Chapter 57

Luna White accepted the basket of chives from Iris, her fingertips brushing against morning dew. "Second Sister, since when do we stand on ceremony?" She rolled up her sleeves with practiced ease. "Now that I've moved out, life feels lighter."

The cleaver in Iris's hand clattered onto the cutting board. "What? Grandma kicked you out?" She stamped her foot. "I'll go give her a piece of my mind!"

"Easy now." Luna chuckled, settling onto a stool beneath the grapevine. Sunlight dappled her face through the leaves. "I left on my own. Eating scraps and doing all the chores while you all sent money every month—what's the point?"

The rhythmic thud of chopping resumed from the kitchen. Iris peeked out, brows knitted. "You silly girl... Things will get better once you're in college." She hesitated. "Wait—your entrance exam..."

"I passed!" Luna sprang to the doorway, waving the chives. "Aerospace Military University—farther north than here!"

The cleaver hit the floor. Iris rushed forward, eyes glistening, nearly tripping over the blade. Luna sidestepped. "Sis! The knife!"

"My brilliant girl!" Iris tossed the cleaver aside, cupping Luna's face to plant two loud kisses. "I knew you'd make it! That sharp mind of yours takes after..." Her voice faltered, her complexion paling.

"After who?" Luna tilted her head, noting how Iris twisted her apron strings.

"O-our mother, of course!" Iris fled back to the kitchen, chopping with renewed vigor.

Luna lowered her lashes. Her sister's reaction sent a pang through her chest. So Iris knew something about her origins.

A thud echoed from the yard as two small figures appeared—a tanned boy and a delicate but sallow-faced girl.

"Hannah! Charlie! Come meet your aunt!" Iris beamed with maternal pride. "She got into college!"

Hannah clenched her dress hem. Luna caught the flicker of resentment in her eyes.

"College?" the girl burst out. "We can't even afford meat because of the money sent to her! What'll happen if we get in?"

Silence fell. Luna dusted flour from her hands and crouched to Hannah's eye level. "From today onward, I'll pay for your schooling." She wiped dirt from the girl's cheek. "If you study hard, I'll get you both to university."

Hannah bit her lip and turned away, though her ears turned pink.

"Well, isn't this lively?" A booming voice carried from the gate. Henry Cooper stood there, carpentry tools slung over his shoulder, scanning the scene. "What'd I miss?"

Iris wiped her tears. "Henry, Luna got into college!"

Henry blinked, then roared with laughter. "Fantastic! We're making extra dumplings tonight!" He ruffled Hannah's hair. "Learn from your aunt, kiddo. Make your old man proud someday!"

Hannah stole a glance at Luna before quickly looking down. Luna noticed the girl's grip on her dress had loosened.