Felicia nodded. "Yes, it's me, Nana."
Macey Garcia and Felicia weren't related, but during Felicia's childhood, when her parents neglected and mistreated her, Macey occasionally gave her a croissant or apples. Later, when the village repurposed abandoned houses into a small school, the enrollment fee was a hundred dollars and a piece of smoked ham. Howell and Tabitha would never spend a dime on Felicia, so she clung to the window to learn, writing words in the dirt with a twig. Seeing this, Macey paid Felicia's school fees with money earned from weaving bamboo baskets—a hundred dollars saved in crumpled bills.
Felicia said gently, "Nana, your eyes aren't good, and you need to take care of your health. You shouldn't keep climbing the mountain to cut bamboo; it's tiring! Please stop weaving baskets!"
"Alright," Macey chuckled, her response perfunctory. It was clear she wouldn't listen.
Felicia's expression turned serious. "Nana, I'm serious! The mountain paths are dangerous. Don't weave anymore baskets. And winter is coming; your hands are cracked. Are you still washing clothes by the river to save electricity?"
"No, I use the things you bought for me every day," Macey replied, pulling Felicia into the house. She revealed a pile of candy, biscuits, and cake.
Felicia smiled. It seemed all elderly people hid their favorite foods, reluctant to indulge unless grandchildren visited.
"Licia, sit tight. I'll fry you some fish filets! Mr. Todd brought fresh fish this morning!" A bucket beside her overflowed with lively fish.
Macey gathered the fish while Felicia popped a candy in her mouth and rolled up her sleeves. "I'll start the fire."
Even though Felicia had bought Macey many appliances, the old woman still used the traditional hearth. Felicia expertly lit the fire; black smoke turned white, filling the air with a homely aroma.
Meanwhile, Arnold descended the mountain, covered in dirt. The other women, similarly muddied and weary from their trek, complained as dusk fell.
"If I'd known, I wouldn't have followed Felicia! She dashed off, and we almost got lost!"
"I'm so hungry! Is that our college bus? I see the vice principal! Let's rejoin the group!"
"It is! Let's go!"
As the women prepared to leave, they noticed Arnold standing still. "Mr. Lawson, aren't you coming?"
Arnold replied coolly, "You go ahead."
The women left, but Olivia remained. In this remote area with spotty internet, she had received a message from Kayla; she would arrive at Alverton in an hour. Olivia intended to keep Arnold close, preventing Felicia from approaching him.