Chapter 26

"Oh my, isn't this David and Tommy? Why are you crying like this?" Patricia Stone called out in a shrill voice, her eyes darting slyly around.

John Stone Sr. frowned and rapped his pipe heavily against the doorframe. "Mind your own business, Patricia!"

"Dad, I was just concerned," Patricia pouted. "Emily hasn't been seen all morning. Could it be that—"

"Waaah—" Tommy burst into louder sobs at her words. David clenched his younger brother's hand, his little face flushed with suppressed emotion.

Mary Stone hurried over and pulled the boys into her arms. "Shut your mouth, you troublemaker! Spouting nonsense like that!"

Patricia shrank back. She wouldn’t dare argue with her mother-in-law—the slap from last time still stung.

"Grandma, did Mommy really leave us?" David looked up with tear-filled eyes.

"Nonsense!" Mary wiped his face with her handkerchief. "Your mother went to town to pick up a package. She’ll be back soon."

A crowd of villagers had gathered, murmuring among themselves. Someone whispered, "I heard the educated youths are all trying to return to the city..."

"Shut your filthy mouth!" Mary whirled around. "Anyone else spreading rumors will get their lips torn off!"

John cleared his throat loudly. "Everyone, disperse! Get back to work!" He turned to his wife. "Keep an eye on the boys."

Once the crowd had scattered, Mary crouched down and gently patted her grandsons' backs. "Tell Grandma, what did Mommy say before she left?"

"She said... she’d buy us candy..." Tommy sniffled.

Mary’s heart ached. Emily had indeed changed these past few months—but who knew if it was genuine?

In the kitchen, she sighed as she looked at the brand-new towel and toothbrush. These were everyday items for city folk, but rare luxuries in the countryside.

"Grandma, will Mommy really come back?" David suddenly asked.

Mary’s hands stilled. Forcing a smile, she said, "Of course she will. Your mother loves you both dearly."

But she wasn’t so sure herself. Rumors about educated youths returning to the city were growing louder. If Emily really left...

"Here, wash your faces." Mary wrung out the new towel with extra care. "When Mommy comes back, she’ll laugh if she sees two little messes."

The boys obediently tilted their faces up. Sunlight streamed through the window, glinting off their tear-streaked cheeks.

Suddenly remembering something, Mary pulled two fruit candies from her pocket. "Have these for now. Mommy will bring better ones when she returns."

Tommy brightened, eagerly unwrapping his candy and popping it into his mouth. But David clutched his tightly and whispered, "I want to wait and share mine with Mommy."

Outside the gate, a neighbor’s hen clucked as it scurried past. Mary stared down the empty village road, her heart in turmoil.

When would this ordeal ever end?