Chapter 168
"Flour is only twenty cents per pound."
Eighty cents per pound? That's too expensive—almost as much as meat.
The day before yesterday, she'd gone hunting with Michael and they'd bagged two wild rabbits. He'd carefully salted them, planning to smoke the meat so it would keep longer. Whenever they wanted some, they could just cut off a piece and cook it.
"Sis, these rubber boots look brand new. I can't accept them."
"They're not new. I've worn them a few times, but they're too stiff and hurt my feet. David and Tommy are still too small for them, and Michael's feet are too big."
"Ethan, just take them!"
In the end, Ethan left with the basket—filled with flour, sugar, noodles, and the rubber boots.
Though they were secondhand, few children in the village owned rubber boots.
Dinner was simple.
After the boys fell asleep, Emily lit the kerosene lamp and watched Michael pack. He would leave first thing in the morning after breakfast.
"I have some spices. I'll make you some braised eggs while you finish packing."
Emily turned and headed to the kitchen. The boys were sound asleep.
She took out the spices and added a packet of braising mix to a pot of boiling water. In another pot, she boiled over twenty eggs.
Once the eggs were cooked, she cracked their shells lightly before returning them to the braising liquid. This would let the flavors seep in.
She knew all about tea eggs and braised eggs—she'd eaten plenty before.
"Sweetheart..."
Michael finished packing his clothes and came to the kitchen when she didn't return.
"All done? I'm making braised eggs for you. If they soak overnight and you reheat them tomorrow, they'll be full of flavor."
She didn’t want him to leave.
And he didn’t want to go either.
But if he didn’t earn more before the New Year, how would they afford a house in the city when she got into university next year?
He'd heard city homes were outrageously expensive—thousands for even a small one. A bigger place would cost even more.
"Let me help."
"It's already done. We should get some sleep—you have to wake up early."
Without realizing it, she'd grown used to sharing a home with him. Now that he was leaving, she felt strangely hollow.
She had to admit, though he might be gruff with others, he was always gentle and considerate with her. He took care of the laundry and cooking without complaint.
"Alright, let's sleep." Michael picked up the kerosene lamp with one hand and took hers with the other, leading her to their room.
"Sleep well, sweetheart."
As much as he hated to leave, he remembered his promise to her. He wouldn’t push her if she wasn’t ready.
Still, just holding her as they slept was happiness enough for him. If he couldn’t have the meat, he’d settle for the broth.
"Stop it."
One kiss was enough—did he have to keep going?
"Sweetheart, I’ll miss you. Will you miss me?" Michael nuzzled her cheek and whispered in her ear.
How was she supposed to answer that?
"I’ll miss you. Be careful out there—don’t let anyone trick you. Even kids and women could be trouble."
She was worried about him.
He couldn’t resist kissing her again.
Emily seriously considered kicking him off the bed.
"Don’t buy unnecessary things. Since it’s almost New Year, bring back some local specialties."
Her voice was so sweet, especially in the quiet of the night.
"Sweetheart, you have to miss me."
Emily took a deep breath. "Michael, I’ll miss you."
There. Was that enough?