The dawn of the new day arrived swiftly, stirring me from my slumber with a sense of anticipation. Rising early, I embarked on my usual morning routine of tidying my bed, freshening up, and heading to the breakfast table. However, the absence of my father caught my attention, prompting me to inquire about his whereabouts.
"Good morning, Mother and sisters. Where is Father?" I asked, scanning the room for any signs of his presence.
Saori and Anco greeted me in return, but their silence regarding Father's absence left me curious. My mother, occupied with her meal, spared a moment to respond.
"Your father left early to extend an invitation to the family we spoke about last night. He should return soon with an update," Mother explained, her voice carrying a hint of anticipation.
Satisfied with the explanation, I took my seat at the table and began to enjoy the hearty breakfast Saori had prepared. The tantalizing aroma of boiled dumplings and stewed chicken filled the air, a departure from our usual morning fare.
"Sister, did you make breakfast this morning?" I inquired, acknowledging Saori's culinary skills with a smile.
Saori returned the smile, confirming her role in preparing the meal. "Yes, Giselle. Is it to your liking?" she asked, her gentle demeanor soothing the tension in the room.
As I savored the flavors, Anco couldn't resist the opportunity to tease me, poking fun at my enthusiastic appetite. Ignoring her jibes, I playfully retaliated, much to her chagrin.
"Eating like the pig you are, hahaha," Anco remarked, her words dripping with sarcasm.
Refusing to let her remarks dampen my mood, I continued to enjoy the meal, relishing every bite. Anco's taunts were nothing new, and I had long grown accustomed to her antics.
Just then, our father returned, his presence bringing a sense of calm to the room. With a warm greeting, he acknowledged each of us before settling at the table.
"Good morning, sunshine," Father said, leaning in to kiss my forehead affectionately.
Returning the gesture, I greeted him between mouthfuls of food. Anco, always quick to seize an opportunity, couldn't resist a jab.
"Your mouth is full, yet you talk, you greedy wench," Anco teased, her tone laced with mischief.
Ignoring Anco's remarks, I focused on enjoying the meal, relishing the flavors with each bite. As Father settled in he told my mother he was hungry so she got up from the table to get share his meal, the conversation soon turned to the Newman family and their response to our invitation.
"Did the family accept our invitation?" Saori inquired, her curiosity mirrored by my own.
Father nodded in confirmation, his expression one of satisfaction. "Yes, they did. I'll provide more details once your mother returns," he replied, offering a glimpse of the excitement to come.
After Mother returned to the table with Father's meal, the atmosphere seemed to lighten as we eagerly awaited his update. Father wasted no time in sampling the food, his approving nod eliciting a sense of satisfaction from each of us. Saori and I exchanged knowing smiles, silently sharing in the unspoken bond of anticipation.
With a contented sigh, Father began to share the news we had all been waiting for. "I went to the Newmans, and they were truly delighted. They've accepted our invitation and will be joining us around 6 tonight," he announced, his words met with a chorus of excitement.
"The Newmans? That's their family name? How nice. I hope they bring their kids," I remarked, unable to contain my enthusiasm.
As I spoke, a smile tugged at the corners of my lips, envisioning the evening ahead filled with laughter and camaraderie. Mother, too, voiced her approval, nodding in agreement with a sense of determination.
"Hmm, that's good. The girls and I will prepare the food for tonight," Mother declared, her tone brimming with confidence.
Just as the anticipation reached its peak, Anco interjected with a question that threatened to dampen the mood. "Do I have to be here to help?" she asked, her tone tinged with reluctance.
Mother's response was swift and unyielding, her gaze fixed on Anco with an intensity that brooked no argument. The message was clear, and Anco fell silent, realizing the gravity of her words. With a single glance, Mother had quelled any dissent, reaffirming her authority within the household.
As beads of sweat trickled down Anco's face, a sense of urgency filled the air. With breakfast concluded, our mother's commanding voice pierced through the room, commanding our attention. "Before preparations for dinner tonight, you girls will pack. Make sure to pack everything, including clothes, shoes, undergarments, jewelry, and anything else you'll definitely need," she announced firmly.
