Lily Evans Is Lying to You, She Wants to Steal Things

The Village Chief immediately took Mark Hunter, Lily Evans, and two others to go door to door and notify everyone.

Many villagers had elderly relatives who still remembered the Great Flood, so they trusted the Village Chief. As soon as they heard they needed to head up the mountain to escape the flood, they quickly rallied their families to pack up and head for higher ground. Some helpful villagers even volunteered to spread the word to others.

The Village Chief, already exhausted and soaked from the rain, was panting as he made his rounds. But when he reached the Evans household, he saw Grandma Evans standing strong at the door, fiercely scolding the young man sent to deliver the message.

"What flood? Stop spreading nonsense and scaring people! We just finished building our brick house, and now you lot are all green with envy, cursing our home to be swept away by a flood! How could you be so spiteful?"

The young man turned bright red from the scolding and stammered, "No... It was the Village Chief who sent me..."

"So what if it's the Village Chief!" Grandma Evans snapped, hands on her hips. "What's so great about him? He still lives in a mud-brick house, so poor you can hear the coins rattling! I think he's just jealous we have a new house and wishes ours would collapse!"

The Village Chief, still catching his breath, was suddenly riled up by Grandma Evans's tirade. He strode up to the Evans' door, pointing at her. "Who are you calling jealous? Who cares about your new house? You think everyone is as petty as you! We're just trying to warn you about the flood, telling your family to get up the mountain. Why do you always twist good intentions into something nasty?"

Grandma Evans, feeling secure in her new house, raised her voice, "What nonsense! Where's this flood coming from? All these years we've never had one—why is it only now, right after we finish our new house, that you start talking about floods?"

The Village Chief was so frustrated he almost lost his temper. If it weren't for the fact that they were all villagers together, he wouldn't bother with this stubborn old lady at all.

Mark Hunter spoke up, "Grandma Evans, here's the thing: I got reliable news that the river embankment upstream is about to break. If it does, our whole village by the river will be flooded!"

Grandma Evans glared at Mark Hunter. "You think I'm stupid? You and Lily Evans are in cahoots, aren't you? Trying to trick us into leaving so you can sneak in and steal our things!"

Mark Hunter was so angry he almost wanted to laugh. "Grandma Evans, do you really think we're that desperate? If the river floods, your house will be underwater. What's there to steal—fish and mud?"

Lily Evans stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Grandma Evans, I'm not here to steal anything. I'm here to help everyone get to safety before the flood comes. If you don't believe me, that's fine, but don't drag Mark Hunter into this."

"Oh, so now you're playing the hero?" Grandma Evans sneered. "I know all your tricks. You just want us out of the house so you can take whatever you want!"

Margaret stepped in, her tone gentle but unwavering. "Mother-in-law, Lily isn't lying. The Village Chief and Mark Hunter came to warn us for a reason. Let's trust them and get ready to leave."

Grandma Evans snorted, "You think I'm scared of a little water? If you're so eager to run, go ahead! I'm staying right here!"

The Village Chief shook his head helplessly. "Suit yourself, but don't say we didn't warn you when the flood comes!" With that, he led the others away to continue warning the rest of the villagers.