Chapter 151
"Grace's coat is already too short?" Elizabeth Stone looked at her daughter's reddened little hands, her heart aching.
Indeed, the cotton-padded coat had been worn for three years, patched over and over, barely providing any warmth. Glancing at her sons' brand-new coats, Elizabeth felt her eyes grow hot.
"Sister-in-law, I still have some cotton left—David's father brought it back from town last time," Emily Johnson said softly. "I can spare you about a pound."
Elizabeth's eyes lit up. Fabric coupons and cotton were rare commodities in the countryside. A pound of cotton would go a long way!
"Emily, what would you like in exchange?" Elizabeth rubbed her hands nervously. The family had spent all their savings building the house and still had debts to pay.
"Just some eggs will do," Emily smiled. "You can bring them over in a few days."
She turned and went inside, returning shortly with a fertilizer bag. When Elizabeth took it, she saw the cotton inside—pure white, cleaner than any she'd ever seen.
"Thank you, sister!" Elizabeth's voice trembled with gratitude. "I'll go home right away and make new coats for the children!"
"Mom, can I stay and play a little longer?" Grace asked timidly.
"Let them stay," Emily said, patting Grace's head. "Sister-in-law, I also have some fabric scraps. Would you like them?"
Fabric scraps? Elizabeth's eyes brightened even more. Country women were always short on fabric—even palm-sized pieces could be put to good use.
"Yes! Yes!" Elizabeth nodded eagerly.
When she saw the scraps, she nearly cried. These weren't just scraps—each piece was larger than her palm, and the colors were vibrant.
"Thank you, Auntie!" Elizabeth hugged the cotton and fabric, walking home with light steps. With some piecing together, she could make summer dresses for her daughters.
Inside, Grace and Jack were gazing at Emily expectantly.
"Here." Emily pulled out a few White Rabbit candies. "Don't tell your mom."
The children's eyes crinkled with delight.
Meanwhile, in the Bright family's courtyard.
"Brother, Sister-in-law said she wants to come along next time we go to town," Amy Bright said as she wove a basket.
Samuel Bright paused his work. "She doesn't have many acquaintances left in the brigade now that most educated youths have left."
"She's actually quite nice," Amy murmured. "Just quiet."
Samuel thought about the recent changes. Ever since his brother started earning money, his sister-in-law had indeed changed. Last time, he'd made over a thousand yuan on his trip, and now he'd earned several hundred more selling mountain goods.
Perhaps life really was getting better?