Chapter 193

The biting wind made Daisy's small frame appear even more fragile. Her patched cotton coat, washed to a pale hue, did little to ward off the cold. Her cheeks were flushed red with both chill and worry.

"Father didn't come..." Daisy's voice was barely audible. "Auntie carried Henry here to see the doctor."

John Stone Sr.'s brow furrowed. Henry's father was utterly irresponsible—how could he neglect his own son running such a high fever? What if the boy took a turn for the worse?

Emily Johnson retrieved several packets of fever-reducing powder from her medicine kit. The pink granules dissolved in the enamel mug, releasing a faintly sweet aroma.

"Mom..." Little David stretched on his tiptoes, eager to help.

"Father..." Emily only then noticed her father-in-law had accompanied them. Gently, she lifted the unconscious Henry, carefully tipping the medicine into his mouth.

Though unconscious, Henry managed to swallow. Relieved, Emily dampened a cloth and pressed it to his forehead to cool him down.

"Father, you should go tend to your duties. I can handle things here," Emily said softly.

John Stone Sr. gazed at the two children, his heart heavy. They could offer temporary help, but not a permanent solution.

Henry's father was still alive—this was ultimately his responsibility.

"Mm." John turned to leave, already planning to have his wife intervene. His daughter-in-law had a kind heart, but this situation was more complicated than simple charity.

Before long, Henry's eyelids fluttered open.

"Brother!" Daisy threw herself at the bedside, tears spilling down her cheeks.

Henry blinked dazedly at his surroundings, his throat burning.

"Drink some water first." Emily handed him a cup. "Are you hungry?"

David immediately dug a few biscuits from his pocket. "I've got food!"

Emily added some sponge cakes to the offering. "Eat a little to settle your stomach."

When the village doctor entered with a bowl of medicine, he found the children nibbling quietly on the treats.

"The fever's broken—that's what matters." He passed the medicine to Emily. "Three cents."

After paying, Emily helped Henry to his feet. "Can you walk?"

Henry swayed the moment he stood, but Emily caught him just in time.

"Take it slow." With one hand holding Tommy and the other steadying Henry, Emily's heart remained weighed down.

Meanwhile, Mary Stone slammed her palm on the table after hearing her husband's account. "That good-for-nothing! I'll give him a piece of my mind!"

She snatched up a rolling pin and stormed toward the door, only for John to pull her back. "Hold on—"

Outside, the wind howled, scattering dead leaves in its wake like a voiceless sigh.