Chapter 177

"Mommy, Mommy..." The two little boys came bounding over, their bright eyes fixed on the basket in Emily's hands.

Amy Bright stood nearby, wringing her hands nervously. "Sis, you wanted to see me?"

"Come inside first." Emily beckoned, shutting the courtyard gate firmly behind them.

In the main room, Emily opened the basket with a conspiratorial air. "Amy, I met a peddler in town and bought some rare goods. See if there's anything you need?"

"A peddler?" Amy's eyes widened. Private sellers were unheard of these days.

"Look, nylon socks—I bought ten pairs." Emily shook out a pair, the fine material gleaming in the sunlight.

Amy couldn't resist touching them. The smooth texture was far superior to the coarse cloth socks she'd sewn herself.

"And these." Emily pulled out several bright red apples. "They're called Fuji apples—crisp and sweet."

"How... how much do they cost?" Amy swallowed hard.

"Towel for one dollar, socks for fifty cents, fruit for fifty cents—three dollars total."

Three dollars! Amy scrambled for her money, afraid Emily might change her mind. At the Supply & Market, you couldn't even get these with ration tickets!

"Thank you, Sis!" She carefully packed her treasures into her vegetable basket, then whispered, "Will that peddler... come back?"

Emily winked. "He said he'd return before New Year's. Want to go together then?"

"Count me in!" Amy left, overjoyed.

As soon as the gate closed, the boys rushed to the table.

"Mommy, where's the soda?" Tommy asked eagerly.

"Little glutton." Emily tapped his nose. "First, we're taking some things to Grandma's. You can have some when we get back."

She quickly packed bananas, apples, and two pairs of socks. Just as she was about to leave, David tugged her sleeve. "Mommy, don't tell them we have treats."

Emily's heart warmed. She knelt and kissed her son. "Right. This is our secret."

On the way, they passed a few sharp-nosed aunties.

"Emily, what's in that basket? Smells wonderful!"

"Just some sewing supplies for Mother Stone," Emily replied smoothly.

The boys pressed their lips shut like two tight-lipped little quails.

At the Stone family home, Mary's voice boomed before they even entered. "Those two rascals here again?"

"Grandma!" The boys barreled inside. "Mommy brought yummy food!"

John Sr. emerged from the inner room, eyeing the basket. "Wasting money again?"

"Dad, it was a bargain in town." Emily lifted the cloth cover, releasing a wave of sweet fragrance.

Mary's eyes nearly popped. "Is that...?"

"Bananas and apples." Emily smiled. "And two pairs of socks for you and Dad to try."

John Sr. picked up an apple, wiped it on his sleeve, and took a loud bite.

"Sweet!" His eyes lit up. "Better than the Supply & Market's!"

Mary had already peeled a banana. One bite, and she froze. "This taste..."

The boys clung to her knees, watching with hopeful eyes.

"Here, Grandma will share." Mary broke the banana in half, her heart melting.

Emily watched the tender scene, her lips curving. These ordinary modern fruits had become precious bonds of family here.

Then she remembered the hidden surprise still in her basket—something special just for the children.