Adopting a Son

Lily Evans was hanging by a thread, Lucky was missing, and Evans Manor was shrouded in gloom. No one could force a smile.

Leonard Li and his wife decided to stay at Evans Manor for now, since going home would only add to their worries.

The first day passed and Lucky didn’t return. By nightfall, the wind and snow grew fiercer—the howling north wind felt like it could rip the roof right off.

Margaret Evans was beside herself with worry. She’d already come to see Lucky as her own son, and now he’d risked his life for Lily Evans. Margaret was so anxious she spent her days praying and her nights chanting, until her lips broke out in blisters.

Word of Lily Evans’s illness had spread through the village. Mrs. Thompson, upon hearing the news, leapt out of bed, grabbed her son Charlie, and hurried over to Evans Manor—claiming she was there to check on the sick.

“Oh my, sister-in-law, you really have the worst luck!” Mrs. Thompson barged in, clutching Margaret Evans and fake-crying. “Just when things were starting to look up, you lost your daughter, then your son-in-law. How will you manage on your own from now on?”

Margaret Evans snapped, shoving Mrs. Thompson aside. "What nonsense are you spouting? My daughter and son-in-law are just fine! Who says they're gone?"

Mrs. Thompson quickly covered her mouth. "Oops, I misspoke, sister-in-law, don’t take it to heart. I just heard Lily Evans and Lucky were in trouble, so I rushed over, all worried and anxious!"

As Mrs. Thompson spoke, she craned her neck to peer inside, but Evans Manor had so many rooms that even from the front hall, she couldn’t catch a glimpse of Lily Evans.

“So, sister-in-law, how’s Lily doing? Has she woken up yet?” Mrs. Thompson’s eyes darted greedily over Margaret Evans’s clothes and jewelry, openly coveting them.

That look in Mrs. Thompson’s eyes made White Dew, standing behind Margaret Evans, feel sick to her stomach.

Margaret Evans was so worried about her daughter and son-in-law that she didn’t even notice Mrs. Thompson’s greedy gaze. "Sigh, Lily still hasn’t woken up, but with the Buddha’s blessing, I’m sure Lily and Lucky will be safe and sound."

Mrs. Thompson rolled her eyes in secret, thinking how she wished they would just hurry up and die. Out loud, though, she said, "Yes, of course, they’ll be just fine."

Then Mrs. Thompson nudged Charlie forward. "Charlie, greet your aunt."

Charlie’s eyes sparkled mischievously as he bowed to Margaret Evans and called out, "Hello, Auntie!"

Margaret Evans wasn’t in the mood to deal with Mrs. Thompson and Charlie. She only came out to greet them out of courtesy, since the villagers had come to check on Lily Evans. After a few words, she was ready to send them on their way, but to her surprise, Mrs. Thompson grabbed her sleeve and said, "Sister-in-law, you only have Lily Evans. Now that something’s happened to her, why not keep my Charlie here?"

Margaret Evans was taken aback. "What are you talking about?"

Mrs. Thompson said, "Sister-in-law, you don’t have a son, and when it’s time for a funeral, you won’t even have anyone to carry the mourning basin. Why not adopt Charlie as your son?"

Charlie immediately called out to Margaret Evans, "Mother!"

Hearing this, Margaret Evans grew furious. She snapped, "Don’t call me that! When I die, I’ll have Lily Evans and Lucky—no need for anyone else!"

Mrs. Thompson stiffened her neck and argued, "Oh, you just don’t appreciate kindness! Lily Evans is on her deathbed, Lucky’s lost in the mountains and won’t come back, and you’re just a lonely old widow. I’m only trying to help by offering Charlie to you. He’s my only son, and I’m willing to give him up for your sake. Why are you so ungrateful?"

Margaret Evans was so angry she saw red. She grabbed the teacup at hand and hurled it at Mrs. Thompson. "You wretch! How dare you come to my house and curse my daughter and son-in-law! Get out—get out of my house!"

Mrs. Thompson dodged the teacup and shouted, "What’s so great about you? You’re just an old woman with no children! When you’re bedridden and helpless, you’ll regret this!"