In unison, we responded, "Yes, mother," acknowledging the task at hand. With purposeful strides, we dispersed to our respective rooms to gather our belongings. In my room, I retrieved the road trip bag nestled under my bed, a thoughtful gift from Mother the previous night. Methodically, I sorted through my wardrobe, meticulously folding each garment and placing them into the bag.
Moving on to the essentials, I meticulously gathered my hairbrush, last year's birthday purse, handkerchiefs, rags, a brown pouch, ribbons, hairpins, beads, stockings, a pocket knife, and a small mirror. Ensuring I had everything I might need, I then packed my yard shoes and going-out shoes into a separate bag.
After forty minutes of careful organization, I emerged from my room to find Mother bustling about the living room, engaged in her own packing endeavors. Catching her attention, I confirmed that I had packed all I needed.
"Giselle, have you packed everything you needed?" she inquired.
"Yes, of course, Mother," I replied dutifully.
"Good. Now, go check on Anco. I know she doesn't want to pack, and she definitely won't," Mother instructed.
With a nod, I made my way to Anco's room, located adjacent to Saori's. Knocking gently, I received no response. Entering cautiously, I found Anco amidst a chaotic sea of clothes strewn about the room. Concerned, I approached her.
"Anco, are you okay? Do you need help packing? I can lend a hand," I offered, genuine worry in my voice.
"Ew, dimwit, don't act concerned. It's disgusting. And don't touch me; I might catch your disease," Anco retorted, her tone venomous as she laughed.
Exasperated, I responded, "I regret even bothering to worry about you. You can wallow in your misery for all I care. And for your information, my 'disease' is not contagious, you idiot."
Anco's eyes rolled as she retorted, "It may not be contagious, but your ugliness sure is."
Unable to tolerate Anco's disrespect any longer, I lunged at her, resulting in a tumultuous scuffle. Before I knew it, Anco had pinned me to the ground, her blows raining down upon me. The commotion attracted the attention of Saori and Mother, who rushed to intervene.
Saori quickly pulled Anco off me, while Mother restrained her to prevent further aggression. As Saori helped me to my feet, I realized the extent of the damage, both physical and emotional. Anco's smirk only served to stoke the flames of my frustration, until Mother's authoritative voice boomed, quelling the chaos.
"What on Earth is this? Fighting? That's it, punishment for both of you!" Mother's reprimand echoed through the room, punctuated by my sudden cry of pain as I touched my face, finding a crimson smear on my fingertips.
"Aggghhhh!" My scream echoed through the room as I recoiled in shock, trembling uncontrollably. Rushing to the mirror atop Anco's bed, I gazed upon my reflection, only to be met with horror as I beheld my face, marred by cuts and blood streaming from my nose.
I fainted then and there. Seeing my own blood scared me and my heart didn't stop pounding until I eventually lost consciousness. When I fell to the ground I could hear the panic and screams from my mother and Saori but there were no more sounds once my eyes closed.
...
2 hours later…
I gradually regained consciousness, my vision clearing as I found myself in my room, Saori seated by my bedside, asleep in a chair. A wave of gratitude washed over me, knowing she had stayed by my side after my fainting spell. With a faint smile, I silently thanked her.
Recalling the ordeal, I leaped out of bed, hastening to retrieve my small mirror from the packing bag. Examining my face, I discovered several scratches, my hands trembling with disbelief. Anguish surged within me as I realized my once unblemished visage had been tarnished by Anco's cruelty.
"My face... My beautiful face... Damn that Anco! I'll get my revenge on her, I swear," I vowed, clenching my fists in frustration.
Returning the mirror to the bag, I resolved to seek solace from my mother. Venturing into the living room, I found her engrossed in cleaning. Drawing near, I uttered softly, "I just woke up, Mama."
