Chapter 127

Mayor George Clark pulled out a crumpled stack of bills from his pocket and pressed them into Luna's hands. "The village pooled this together for your school travel expenses. It's not much, but it's from the heart."

Luna's eyes grew moist. Forty-eight dollars felt heavy in her palm.

"Uncle, I'll accept this," she said, gripping the money tightly. "I'll make our village proud!"

"Good girl!" George nodded approvingly. "There's more. The village is applying for poverty relief funds, and I've included your family. It won't be much, but it'll help with food supplies."

Upon hearing this, Luna's sister Maya burst into tears.

"Mayor, how... how can we ever thank you—"

"Silly girl!" Clara Clark pulled Maya into a hug. "Luna's my goddaughter, which makes you my niece. Family doesn't keep score!"

George sighed. "About Ethan's land... well, that's lost to us now. We'll have to help you in other ways."

Warmth spread through Luna's chest. There were still good people in this world.

"Godfather, Godmother, if you ever need anything—"

"None of that!" Clara pretended to scold, producing a red cloth bundle from her bosom. "Your godfather and I saved this—two hundred dollars. You'll need proper supplies for the city."

Luna immediately refused. "Godmother, I have money! Maya can vouch for me!"

Maya nodded vigorously. After much back-and-forth, Clara finally relented.

"Then how about this," Luna said brightly. "I was just worrying about bedding. You're such a good seamstress—you must help me with that!"

Clara finally smiled. "That's more like it!"

With that settled, Luna brought up the pig-rearing plan. George slapped his thigh. "Old Walter's piglets are the best in the east end! I'll take you tomorrow."

At dawn, the trio arrived at the Wallace compound. Its blue-brick buildings and tiled roofs stood out conspicuously in the village.

"Walter!" George called out.

In the courtyard, old Walter and a shirtless man were wrestling a fat hog. Spotting female visitors, the man hastily threw on a jacket.

"Mayor! What brings you here?" Walter wiped his hands and offered cigarettes.

George took a satisfied drag. "These are the White sisters. Want to raise some pigs—make sure you give them your best!"

Walter squinted at the girls. "Dr. White's daughters! Don't worry, I'll take care of you."

Maya nervously twisted her hem. Could they really make this pig business work?