Looking at the balance in my bank account, I quietly decided that after visiting Sarah, I would withdraw another 200,000 dollars for Emily. It would be a small sign of appreciation from me, something she could use to buy jewelry or anything she liked.
After making up my mind, I began thinking about what to bring for Sarah.
After a long moment of consideration, I concluded that vegetables from our own garden would be the best gift.
Sarah had loved my vegetables since childhood, and besides, I personally took care of the garden without pesticides or chemical fertilizers—they were much healthier than anything in supermarkets.
With that thought, I went into the garden and began picking vegetables. The frost these past days made them taste even better.
I collected several different kinds of vegetables until my bamboo basket was full.
After finishing with the vegetables, I remembered Sarah often said how delicious countryside poultry was, so I went to the coop. I caught two geese and two chickens, tied them with a straw rope, and placed them beside the basket.
Once everything was prepared, I finally took out my phone to call Sarah. When she heard I was coming, she immediately said she had the next day off and would wait for me at the station.
The following morning, Michael and Emily carried my bags to the station and saw me off. Emily even slipped a hand warmer into my palm.
“Mom, it’s cold outside. This will keep your hands warm.”
“Please let me know once you arrive safely.”
I nodded and boarded the train. Two hours later, I finally arrived in New York City.
As soon as I walked out of the station, a light rain started falling. A cold wind, mixed with raindrops, slipped into my collar, making me instinctively hunch my shoulders.
I gripped the hand warmer, eyes fixed on the exit, afraid I might miss Sarah.
Half an hour passed after our agreed time, yet she still hadn’t shown up.
Another half hour went by, and the rain grew heavier. My pants and shoes were soaked, and the hand warmer had almost gone cold. Anxiously, I pulled out my phone and dialed Sarah again and again.
She finally picked up on the twelfth call.
“Mom, I’m really sorry, something urgent happened at home, and I can’t leave to pick you up.” Her voice sounded hurried, and I could faintly hear laughter and chatting behind her.
I was just about to tell her that I had too many things and taking a taxi would be difficult.