Chapter 65
The sisters' eyes were swollen from crying before they finally wiped their tears and composed themselves.
Iris looked at Luna's reddened eyes, and Luna stared back at Iris's equally puffy ones. They exchanged glances and suddenly burst into laughter, looking like two little rabbits with crimson eyes.
Henry returned with little Daisy in tow. The cheerful girl had been playing outside but immediately noticed her mother and aunt's reddened eyes. Tilting her head, she asked in her sweet, childish voice, "Mommy, Auntie, what happened to your eyes?" She reached out with tiny fingers to gently touch Iris's face, her innocent concern melting their hearts.
Luna scooped Daisy into her arms, pretending to tickle her. "We were just playing like this and laughed until we cried! Want to try?"
The little girl, extremely ticklish, squirmed with laughter and hid behind Iris, begging for mercy. Peeking out with wide eyes, she said, "Mommy, so you were playing tickle fights! Next time, wait for me—I'll help you beat Auntie so she can't make you cry!"
Luna feigned indignation. "Oh, you little troublemaker! Just wait till I get you!"
Daisy stuck out her tongue and clung tightly to Iris's sleeve, refusing to let go. The room filled with joyous laughter.
From his room, William overheard the cheerful sounds and couldn’t help but smile. This was what home should feel like—unlike the suffocating atmosphere of the past few weeks. He touched his thigh, where the once-limp muscles now had firmness. Pinching himself, he winced at the sharp pain but grinned wider. Being able to feel pain again is a blessing.
For dinner, Iris prepared extra dishes. When Henry had invited Aunt Martha’s family over earlier, he’d simply mentioned that Luna had learned acupuncture from her late father and had tried treating William. At first, they were skeptical—how could a young woman like Luna possess such skill?
But when they saw William walking shakily into the room and even pouring wine for Aunt Martha, the older woman burst into tears, hugging him like a child. Luna stood awkwardly to the side, unsure how to react.
"A living saint!" Aunt Martha clasped Luna’s hands tightly. "William, you must never forget this kindness for as long as you live!"
William immediately tried to kneel, but Luna stopped him. "Don’t! If you keep this up, I’ll leave. I only helped for Iris’s sake." In truth, had it not been for her sister, she wouldn’t have bothered. Her heart had long grown cold after her reincarnation.
Iris quickly intervened. "Aunt, if you keep saying things like that, my sister really will leave."
Aunt Martha finally relented. The meal passed in warm harmony, the food tasting all the sweeter for it.
After dinner, Aunt Martha glanced at the darkening sky. "Iris, your place is small. Let your sister stay at mine. My daughter’s room is empty since she’s away."
Before Iris could decline, Henry cut in. "You two go ahead. William and I will clean up and join you later." He knew his wife worried about him, but he wanted the sisters to have more time together.
Aunt Martha chuckled. "Good to see you treating your wife right. Come on, ladies—let the men handle the chores!" She ushered Iris and Luna out the door.
The night was deep as the three women walked by the dim glow of Aunt Martha’s flashlight, their steps uneven on the uneven path. Her home was far more spacious than Henry’s—a small courtyard enclosed by three tiled rooms.
As soon as they entered, the smell of tobacco hit them. Aunt Martha’s husband and the factory accountant sat smoking, their expressions grim. They gave only curt nods before the accountant stood.
"Old Zhao, I’ll come get you later. After all these years, we should at least pay our respects. Such a shame… so young…" His voice trailed off as he left.