Chapter 107

Knock, knock, knock—

The sound at the door pulled Emily Johnson from her thoughts. She quickly tucked the letter into the drawer and picked up the osmanthus-scented soap from the table.

"Try this, sister-in-law," Emily said, handing it over. The delicate fragrance of osmanthus bloomed between them.

"Oh, this is lovely!" The young woman's eyes lit up as she rubbed the soap between her fingers. "Much nicer than the plain ones at the Supply & Market."

Emily smiled faintly. "I made it myself, so it's cheaper. Just two dollars a bar."

"Two dollars?" The woman's eyes widened. "That's... that's too cheap! The unscented ones at the market cost two-fifty!"

"We're neighbors," Emily said softly. "Besides, the packaging isn't professional..."

After a moment's hesitation, the woman pulled out two crumpled bills. "Well... I won't say no, then."

The deal was done. As she left, the woman called back, "Emily, if you ever need help knitting sweaters, just ask!"

Once alone, Emily hurried to tidy up the wrapping materials. Before she could finish, the sound of children's laughter filled the yard.

"Mom! We're home!" David Stone burst in, cheeks flushed, with his siblings close behind.

Grace held little Jack's hand, lingering shyly at the back. "Auntie..."

"Hungry?" Emily took out peach shortbread from the cupboard. "Here, one for each of you."

Four pairs of eyes sparkled. Grace cradled hers carefully, nibbling as if afraid to drop a single crumb.

"Mom, what is this? It's so good!" Tommy's mouth was full of crumbs.

"Peach shortbread," Emily said, wiping their faces. "Oh, and I bought you new clothes too."

She brought out two brand-new cotton vests. Grace and Jack stared in awe—they had never worn anything so new.

"Try them on," Emily helped them into the vests. "I'm no good at sewing, so I had to buy them ready-made."

David spun around excitedly. "So warm! Look, Mom!"

Tommy bounced after him, the hem of his vest flapping. Grace touched her new clothes, her eyes suddenly glistening.

"What's wrong, Grace?" Emily knelt beside her.

"Auntie..." Grace sniffled. "Is... is this really for me?"

Emily's heart ached. She pulled the girl into a gentle hug. "Of course it is. I'll buy you more new clothes later, okay?"

Outside, the sunset bathed the yard in golden light. Four children in new vests played and laughed, their joy carrying far into the evening.