Chapter 33
The scorching sun beat down as Clara White trudged home from the fields, her steps heavy. Nothing had gone right these past few days, and frustration simmered inside her, leaving her spirit wilted.
But farm work couldn’t wait—her family depended on these few acres to survive.
Ethan’s monthly money order still hadn’t arrived.
What gnawed at her most was Luna’s university acceptance letter. That ungrateful girl had ambitions too big for her station. If she really got into college, she’d fly far beyond their reach.
No. Absolutely not. Luna would never leave this village. Even if she rotted, it would be in this dirt!
Clara’s eyes narrowed, and she veered onto the main road. In the distance, she spotted Robert Thompson, the mailman, pedaling toward her on his bicycle. She had timed this perfectly—everyone knew Robert passed by at this hour.
"Mr. Thompson, any mail for us?" She hurried forward, her gaze darting to his mailbag. For four years, she had waited for that money order.
Robert flipped through the letters, then paused. Luna’s acceptance letter! Sixpan Village was about to have its first university student.
"There’s an acceptance letter for Luna White. No money order this month," he said, already tucking the letter back into his bag.
Clara clamped a hand over the mailbag. "Just give it to me. I’m her grandmother!" Her heart pounded—finally, she had it.
Robert frowned. "This is registered mail. It has to be signed for in person." He remembered Luna’s specific instructions.
"I’m her blood kin!" Clara snapped.
"Rules are rules." Robert pushed off on his bike.
Clara yanked the handlebars with such force that he nearly toppled over.
"What the hell?!" Robert jumped off, his face pale with shock.
Clara forced a smile. "Mr. Thompson, I’m just anxious. Be reasonable—would an old woman like me harm her own granddaughter?" Her grip on the bike was ironclad. She wouldn’t let go without that letter.
Robert pried at her fingers. "Let go, or I won’t be polite!"
"You won’t give it to me?" Clara’s expression twisted. She seized Robert’s wrist and shrieked, "Help! Robert Thompson is assaulting me!"
The accusation sent terror through Robert. He struggled, but the old woman’s grip was shockingly strong.
"Are you insane? Let go!" Sweat beaded on his forehead. A charge like that could ruin him.
"Give it to me!" Clara’s face flushed crimson with fury.
Robert glanced around frantically. If anyone saw this, his reputation would be destroyed.
"Fine! Fine, take it!" he spat through gritted teeth.
Clara released one hand. "No tricks, or I’ll throw myself at you right here!"
Robert trembled with rage as he fumbled through his bag. Clara watched like a hawk, distrustful of every movement.
"Found it yet?" she demanded impatiently.
Robert’s fingers brushed the envelope, his heart heavy. Luna had worked so hard—and now it would all be for nothing.
"Here!" He thrust it at her.
Clara snatched it and tucked it into her pocket triumphantly. "Our family business is none of your concern!" Shouldering her hoe, she hummed a tune as she marched back toward the village.
Robert stared after her, then spat on the ground. "Disgraceful."