Chapter 101: Pinehaven Village Was Livelier Than New Year's Day

Pinehaven Village was livelier than New Year's Day. Mayor Martin Reed's front yard overflowed with neighbors, all gathered around the bright scarlet announcement pasted on his door. The gilded words "acceptance letter" shimmered under the sunlight.

"Elena Ward 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, Pinehaven Village had produced a top-scoring girl, bringing pride to the entire community.

Helen Reed circulated through the crowd with a tray of sunflower seeds, while Martin handed out cigarettes to the men. Everyone knew the mayor wouldn’t host a feast—he was saving every penny for Elena’s tuition. Yet the villagers came anyway, tucking gift 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. Martin had instructed him: "These are gestures of kindness from our neighbors. We must keep track. When Elena’s no longer here, we’ll repay them on her behalf."

Inside the house, Elena packed her belongings. Emily Reed lingered at the doorway before finally stepping in.

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

"Do you think I deserve this?"

Elena 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?" Elena stuffed the last garment into her bundle. "If I dwelled on every slight, I’d have died from anger long ago."

Emily froze, unprepared for the response.

"Everyone makes mistakes," Elena 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 Emily like cold water. She remembered catching her mother wiping tears that morning.

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

A faint smile touched Elena’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. Elena and Emily moved around the kitchen stove—one tending the fire, the other stir-frying—working together with unexpected harmony.

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

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

"Is Elena here?" His gaze swept past Martin, searching the house.

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

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