Chapter 19
Ruth thought back to how Simon had helped her earlier on the train, taking the heavy bag from her and stashing it in the overhead rack.
He must’ve assumed she was struggling financially and had even kindly offered her a piece of chocolate.
Ruth dug around in her nylon bag and pulled out a fresh piece of balsamroot. She handed it to Simon and said. “Young man, this is for you take it home and make some soup.
“This stuff is great for calming the nerves. You look exhausted, inside and out–this’ll do you some good.”
Balsamroot wasn’t something to sniff at
Simon clearly liked the look of it too, but felt awkward accepting such a gift for nothing. So he quickly slipped her a business
card.
“My name’s Simon. My family runs a small business. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to give me a call!”
But… are you sure you won’t sell the matsutake?” He wasn’t ready to give up just yet. “How about I add another 3 thousand dollars?
Ruth shook her head firmly. “Nope. Not for sale.”
Only then did Simon finally give up and leave, clearly disappointed.
Just then, Irene and Valerie walked over.
Irene asked, “Who was that?”
“A decent young man,” Ruth replied. “Wanted to buy my matsutake mushrooms. Thought I was some poor old granny from the countryside and even gave me a piece of chocolate.”
She set down the eggs, reached into her pocket, and pulled out the chocolate, handing it to the two girls. “Here, you two share
it
Valerie took the chocolate, glanced at the label, and said, “Domori chocolate–imported. Not cheap at all.”
Irene snatched the business card from her grandma and read aloud, “Simon, General Manager, Vita Wellness MedTech.
“Better hang onto this you never know when it might come in handy.”
She handed the card back to Ruth, picked up the bag of meat on the ground, and reached for Ruth’s basket.
“Let me carry that for you!
Ruth shook her head. “It’s not heavy.”
She glanced at Irene’s dress and smiled. “That dress–you’re wearing real silk, aren’t you? Must’ve cost a fortune. Don’t go tearing it.
Irene could only give up.
Valerie picked up the bucket of eggs. “The car’s in the garage–let’s head over!” she said sweetly, taking Ruth’s hand and chatting her up as they walked, making Ruth laugh all the way.
Irene lagged a few steps behind.
As she watched Ruth walk with such energy and purpo
purpose, a wave of sorrow washed over her.
How could someone this strong and full of life drown in a fish pond?‘ she thought.
Valerie was driving. Irene sat in the back with Ruth.
J
Chapter 19
Ruth fished a plastic bag out of her pocket. Inside were chunks of handmade candy.
She picked out one piece for Valerie and shoved the rest into Irene’s hands.
“You used to love this stuff when you were little. I passed through town today and saw Linda still selling it, so I bought some for you
“Try it–see if it still tastes like you remember.”
Back when times were tight, Irene and Ruth didn’t have much. But every
a pound of candy from Linda Ross.
Just one bite was enough to make little Irene’s heart melt.
Feeling playful for once, Irene said, “Grandma, feed me.”
very time they went to the market, Ruth would always buy
Ruth chuckled and scolded her for being shameless, but still picked out a piece and held it up to her lips..
The familiar sweetness filled Irene’s mouth, and her eyes stung with tears. She quickly turned to look out the window, not wanting Ruth to see.
Once she got her emotions under control, she said, “It’s just like I remember–tastes exactly the same.”
“I told you, Linda’s the real deal.”
Then Ruth’s expression clouded over. “She had a bad fall just before Christmas–nearly froze to death in the bathroom. Thankfully, a neighbor found her in time and saved her.
“But the fall did a number on her. Who knows if she’ll still be selling at the next market”
Hearing that, Irene couldn’t help but think of that other memory–Ruth’s lifeless body floating on the surface of the water.
Her heart clenched. She quickly reached out and grabbed Ruth’s hand. ‘Grandma.. now that you’re here, why don’t you just stay? Don’t go back, okay?”
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