Chapter 47

"Mom, I want to light the fire," David insisted stubbornly, standing by the stove, his small hands gripping the fire tongs tightly.

His eyes were slightly red, clearly still upset that he hadn’t been able to help earlier.

"Silly boy," Emily Johnson crouched down and gently wiped the soot from his face. "Watching over this pot of meat is already helping me the most."

The flames in the stove flickered, casting a warm glow on David’s determined profile.

In the main room, Grace carefully held an enamel cup.

"Grandma, this powdered milk smells so good!" She took a deep breath, the creamy aroma making her squint with delight.

Mary Stone patted her granddaughter’s head. "This is a rare treat—only city folks can afford it."

Jack had already taken a big gulp, milk clinging to his lips. "It’s even better than sugar water!"

"Slow down," Mary said fondly, watching her two grandchildren. "Your aunt is so good to you."

Emily emerged from the inner room, clutching a handful of White Rabbit candies.

"Here, take these." She crouched and stuffed the candies into the children’s pockets.

Grace felt her bulging pocket and beamed. "Thank you, Auntie!"

Jack wasted no time unwrapping one and popping it into his mouth, his eyes crinkling with sweetness.

Mary watched the scene, her heart swelling with gratitude—and a touch of guilt. Why was her daughter-in-law so generous?

"Emily, we should head back now," Mary said, adjusting her coat, the weight of the candies in her pocket grounding her.

"Mom, don’t forget to come with Dad for dinner," Emily reminded from the doorway. "I made stew."

As evening fell and work ended, Elizabeth Stone brushed the dust off her clothes.

"Mom, are you going to Michael’s place?" she asked, seeing her in-laws heading toward the end of the village.

Patricia Stone pursed her lips. "They’re having meat and didn’t even invite their own grandson..."

"Enough!" Robert Stone shot her a glare. "Hasn’t Emily given the kids enough already?"

Grace tugged at her mother’s sleeve. "Mom, Auntie gave us powdered milk. It was so good."

She pulled out a White Rabbit candy and pressed it into Elizabeth’s hand. "Auntie gave us these. Try one."

Elizabeth stroked her daughter’s hair, warmth spreading through her chest. This sister-in-law, though from the city, knew how to care for children better than anyone.

Meanwhile, in Emily’s kitchen, the rich aroma of stew filled the yard. David diligently added firewood, glancing up now and then at the pot.

"Mom, is the meat almost ready?"

"Just a little longer," Emily lifted the lid, steam billowing out. "We’ll eat when Grandpa and Grandma arrive."

The golden light of the setting sun streamed through the window, painting the humble kitchen in a warm, radiant glow.