Abby's Return (1)

Rattle rattle rattle rattle

Harriet was practising sewing some handkerchiefs and combining them with some light lace when Liam returned from delivering the letter.

Harriet could hear the man calling out to the teens and handing out some of the hot snacks and treats that roadside vendors sell at the start of this long northern winter.

The three teenagers' enthusiastic laughter could be heard from another room, and Liam himself, having finished distributing it to them, walked into the room and approached Harriet. He pulled up a stool and sat next to the sewing machine facing his wife.

Harriet lifted her head, smiling at him. "Welcome back."

"I'm home," Liam said, rummaging through his paper bag and picking up a box of chocolates. The man placed it next to the sewing machine and immediately caught Harriet's attention.

"What's this?" asked Harriet softly.