Startled by my voice, Mother turned swiftly, rushing to envelop me in a tight embrace. "Stupid girl, how could you have fainted like that? You worried me," she scolded gently.
"I was just scared," I admitted.
"Because of Anco?" Mother inquired knowingly.
"Not entirely, but... because I saw my own blood, and... there are scratches on my face. I don't look so pretty," I confessed, sadness tingeing my voice.
"Idiot girl, what are you yapping about? You are very beautiful, with or without scratches. Seeing your own blood is normal, and you'll get used to it once you start your cycle," Mother reassured me.
"My... cycle?" I questioned, perplexed.
"I'll explain it to you another time. Anyways, don't worry about Anco. I made sure she got her punishment, and she won't be leaving her room until tonight. Before the guests arrive, you two must make up," Mother instructed firmly.
"Shouldn't I get punished too since I was the one who attacked Anco first?" I asked disappointment evident in my tone.
Mother met my gaze knowingly, offering a reassuring smile. "I know."
"How?" I queried, puzzled by her insight.
"Because I'm your mother. I know that Anco always says mean things to you, so it was only a matter of time before you two clashed. But I didn't expect Anco to be so ruthless, even in a fight," Mother explained, her maternal instincts guiding her understanding.
Speechless, I absorbed her words, pondering the complexity of our relationship. With a nod, Mother excused herself, retreating to the kitchen to continue her chores, leaving me to contemplate the events that had transpired.
Heading to the bathroom, I ensured the door was securely locked before retrieving the piece of cloth I typically used for bathing. Submerging it in the bucket of water, I wrung it out gently, stealing a glance at my reflection in the mirror as I began to wipe away the dirt and remnants of the day's ordeal from my face.
Each careful stroke of the cloth was met with a twinge of pain, a reminder of the skirmish with Anco. Despite the discomfort, I persevered, determined to cleanse away any traces of the altercation. Once satisfied, I hung the cloth up to dry before exiting the bathroom and returning to my room.
There, I roused Saori from her slumber, her eyes squinting against the sudden intrusion of light. Upon recognizing me, she sprang to her feet, enveloping me in a tight embrace.
"Oh, thank God," she breathed, relief evident in her voice as she held me close.
Returning her embrace, I reassured her, "Yes, sister, I'm okay. Thanks for watching over me."
As Saori released me and gazed into my eyes, concern etched across her features, she voiced her dismay. "Oh, poor you. I can't believe Anco punched you and hurt you so badly."
"It's okay, sister. I'm alright now," I assured her, though her whispered words lingered in my mind, planting seeds of doubt.
"The truth is, Anco is just jealous that she's not as pretty as you, so she made sure to go for your face since you always admired it," Saori confided softly, her finger pressed against her lips in a hushed gesture. "Shhh..."
With a gentle pat on my shoulder, Saori departed, leaving me to contemplate her words. Her unexpected insight cast her in a new light, revealing a depth to her understanding that I had not previously recognized.
Sighing, I settled onto my bed, resolving to present my best self at dinner despite the lingering soreness and the faint traces of the altercation on my face. Retrieving a ribbon and hairpin from my packing bag, I laid them out carefully, preparing to adorn my hair.
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Selecting one of my favorite dresses—a charming sundress in hues of white and blue that complemented my hair and eyes—I set it aside, determined to exude confidence and grace. Tonight, I would style my hair on my own, without relying on Mother's assistance. After all, first impressions are everything, as Mother often reminded me.
Three hours later, lost in a reverie, I found myself imagining how I would look tonight, envisioning the graceful silhouette of my sundress against the backdrop of the evening.
Suddenly, my daydream was interrupted by the resounding voice of my mother, echoing from the kitchen, summoning Saori and me. Startled, I hurried to join Saori, who was already waiting there.
"I need both of your help now that I'm done cleaning the kitchen. I will be going into town to purchase bucketfuls of water, so all you guys need to do is prepare the food. Choose whatever you think we can eat tonight and be good," our mother instructed before departing.
