave me some old gloves I can unravel for yarn. Want to make something for David and Tommy?"

"Yes, it's getting chilly." Emily tightened her collar against the autumn breeze.

They walked side by side down the village path when several aunties heading to market greeted them.

"Miss Johnson, going to town too?"

Emily nodded. "Checking if my parents' package arrived, and buying some supplies. Winter's coming fast."

The women exchanged envious glances. Even after years of marriage, her family still cared so much.

The oxcart creaked into motion, charging five cents per ride. Some villagers preferred walking to save the round-trip dime.

Meanwhile, David held little Tommy's hand, pockets stuffed with White Rabbit candies and sandwich cookies, locking their door before heading to Grandma's house.

"Grace! Jack!" David called from afar.

The cousins hadn't visited Uncle's house in weeks. Grandma said Auntie needed quiet time for reading.

"Grandma!" Tommy barreled into Mary Stone's arms.

David dutifully distributed sweets to each child.

"Where's your mother?" Mary ruffled her grandson's hair.

"She went to town for yarn..." Mary mentally calculated - good yarn required both cash and ration coupons.

"...and cookies!" Tommy proudly produced the sandwich cookies.

After snack time, the children played in the yard. Grace and Jack followed David everywhere like ducklings.

"Don't wander far. Run home if anyone bothers you," Mary cautioned. With both sons building new homes, she barely had time to breathe, and now her youngest grandson could already run around.

"Henry, where are you off to?"

"Cutting pig grass!"

The oxcart finally reached town. Emily rubbed her sore backside - the bumpy ride left her whole body aching.

"Let's check the Supply & Market first," Emily suggested. She needed to study local fabrics to avoid suspicion when using her PennyDeals purchases.

"Alright."

The market swarmed with people. Post-harvest season brought crowds, forming endless queues.

"So many?" Emily gasped.

Her sister-in-law remained unfazed. "Hurry and queue, or everything will sell out."

"You go ahead. I'll check the post office."

"Don't be long."

Emily knew her host's parents weren't truly doting. Still, she played her role, inquiring at the post office.

No package, but a letter arrived.

Another letter? Emily's fingers trembled around the envelope. The last one brought trouble - what fresh problems did this contain?

She slipped into an alley, pretending to browse the black market. Emerging later with yarn, a vest, and handmade-looking winter clothes for the children.

"There you are! Get your package?" her sister-in-law asked.

Emily cleared her throat. "Yes. Wait here while I grab a few things."

"Hurry back."

Inside the packed market, scarce goods had already sold out. But Emily now understood local pricing - her earlier purchases wouldn't raise eyebrows.

After grabbing some non-rationed daily items, Emily paid quickly.

"Let's catch the return cart."