Chapter 258: The Three O'clock Bus Was the Last One Back

The three o'clock bus was the last one back to the village. Elena Ward checked her watch—if she didn’t leave now, she’d have to walk home with her four younger brothers.

Grace stubbornly shoved the New Year’s gifts from the factory into Elena’s woven basket, but Elena refused to take the slab of pork. The longing in her three nephews’ eyes as they stared at the meat made her heart ache.

"Keep it for the kids, Sis," Elena said, placing the pork back on the table before pulling Daniel and her brothers toward the door.

The bus station buzzed with noise. Suddenly remembering something, Elena turned to Daniel. "Wait for me at the station. I’ll be right back."

She hurried down a familiar street. In her past life, Howard and Mabel Harris had shown her kindness, and she’d often wondered how they were doing in this one.

But when she reached the corner, the little grocery store she remembered was gone—replaced by a noodle shop. Her chest tightened. Had fate’s wheel turned the same way after all?

"Girl!"

A delighted cry rang out behind her. Elena turned to see Aunt Mabel jogging toward her, breathless.

"Finally caught you!" Mabel grabbed her hand. "I’ve been coming to this station every day for months, hoping to run into you."

Elena glanced at her watch—there was still over an hour before the bus left. Mabel tugged her along without waiting for a reply. "Come home with me. Your uncle will be thrilled to see you."

Two streets later, a brand-new two-story building came into view beside the station, its glass windows gleaming, shelves stocked with goods. Behind the counter, Howard nearly dropped his scale when he spotted Elena.

"Come in and warm up!" Mabel pushed her into a chair by the stove before bustling off to make orange drink.

Howard finished with a customer and rushed over, eyes glistening. "We finally found you! If not for your warning back then, your aunt and I would still be in the dark."

They’d taken Elena’s advice and discovered their so-called "nephew" had ulterior motives. Now their three daughters visited often with their grandchildren, filling the house with laughter.

"We used all our savings to buy this shop," Mabel said proudly, gesturing at the shelves. "Ten times better than the old one."

Elena cradled the warm drink, her heart just as warm. In the firelight, the couple’s wrinkles softened—their happiness was genuine.

When it was time to leave, Howard pressed a heavy bundle into her arms. "Visit often. Consider us family!"

Elena ran toward the station with her arms full, a smile tugging at her lips. She wasn’t the only one who’d changed her fate—this warmth outshone even the stove’s heat.

In the distance, Daniel paced anxiously by the station entrance. Elena quickened her steps, memorizing the new address in her mind. Some bonds were worth cherishing.