Chapter 217

The first light of dawn crept over the courtyard, veiled in a thin mist.

I stood beneath the covered walkway, watching the maids bustle about with the luggage. Margaret waited in the yard, her plain dress fluttering slightly in the morning breeze.

"Must you go?" I asked softly.

She turned, weariness shadowing her features. "It's time."

My fingers tightened around the handkerchief in my hand—the one embroidered with the pattern she'd taught me. "When will you return?"

She shook her head, gaze drifting toward the distance. "I can't say."

A maid approached with a bundled parcel. "Miss, everything's packed."

Margaret took it, her fingers trembling slightly. I noticed the jade bracelet I'd given her last year still circling her wrist.

"Take care," she said, casting me one last glance before turning toward the gate.

I took two hurried steps after her before forcing myself to stop. In the morning light, her figure grew smaller until she disappeared around the corner.

A gust of wind carried away the last traces of her perfume.

"Miss..." Spring Peach called worriedly.

Only then did I realize I'd crumpled the handkerchief beyond recognition. The twin lotus flowers I'd stitched now seemed painfully ironic.

"Let's go inside," I heard myself say.

As I turned, a drop of moisture landed on my hand. Whether morning dew or something else, I couldn't tell.

The morning mist still lingered when Emily Johnson stood at the bus station with little David's hand in hers. She wore a light blue polyester blouse that made her fair skin glow like snow.

"Mom, are you sure you can't stay a few more days?" Emily asked softly, her fingers unconsciously fiddling with her hem.

Margaret Johnson shook her head, her silver-streaked hair catching the morning light. "There are matters to attend to in the city. I can't leave your father alone for too long."

By the time the rickety bus arrived at the county seat, the sun had climbed above the treetops. Emily supported her mother with one hand and held David with the other as they navigated the bustling streets.

"The post office is right ahead!" David announced, his eyes sparkling as he looked up.

A long queue snaked outside the post office. Emily settled Margaret on a bench before taking David into the crowd.

"Excuse me," Emily leaned toward the ticket window, her voice gentle, "My mother has difficulty walking. Could we possibly get a sleeper ticket?"

The round-faced clerk studied her for a moment. Emily quickly produced her educated youth certificate and prompted David to say, "Hello, sister!"

"Sleeper tickets are hard to come by..." the clerk hesitated.

"I know. Please help us." Emily discreetly slid twenty-five dollars across the counter.

When the thin paper ticket finally changed hands, Margaret's eyes grew moist. "It's been years since I've traveled in a sleeper..."

They had lunch at the state-run restaurant. Margaret insisted on paying, ordering braised pork and stir-fried greens. David ate with gusto, sauce smeared around his mouth, but Emily barely touched her food.

"Mom, send a telegram when you arrive," she repeated.

The bus station teemed with people. Before boarding, Margaret suddenly turned and embraced her daughter. "Take care of yourself, Emily."

Dust swirled as the bus pulled away. Emily stood motionless until it disappeared around the bend.

"Mom, where are we going now?" David tugged her sleeve.

Emily took a deep breath and smiled. "Someplace fun."

The bookstore was so quiet you could hear pages turning. David pressed his face against the glass display like he'd discovered treasure.

"Mom, this one!" He excitedly held up a copy of How the Steel Was Tempered.

Emily chuckled and ruffled his hair. "That's quite a thick book. Do you think you can read it?"

"I'll use a dictionary!" David puffed out his chest.

The cashier gave them an appraising look as they checked out—few families could afford books for their children in those days.

Outside, their elongated shadows stretched in the sunset. Emily suddenly knelt to meet David's gaze. "I promise we'll come here every month to buy you books. How does that sound?"

The boy's face lit up as he nodded vigorously. Watching his innocent smile, Emily felt something soften deep inside her.