Saori and I exchanged a glance, understanding the task at hand. "Let's begin," she said, determination shining in her eyes.
Considering our options, I pondered aloud, "What should we make, though?"
"There is rabbit meat, chicken, and goat meat. We can prepare two types of meat tonight. I'll allow you to choose," Saori suggested, her smile reassuring.
"Um, how about rabbit and chicken?" I proposed.
"Alright, then I'll deal with the rabbit meat, and you can do the chicken," Saori agreed.
Taking charge of the chicken, already laid out on the counter, I set to work, carefully cutting it into uniform pieces. Ten minutes later, armed with onions, garlic, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, thyme, salt, tumeric, pepper, and rosemary, I diced and sliced, blending the ingredients with the chicken and allowing them to marinate.
Washing my hands, I checked on Saori's progress, but she had already finished seasoning the rabbit.
Twenty minutes later, Saori and I ventured outside to gather wood for the fire. With rocks as our makeshift ignition, I kindled a flame, placing the pot over the fire and adding coconut oil and the seasoned chicken. As the savory aroma filled the air, I added water, allowing the chicken to simmer to perfection.
With everything prepared, save for the rice, Saori volunteered to take charge of that task. As we worked, our mother returned, accompanied by a man laden with buckets of water.
"Already back? It seems as if you hired someone to bring them here for you," I observed.
"Yes, I had to. Who would carry fifteen buckets of water from the town's well to this house? I saw him driving his carriage, so I stopped him and told him I'd pay him if he took me and the buckets to my house and carried them in," my mother explained.
Her reasoning sound, I nodded in agreement. I informed her that the meats were cooked and ready, eliciting a smile from her. With the guests due to arrive soon, preparations were in full swing.
After the man had unloaded the water and departed, our mother inspected the meal we had prepared, expressing her approval. She then made her way to Anco's room to check on her.
After her brief visit to Anco's room, our mother returned to oversee the final preparations for the evening. As the rice reached perfection, Saori deftly transported the steaming pot back indoors. With dinner now ready, it was time for everyone to bathe and dress for the occasion.
Following our mother's instructions, Saori took the first turn while Anco was summoned from her room. Upon emerging, Anco's demeanor bore a subtle shift, hinting at a newfound humility. Seated in the living room with my mother and me, she braced herself for the forthcoming reconciliation.
"Both of you will apologize to each other and share a hug before bathing. Now, begin," our mother declared with a firm but gentle tone.
To my surprise, Anco initiated the exchange, offering a sincere apology for her earlier outburst and acknowledging her lapse in kindness.
"I'm sorry, sister, for hurting you earlier. I should have been kinder, but I was upset about not being able to go out today," Anco admitted, her tone unusually soft.
Moved by her unexpected contrition, I reciprocated, expressing regret for my own hasty actions.
"I'm also sorry for attacking you. I was too aggressive. Please forgive me," I replied, a genuine sense of remorse coloring my words.
As we embraced, Anco whispered a veiled threat in my ear, a reminder that old habits die hard.
"My torture doesn't end here dear sister" she murmured, a mischievous gleam in her eye.
Sigh old habits truly die hard and Anco just proved that to me. Rolling my eyes at her we turned to our mother smiling happily.
Our reconciliation brought a smile to our mother's face, a tangible relief evident in her demeanor. With our familial bond reaffirmed, we set aside past grievances and embraced the promise of a fresh start.
After Saori and Anco completed their turns, it was my time to bathe. Armed with a piece of cloth and fragrant herbs, I immersed myself in the cleansing ritual, taking care to soothe my tender skin. Emerging refreshed, I proceeded to attire myself, carefully selecting garments that would complement the evening's festivities.
Turning my attention to my hair, I meticulously groomed it, fashioning a simple yet elegant style adorned with a ribbon and charming hair clip. Satisfied with my appearance, I joined Saori and Anco in the living room, where their own transformations awaited my admiration.
