Chapter 27

"Let's go to Grandma's house to play with Grace," Emily Johnson said, holding her two sons' hands as they walked out, completely unaware of what was about to happen at home.

"We're here," the oxcart driver called out, and the passengers began disembarking.

"Mrs. Stone, be back by eleven sharp—don't be late," the driver reminded her pointedly.

Emily blinked, then nodded. "Understood. I'll be on time."

She wondered inwardly—had the original owner often kept people waiting?

The small town before her was shockingly primitive. Uneven cobblestone roads, a handful of shuttered shops lining the streets, and a long queue in the distance—likely the Supply & Market.

So this was rural life in the 1970s.

She decided to try her luck at the post office first.

"Any packages for me?" Emily asked at the counter.

The clerk looked up, visibly startled by the fair-skinned, neatly dressed young woman before her. "Name?"

"Emily Johnson."

"There's one package and a letter." The clerk turned to retrieve them.

Emily's heart leapt—her parents had actually sent something!

The package was heavy, filling her basket to the brim. Next, she headed to the Supply & Market to use up her nearly expired ration coupons.

By the time she left, she carried several more bags. Curiosity led her toward the state-run diner.

"Mrs. Stone, what goodies did you buy?" A middle-aged woman suddenly sidled up, reaching to lift the cloth covering Emily's basket.

Emily clamped a firm hand over the woman's wrist. "Auntie, what I bought is none of your business," she said coolly. "And I don't like people touching my things."

The woman withdrew her hand with a huff, rolling her eyes. "Oh, so your parents sent more packages?"

"Yes, they're happy to." Emily lifted her chin.

The retort silenced the other nosy women nearby. Who wouldn't envy this city-educated youth whose family sent parcels so often?

The bumpy ride back made Emily's backside ache. The terrible roads threatened to jostle her bones apart.

"Miss Johnson, this is my stop," a fellow passenger said before leaving.

Emily returned home laden with bags, only to find the gate locked.

"David? Tommy?" she called, but no one answered.

This was troublesome. With no idea where the Stone family's old house was, she couldn't haul all these things there herself.

Just as she fretted, a child ran past.

"Hey, could you go to the old house and tell David and Tommy their mom's back?"

The kid dashed off. Soon, shouts echoed in the distance: "David! Your mom's back with lots of stuff!"

In the old house's courtyard, David immediately dropped his toy. "Grandma, I'm going home!"

Mary Stone peered out from inside. "Slow down—don't trip!"