Chapter 19: Adrian Stone Rolled Up His Sleeves and Climbed Onto the Roof

Adrian Stone rolled up his sleeves and climbed onto the roof with practiced ease. The gaping hole in the thatch required immediate attention, and the villagers had already brought straw and clay to help with repairs. He mixed the straw into the mud, first patching the hole with wooden planks before layering on the mud mixture and finally securing the tiles in place.

Meanwhile, Elena Ward busied herself inside the house. The brick bed still functioned, so she cleaned it thoroughly before laying out a straw mat. Pushing open the two simple wooden windows, sunlight flooded the room, revealing its emptiness—only a wobbly table and a peeling wooden chest remained.

"Uncle Calvin took all the good things," Elena muttered with a bitter smile. She opened the chest and pulled out her family's bedding, damp and musty from neglect. Carrying it outside, she found the villagers had already strung up a clothesline for her.

By sunset, the house was finally livable. As Adrian descended the ladder, Elena quickly brought him a basin of water.

"Captain Stone, wash up," she said sincerely. "Thank you for all your help today. Once the kitchen is fixed, I’ll invite everyone for a meal."

Adrian shook his wet hair, grinning. "Sounds good. I’ll bring the students to celebrate and finish the courtyard wall while we’re at it."

Mayor Martin Reed approached with an invitation. "Captain Stone, join us for dinner at my place."

"Another time. We need to get back to the school," Adrian replied, straightening his collar before leading his students away.

Turning to Elena, the mayor offered, "Come eat with us, girl."

"Thank you, Mayor, but I still have more to sort out here," she declined politely. Hesitating, she added, "Actually, there’s something I wanted to ask..."

Martin sighed. "Some matters are best left alone, child."

Elena understood he meant reclaiming what her uncle had taken. Forcing a smile, she said, "Have a safe walk home."

After seeing him off, she closed the gate. The yard was quiet except for the chirping of crickets. Taking a deep breath, she finally allowed herself to feel it—she was home.

Under the dim light, she spread out the sun-warmed bedding. The quilt still carried the day’s heat. Lying on her long-lost bed, Elena closed her eyes in contentment.

It felt good to be alive. The day’s events—her rebirth, the dangers, returning home—seemed like a dream. But the future would be brighter.

Her fingers brushed the silver needle hidden under her pillow, and a faint smile curved her lips. Tomorrow, her revenge would begin.