Saori exuded grace and poise in her attire, her radiant smile illuminating the room. Anco, albeit begrudgingly, wore a dress chosen by our mother, a testament to her fleeting compliance. Despite her reluctance, she cut a striking figure, a testament to our family's innate allure.
Seated among my sisters, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty that surrounded me. We were three facets of a singular gem, each possessing our own unique radiance.
As I complimented their appearance, Saori reciprocated the gesture, while Anco brooded in silence.
"Thank you, Giselle. You look stunning as well," Saori said with a warm smile.
Anco, on the other hand, grumbled under her breath, muttering about the embarrassment of her attire.
Our banter was interrupted by the arrival of our father, returning from the fields earlier than expected. Overwhelmed by the sight of his daughters, he enveloped us in a warm embrace, his pride evident in his misty eyes.
"Good evening, my lovely girls. You all look absolutely beautiful," he exclaimed, his voice thick with emotion.
Expressing his gratitude for our beauty, he retreated to prepare for the evening ahead, leaving us to bask in his affection.
As he made his way to the bathroom, our mother emerged, clad in a towel and poised for her own preparations. My mother then told our father to get ready as she hurried into her room.
After our father and mother got ready, we were all prepared and eagerly awaited the arrival of our guests. The anticipation hung thick in the air, mingling with the sweet aroma of the delicacies simmering on the stove.
Soon, we heard a polite knock on our door. With a sense of excitement, my mother hurried to open it, revealing a handsome young man, a poised woman, and a cluster of children ranging in age. Saori, Anco, and I quickly rose from our seats, followed by our father, as we made our way to greet our visitors at the front door.
"Ah, hello! Thank you for coming," my mother greeted them warmly, her eyes sparkling with hospitality.
"Thank you, madam," replied the man and woman in unison, their voices carrying an air of sophistication.
Inviting them inside, my mother ushered our guests into the warmth of our home. As they crossed the threshold, their gazes swept over us with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.
Noticing their inquisitive looks, my father stepped forward to introduce us. "Mrs. Newman, Mr. Newman, these are my three lovely daughters. This is Anco, the eldest, followed by Saori, and our youngest, Giselle."
Anco, always one to break the ice, greeted them with a casual "Wassup?"
Saori, ever gracious, chimed in with a warm smile. "It is a pleasure to meet such a lovely family as yours."
Echoing her sentiment, I added, "It's a pleasure to meet you all."
The woman, Mrs. Newman, then stepped forward to introduce her own brood. "Hello, children. I'm Mrs. Newman, and this is my husband, Mr. Newman. These are our children: Richard, Owen, Akira, Mirabel, Star, and Violet."
Observing the family before us, I noted the diversity among the siblings. Richard and Owen bore resemblance to their parents with their tall frames, jet-black hair, and piercing brown eyes. Akira had inherited her mother's petite stature and long, black hair, while Mirabel's curls cascaded down her back in a riot of brown hues. Star, with her sleek, midnight-black hair, and Violet, with her back hair and crimson red eyes, completed the colorful portrait of the Newman family.
As they settled into our home, exchanging pleasantries and laughter, I couldn't help but marvel at the contrast between our two families. While they exuded their own brand of beauty and charm, there was an ethereal quality to my own family, a sense of otherworldly grace that set us apart.
With smiles exchanged and introductions made, my mother led our guests into the kitchen, where the dining table awaited, adorned with the bounty of our labor and the promise of a memorable evening ahead.
My mother's warm smile illuminated the room as she greeted our guests, ushering them into the heart of our home—the kitchen, where the dining table stood ready to host our gathering.
As the Newmans took their seats around the table, we followed suit. I found myself seated near Saori and next to a girl named Violet, who appeared to be around my age, quiet and observant.
"We've prepared quite a feast, considering the size of our families. Let's enjoy dinner and get to know each other better," my mother announced cheerfully, her eyes twinkling with hospitality.
Mrs. Newman nodded graciously, while Mr. Newman flashed a friendly smile in agreement.
