Chapter 71
"Mom, Mom!" The voices of David and Tommy grew louder as they ran closer, panting. "We heard Dad is back?"
Before Emily Johnson could respond, the two boys burst into the yard. David pushed open the door, his small face alight with anticipation. When he spotted the familiar figure in the living room, his eyes instantly brightened.
"Dad!" David dashed forward like a little cannonball.
"Dad!" Tommy followed close behind, stumbling as he ran.
Michael Stone's gaze softened as he looked at his sons. "David, Tommy." He crouched down and pulled them into a tight embrace.
"Dad, I missed you so much!" David clung to his father's neck.
"Me too!" Tommy buried his face in Michael's shoulder.
Before they could say more, both boys suddenly burst into tears. Michael froze, unsure how to react. "Big boys don't cry, especially not in front of Mom."
The two immediately sniffled and wiped their faces with grubby hands, turning into little messes in seconds.
"I wasn't crying!" David hiccuped.
"Me neither!" Tommy insisted.
Emily watched their teary eyes and couldn't help but smile. "That's right. Our David and Tommy are the bravest."
Just then, Grace and Jack timidly stepped into the yard. "Uncle..." Grace called softly.
Michael looked up at his brother's children. "Grace, Jack." He noticed his own sons were dressed in new clothes, their cheeks rounder and their skin fairer. No wonder they felt heavier when he hugged them.
"These clothes..." Michael glanced at Emily, puzzled.
"New ones," Emily replied simply. She knew the original host was terrible at sewing, and Michael was well aware of that.
"They look nice," Michael nodded, though his expression remained thoughtful.
"David, go get the bowls. I'll make you some milk," Emily instructed.
Milk? Michael frowned. That wasn't easy to come by in town.
David immediately wriggled out of his father's arms and happily ran to the kitchen. Emily took out an enamel cup, expertly pouring water and adding powdered milk. Soon, the rich aroma filled the room.
Michael's eyes followed his wife's movements. Where had she gotten milk powder? Even the Supply & Market in the county rarely stocked it.
"Traded for it," Emily said, as if reading his mind. "I'll explain later."
She poured small portions into each child's bowl, then handed the remaining milk to Michael. "Drink some. It'll help you recover."
Michael was stunned. His wife was actually showing concern for him? Before he left, they'd had a huge fight about returning to the city.
The children had already climbed onto the bench, kneeling as they sipped carefully. Clearly, this wasn't their first time drinking milk.
What surprised Michael even more was that his wife had also served his brother's children. Milk powder was precious—most people wouldn't share it with others.
"Uncle," Grace said, holding her bowl with shining eyes, "Auntie made sweet potato cakes yesterday, and they were so good!"
"And the milk is delicious!" Jack licked his lips contentedly.
After finishing their milk, the two reluctantly said goodbye before leaving. Michael watched them go, his confusion deepening. What exactly had happened at home while he was away?