Chapter 108

"Mom, do I look good in this?" Tommy twirled in front of Emily, his new blue coat shimmering under the sunlight.

Grace and Jack lingered by the door, their eyes fixed on David and Tommy’s new outfits. Grace absentmindedly touched the frayed patches on her sleeves, while Jack stared longingly at the glossy rubber boots.

"You look wonderful, sweetheart. Everything suits you." Emily knelt to adjust Tommy’s collar. Over the past month, the boys had visibly thrived—their cheeks had filled out, they’d grown taller, and even their skin had gained a healthy glow.

Grace swallowed hard. "Aunt Emily, those clothes are so pretty."

Emily turned to the two wistful children, her heart aching. She pulled a few red ribbons from her pocket. "Grace, share these with your sisters."

"Thank you, Aunt Emily!" Grace accepted the ribbons as if they were treasure, handling them with care. Jack watched silently, too shy to ask for anything.

After the children left, David suddenly spoke up. "Mom, can we give our old clothes to Grace and her sisters?"

Emily paused. The suggestion was unexpected yet utterly fitting. She ruffled his hair. "That’s very kind of you. I’ll wash them first, then we’ll send them over."

"Mom, does Dad give you enough money?" Tommy tilted his head. "You bought so many new things."

Emily chuckled. "That’s why we need him to work harder." She lowered her voice playfully. "I spent every penny he gave me!"

"Dad should take care of Mom!" the boys declared in unison, making her laugh.

As she folded the new clothes, Emily’s thoughts drifted. It was 1978, and the winds of reform had begun to blow. She considered starting a small business—perhaps dealing in watches.

"Brother, this coat is so warm!" Tommy buried his face in the new cotton jacket.

David neatly stacked the clothes. "We won’t be cold this winter." He glanced at the door and whispered, "We can give our old coats to Grace."

The boys exchanged conspiratorial grins, as if sharing a secret.

Emily stood by the window, gazing at the distant hills. In these times, even a single new garment was a luxury for most children. She silently vowed to improve their family’s circumstances.

"Mom!" Tommy suddenly dashed over and hugged her leg. "When I grow up, I’ll buy you lots and lots of new clothes!"

Warmth flooded Emily’s chest as she scooped him into her arms. In this era of scarcity, such pure-hearted affection was more precious than anything.