Episode 66
“Melany, are you hearing this? I barely said a word, and now she’s talking back to me.” Melany gave Billie’s hand a gentle pat, her smile as soft as a fading twilight. “Every generation has its own way of doing things, Billie. Don’t forget, you didn’t have Elijah until years after your marriage.” “That’s different,” Billie muttered, though her voice faltered into silence. Melany shifted her attention back to Elizabeth with an inviting smile. “Elizabeth, are you full?”
“Yes, thank you,” Elizabeth replied with a polite nod. “Is there something you need?” Melany stood, her tone warm and encouraging. “I have an ointment for scars that I think might be helpful. Come to my room, and I’ll show you how to use it.” Rising quickly to assist, Elizabeth replied, “Of course, Melany. I’d be happy to.” Billie watched them leave, snorting her disapproval before turning her motherly attention to Kailee. “Kailee, stay over tonight.
I want to hear how you’ve been doing lately,” she said, her tone softening as if Elizabeth’s departure had cleared the air. Elizabeth glanced briefly at their harmonious interaction before guiding Melany upstairs, her steps slow and deliberate. Once inside Melany’s cozy bedroom, Melany closed the door and walked to a wooden table, lifting a delicate box adorned with intricate carvings. Inside was an array of small, ornate bottles that seemed to carry the weight of a hundred years of tradition.
“These were prepared by an old traditional medicine doctor in Isonridge,” Melany said, her voice filled with quiet reverence. “Modern medicine has its place, but true treasures like these remind us of the wisdom of our ancestors.” One by one, she explained the uses of the ointments before carefully returning them to their place. Elizabeth accepted the box with both hands, its weight matched only by the burden in her heart.
“Thank you, Melany,” she murmured, her voice soft with gratitude but tinged with unease. Melany’s kindness felt both like a balm and a thorn. Elizabeth knew it was rooted in her role as Elijah’s wife, a role she was preparing to leave behind. The thought of accepting such genuine care while harboring secrets made guilt pool in her chest like lead.