With practiced grace, my mother began placing the steaming pots of food onto the table. "Please, help yourselves. We have rabbit stew here, chicken in the other pot, along with cooked rice, boiled potatoes, and water," she offered, gesturing towards the array of dishes.
"Wow, that's quite a spread," remarked Mr. Newman, his eyes widening in appreciation.
Our father nodded proudly, a glimmer of satisfaction dancing in his eyes.
"Now, who would like to kick off the introductions?" my mother prompted, her voice warm and inviting.
I eagerly raised my hand, seeking permission to speak. With a nod from my mother, I took a deep breath and began, "My name is Giselle Lynette. I'm 12 years old, and as you can see, my hair is white due to a rare condition I was born with. My blue eyes, like my sister Saori's, come from our aunt. I enjoy reading, learning new things, and indulging in my beauty routines. I hope our families can forge a strong friendship, and I look forward to getting to know each of you better. Thank you," I concluded, offering a gentle smile before retaking my seat.
Applause greeted my introduction, and I basked in the glow of approval from our guests. My mother's silent nod of encouragement filled me with pride. However, my moment of triumph was short-lived as Anco, ever the disruptor, rose to her feet.
"Name's Anco. I'm the oldest at 14," she began, her tone sharp and confrontational. "I enjoy picking fights and bullying people. Just this morning, I beat up my sister, causing the scratches on her face. Oh, and watch out for her disease; it's contagious. Don't let your kids near her, or they'll catch it and turn into a decrepit old hag," she declared, her words dripping with venom.
Rage surged within me as Anco launched her verbal assault. I leaped to my feet, fists clenched, ready to defend myself against her malicious lies. "You wicked tomboy! Take back your vile words! Why must you seek to tarnish my reputation? Is it because I'm more beautiful than you, you uncouth brute?" I retorted, my voice trembling with fury.
Anco responded in kind, hurling insults and curses in my direction, our voices escalating into a cacophony of discord. Our father buried his face in his hands, while my mother rose to her feet, her voice ringing with authority. "Enough! This is not the time nor the place for such behavior, Anco. We will address this later," she declared, her words carrying the weight of maternal reprimand.
As we begrudgingly resumed our seats, tension hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the once-harmonious atmosphere. Mrs. Newman and Mr. Newman exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions a mixture of surprise and concern.
Sensing the need to restore some semblance of civility, Saori gracefully rose from her seat, her demeanor calm and composed. "Hello, my name is Saori Lynette. Please excuse the outburst from my sisters; they can be rather... spirited at times. I'm 13 years old, and I take pride in assisting my mother with household chores and mediating disputes between my siblings. I hope we can build a friendship based on mutual respect and understanding, and perhaps even arrange future visits between our families," she offered, her words a soothing balm to the frayed nerves of our guests.
With a serene smile, Saori returned to her seat, her angelic presence a beacon of tranquility amidst the chaos.
Amidst the applause that followed our introductions, the anticipation hung thick in the air as we awaited the next person to step forward. Mrs. Newman, with a tender touch to her daughter's shoulder, encouraged her girls to take their turn.
The first to rise was Star, a gentle smile gracing her lips as she introduced herself. "My name is Star. I'm 13 years old, and I usually help with household chores. I really enjoy eating delicious food, and I love my family dearly. I hope we can all get along," she said softly before settling back into her seat.
Observing Star's shy demeanor, I couldn't help but feel a sense of kinship towards her. Perhaps she and Saori would form a special bond, I mused silently.
Following Star, Owen, the eldest son, stood up. "My name is Owen Newman. I'm 15 years old, and I assist my father and Richard with the farm work. I hope we can all establish a good relationship," he stated confidently, his gaze lingering on Saori with a hint of admiration.
Violet, the timid girl who had caught my attention earlier, hesitantly rose next. "My n-name is V-Violet Newman. I'm 12 years old, and I... um, I like pretty things. I hope to be good friends with everyone here, especially you, Giselle," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
I was taken aback by Violet's unexpected mention of my name and her willingness to befriend me. A warm smile spread across my face as I nodded in response, touched by her gesture of friendship.
