Chapter 178

"Going around the streets?"

Captain John Stone narrowed his eyes, his face full of disbelief. He had already sensed something unusual in the air.

"For David and Tommy."

"We still have some at home."

Emily Johnson quickly walked into the main room and began pulling items from her basket.

"Nylon socks—they'll keep you warm in winter."

Mary Stone's eyes lit up. Her daughter, who had married into town, had once flaunted a pair of nylon socks for nearly half a year. Now, her daughter-in-law had brought two pairs at once.

"Is this... a banana?"

Captain John looked up, staring at the golden fruit on the table.

"Looks like plantains."

"They need a few days to ripen—wait until the skin turns yellow before eating them. The apples are said to be from the northeast." Emily picked up a bright red apple, its sweet fragrance filling the air.

"Dad, Mom, we'll head back now."

Mary nodded eagerly, and as soon as Emily left, she hurriedly carried the items inside. Running her fingers over the thick nylon socks, warmth spread from her fingertips.

"Old man, who are you scowling at? Even though our third daughter-in-law doesn’t work in the fields, her family sends money and coupons every month. Michael doesn’t complain, so why should you, as her father-in-law—"

"Since when have I been scowling?" Captain John touched his face indignantly. This was just how he looked!

Meanwhile, Amy Bright skipped into the yard.

"Grandma, I'm back!" The little girl beamed with joy.

Grandma Bright set aside her needlework. "What did you buy in town with Emily?"

Amy pulled her grandmother inside mysteriously, lifting a patched cloth to reveal her treasures.

"Emily was lucky—she got these from somewhere else. A towel for a dollar without coupons, socks for fifty cents a pair, and two apples plus four bananas for just a dollar."

"That cheap?" Grandma Bright's eyes widened. Bananas were a rare treat in their area.

"Emily said the bananas need to soften before eating."

Remembering the envious looks from the women on the road, Amy pouted. "Those aunties were practically burning holes in Emily’s basket with their stares."

"Didn’t Peter Wilson teach them a lesson?"

"With Michael away, Emily’s alone with the kids..." Amy frowned with worry.

"Don’t mind those gossips. Come on, let’s make dinner."

Back home, Emily took out a bottle of soda from the cupboard.

"Share this between the two of you. Kids shouldn’t drink too much, or else..." She lowered her voice. "Your tongues will turn the color of soda."

David and Tommy shuddered. They’d had soda before—their tongues never changed color!

"Don’t believe me? I’ll get a mirror."

This was Emily’s foolproof trick for dealing with little gluttons. They needed to learn not to overindulge in drinks.

"Brother, let me take a sip first to test it." Tommy lifted the enamel mug, took a small sip, then stuck out his tongue and mumbled, "D-Did it change color?"