That day, as usual, Iris used the excuse of buying groceries to visit the post office in town.
Once again, there was no news.
She mentally counted the days–it had already been nearly seven.
Her biological parents lived in Nashville. Communication in the 1980s was slow, and it wasn’t uncommon for letters to take over ten days to arrive.
Feeling disappointed, Iris walked out of the post office, only to spot a familiar figure at the street corner.
It was Wendel, and beside him was Esther.
They had just stepped out of a clothing store, with Esther holding a floral dress in her hands.
The moment they looked up, their eyes met.}
Since their last argument, Wendel had ignored her for three days.
He hesitated, debating whether to break the silence. But before he could say anything, Iris spoke first.”
“What a coincidence. I was just out buying groceries. You two go ahead and enjoy your shopping–I’m heading home.“} With that, she turned to leave.
“Iris!”
After holding back for so long, Wendel finally called out to her.
She stopped and looked at him, her expression calm.
“Be careful on the way back,” he said–just a casual remark, nothing more.”
Iris nodded, but her gaze unconsciously lingered on the floral dress in Esther’s hands.
Noticing her look, Esther quickly explained, even before Wendel could speak. “My birthday is coming up in a few days, so Wendel took me out to buy a gift.”
Wendel immediately chimed in, “That’s right! And when your birthday comes around, I’ll get you a gift too.“)
As he said this, his eyes landed on Iris‘ worn–out clothes, patched up in several places.
For some reason, a wave of guilt washed over him.
After Iris left, Wendel hesitated for a moment before turning back toward the clothing store.
Esther grabbed his arm, confused. “Brother, didn’t we already buy clothes? Why are you going back in?”
He explained, “Technically, you’re both my younger sisters. I should be fair–I can’t play favorites.”
Esther’s face fell. Pouting, she snapped, “So, every year on my birthday, you have to buy her something too? I don’t like that!”
“Esther, be good,” Wendel coaxed patiently. “That’s not what I meant. But no matter what, Iris sacrificed her education so you could go to school. We should at least show some gratitude.“}
Upon hearing that, Esther’s temper flared.
She threw the new dress onto the ground, attracting the attention of nearby pedestrians. Without a care for the growing crowd, she shouted, “So what? Did I force her to drop out?!”
Several people turned to watch the commotion.
Wendel hated being the center of attention–especially in a negative way. Panicking, he hurriedly picked up the dress and quickly softened his tone, coaxing her like a guilty puppy.”
“Alright, alright, I won’t buy her anything. Besides, she’s always doing chores at home–she wouldn’t have anywhere to wear such a nice dress anyway.“}
Only when she heard his reply did Esther’s anger subside. Satisfied, she smirked. “Now that’s more like it.”
Then, as if suddenly recalling something, she frowned and muttered, “But I remember Iris went out to buy groceries this morning. Why hasn’t she returned home yet? The market isn’t even on this street.”
Her simple words made Wendel pause. His brows furrowed as he realized something about it felt off.
Esther continued, “Look–the post office is right over there. You don’t think, Iris is-?”
Before she could finish, Wendel’s expression darkened.
Ever since learning that Iris had found her biological parents, he had felt a growing sense of unease.
He couldn’t quite explain why.
Was he afraid that she would leave this home behind and return to her rightful place as a wealthy family’s daughter?!! Or… was he afraid that if she left, he might never see her again?”
Fiancé Eloped with His First