As Violet resumed her seat, Mirabel, her twin, stood up. "My name is Mirabel. I'm Violet's twin sister. I enjoy meeting new people, and I hope we can all become friends," she said cheerfully, her enthusiasm evident.
Akira, the youngest of the Newman siblings, shyly introduced herself. "My name is Akira. I'm 11 years old, and I'm not used to gatherings at other families' houses. Thank you for inviting us, and I'm willing to be friends with any of you," she said, her gaze flickering towards us three sisters.
Lastly, Richard, the quietest of the group, stood up. "Richard, that's my name. I simply want what's best for my siblings and myself," he stated succinctly, his words reflecting his pragmatic nature.
With the introductions concluded, we delved into our meal. Owen's eager appetite was evident as he dug into the food with gusto, setting off a chain reaction among the others.
Midway through the meal, my mother, ever the curious hostess, ventured a question to Mrs. Newman. "You and your husband seem quite young. At what age did you start having children?" she inquired innocently.
The question seemed to cast a shadow over Mrs. Newman's expression, her initial warmth replaced by a flicker of unease. "Well, I met Oliver when I was 13, and... we liked each other. About a year later, I became pregnant with Owen, our eldest. Then came Richard, followed by Star, Mirabel, Violet, and finally, Akira," she answered hesitantly.
Anco, never one to hold her tongue, interjected with a tactless remark, eliciting a collective cringe from the room. "Geez, starting a family at 14? I'd rather jump off a cliff," she blurted out, her words cutting through the air like a knife.
Sensing the need to diffuse the tension, my mother swiftly intervened, delivering a swift reprimand to Anco while offering apologies to our guests.
Despite Mrs. Newman's attempts to brush off Anco's comment, a palpable discomfort lingered in the air. Mr. Newman, breaking his silence, shared a tender anecdote about their family journey, his words imbued with gratitude and love.
My mother, touched by their story, expressed admiration for their resilience. The exchange brought a sense of warmth back to the room, fostering an atmosphere of understanding and compassion.
Before Anco could cause any further disruption, Saori skillfully redirected the conversation, suggesting that Anco retire for the evening, citing fatigue and a need for rest. With her tactful intervention, she diffused the tension, allowing the evening to conclude on a more harmonious note.
After Anco left the table, the evening continued on a more pleasant note. As my mother attempted to address Mrs. Newman, she interrupted with a warm smile.
"Oh, please, call me Shirley, and my husband Oliver," she insisted warmly.
My mother nodded, reciprocating the gesture. "Alright, Shirley. I'm sure you're aware that since my husband trusts Oliver so much, he intends to let him look after our farm for about two weeks while we're away. When we return, you guys will receive a substantial payment. I was wondering if you could also keep an eye on my house during our absence. There are thieves lurking around, so feel free to stay at our place with your family if you like. Of course, we'll compensate you for your help," my mother explained earnestly.
Shirley's eyes widened in surprise, her expression shifting from warmth to a mix of gratitude and concern. "That's incredibly generous of you, Renna. We'd be happy to help out, wouldn't we, Oliver?" she glanced at her husband, who nodded in agreement.
"Absolutely, it's the least we can do for such kind neighbors," Oliver chimed in, his voice carrying a hint of genuine appreciation.
As the conversation flowed, the mood in the room lightened, and soon laughter filled the air as stories were shared and bonds were strengthened. It was evident that the Lynette and Newman families were forming a genuine connection, fueled by mutual respect and goodwill.
After finalizing the details of their arrangement, the Newman family bid their farewells with expressions of gratitude. "Thank you so much for your hospitality, Renna. We'll be sure to take good care of your farm and home while you're away," Shirley said, sincerity shining in her eyes.
With warm smiles and promises to keep in touch, the Newman family departed, leaving behind a sense of camaraderie and a newfound sense of community. As we watched them drive off into the night, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the unexpected bonds forged over a shared meal and a few heartfelt conversations.