Chapter 135

"I heard someone from the brigade found wild ginseng in the mountains," Michael Stone whispered.

Emily Johnson's eyes lit up. "We should keep an eye out for that. Maybe we should try our luck in the woods too."

The group exchanged glances, all aware of the value of such wild treasures.

"Come back early," Emily called from the doorway as she watched them leave.

With a soft sigh, she turned back inside. The two boys were unusually well-behaved today, staying home instead of running off to play.

"Mom, I'll keep you company," David said, sidling up to her.

"Me too!" Tommy chimed in, not wanting to be left out.

The weather had turned chilly, and both boys were already bundled in thin cotton-padded jackets—thermal underwear underneath and new outer layers. David’s coat from last year no longer fit, so it was passed down to Tommy. But Emily hadn’t brought herself to dress the younger boy in hand-me-downs just yet.

The children had grown noticeably taller. Emily couldn’t help but sigh—children in this era developed slowly, a clear sign of poor nutrition.

"Go read your books," she said, ruffling their hair.

The three of them settled into quiet reading until a knock interrupted the silence.

"I'll get it!" David jumped up.

At the door stood Amy Bright, holding three brand-new sweaters in her arms.

"Mom, Amy’s here!" David announced excitedly.

Emily hurried over and gaped at the sweaters. "You finished them already?"

It had only been a few days—how was this even possible?

"Sis, I finished the sweaters. Do you think they’ll fit?" Amy asked nervously.

Emily took them and examined the stitching—neat, even, and well-made. The style was lovely too. If they didn’t fit, unraveling and redoing the work would be a hassle.

"David, try yours on."

He shed his coat and pulled the sweater over his head. The neckline sat just right—not too high, not too low. Tommy’s was slightly roomier but still wearable. As for Michael’s, they’d have to wait for him to return to test it.

"They fit perfectly," Emily said with a satisfied nod. "Your brother’s should be fine too."

Amy finally relaxed. Not only had she finished the sweaters, but she’d also used the floral fabric Emily gave her to make a new padded coat.

"These socks are for you," Emily suddenly said, handing her a pair of nylon socks.

"I can’t accept these!" Amy waved her hands in refusal. "You’ve already given me so much."

"They pill easily, and I don’t like them," Emily insisted, pressing them into her hands. "I’ll come to you for more sewing work later."

Amy ran her fingers over the soft, stretchy fabric, warmth blooming in her chest. Nylon socks like these were something she’d never dreamed of owning before.

"Oh," Emily added in a hushed tone, "next time you go to town, let me know. You know how those village women treat me."

Amy nodded in understanding. The women resented Emily for not working in the fields and having a husband who doted on her.

"Don’t worry, Sis. I’ll definitely call for you when I go."