Chapter 101

Six Paths Village was livelier than New Year's Day. Mayor George Clark's front yard overflowed with neighbors, all gathered around the bright red announcement pasted on his door. The gilded words "Acceptance Letter" shimmered under the sunlight.

"Luna White got into the provincial medical college!" The news spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the surrounding villages by noon.

This was no ordinary celebration. For decades, not a single college student had emerged from the cluster of nearby villages. Now, Six Paths Village had produced a top-scoring girl, bringing pride to the entire community.

Clara Clark circulated through the crowd with a tray of sunflower seeds, while George handed out cigarettes to the men. Everyone knew the mayor wouldn’t host a feast—he was saving every penny for Luna’s tuition. Yet the villagers came anyway, tucking red envelopes into his hands—small tokens of goodwill, some with a few coins, others with a dollar or two.

Joe Clark, the village accountant, meticulously recorded each gift behind his reading glasses. George had instructed him: "These are gestures of kindness from our neighbors. We must keep track. When Luna’s no longer here, we’ll repay them on her behalf."

Inside the house, Luna packed her belongings. Lily Clark lingered at the doorway before finally stepping in.

The two girls worked in silence—one folding clothes, the other staring at her toes—until Lily suddenly spoke, her voice thick with emotion.

"Do you think I deserve this?"

Luna didn’t look up. "Why would I think that?"

"I used to bully you..."

"You think I’d waste energy holding grudges over childish nonsense?" Luna stuffed the last garment into her bundle. "If I dwelled on every slight, I’d have died from anger long ago."

Lily froze, unprepared for the response.

"Everyone makes mistakes," Luna said, tying the bundle shut. "What matters is not breaking the hearts of those who truly care for you. Look at your mother—her hair’s turned gray these past few days."

The words hit Lily like cold water. She remembered catching her mother wiping tears that morning.

"Thank you," Lily whispered. "Can I... help you make quilts sometime?"

A faint smile touched Luna’s lips. "Sure. I could use an extra pair of hands."

The tension between them dissolved as they exchanged a quiet smile.

By midday, the guests had tactfully dispersed. Luna and Lily moved around the kitchen stove—one tending the fire, the other stir-frying—working together with unexpected harmony.

Clara watched her daughter’s brisk movements and discreetly wiped her eyes. It had been ages since Lily had shown this much vitality.

Just as they finished eating, a knock sounded at the gate. Andrew Smith stood on the threshold, dust-covered, his military uniform pockets bulging.

"Is Luna here?" His gaze swept past George, searching the house.

Luna emerged from the kitchen, drying her hands. Andrew immediately pulled a brown envelope from his chest pocket.

"For you," he said in a low voice. "A letter from the provincial capital."