Chapter 2007

Hannah was surprised when Old Lady Wilson turned on her. She pointed to the large plastic bags of food. "Mom, you brought back so much food," she said. "What's wrong with letting me have a few bites? I've been starving!"

Lady Wilson sneered. "If you want to eat, go out and work for your own money. Relying on me, an old woman, to feed you are you shameless?"

Hannah's anxiety flared. "That's because I was trapped by Jacob Wilson! Otherwise, I'd work as a cashier and make more money than you!"

Lady Wilson retorted, "I don't care how much you earn. You earn yours, I earn mine. Don't even think about eating the food I brought. If you want it, earn it yourself."

Hannah, sad and angry, declared, "Lady, you're going to regret this! I'll run away from home if you force me to!"

Lady Wilson laughed and clapped. "Wonderful! Hurry up and go! I can't wait to celebrate! If Donald hadn't stopped me, I would have thrown you out already. Why would I keep an eyesore? Since you're leaving, Donald definitely won't blame me!"

Hannah gritted her teeth. "OK! We'll see about that, old woman."

Wendy rushed in. "Grandmother, don't be so mean to Mom. She's been hungry!"

"Let her eat?" Lady Wilson scoffed. "I'd rather feed it to the dogs!"

She then said, "Give me the food. You get the chopsticks. We'll eat as a family of four, and she can watch."

Hannah cried out, "Lady Wilson, I married into your family, I bore your grandchildren, and you won't even give me food? You're heartless!"

Mrs. Wilson sneered, "If you want to eat, find your own way. Aren't you quite good at picking up men? Go out and 'hook up' again! You might even get on the list!"

Hannah was speechless, a mixture of shame and anger. Lady Wilson always insulted her about her past at the Black Coal Kiln, and Hannah had no effective retort. She stomped her foot in resentment. "From today on, I, Hannah, am done with your Wilson family!" She slammed the door and went to her room.

Christopher had lost interest in Hannah and remained silent, hoping she'd disappear. Harold, however, felt differently. Although Hannah had done embarrassing things, she was still his mother. Seeing her forced out, he spoke to Lady Wilson. "Grandmother, it's not easy for her. Please forgive her."

Lady Wilson coldly replied, "Anyone who speaks up for that woman gets out of this house."

Harold, hungry, chose food over conflict and remained silent.

Wendy quickly brought utensils. Old Madam Wilson, Wendy, Jacob, and Harold ate the leftover rice. Wendy quickly ate two steamed buns dipped in vegetable soup. Lady Wilson, already full, fed Jacob and Harold, who were lying in bed. The father and son wept as they ate.

Seeing them, Lady Wilson's heart softened. "Tomorrow," she said, her voice choked with emotion, "I'll work and buy noodles and meat. We'll make dumplings."

Christopher cried, "Mom, can we have meat dumplings?"

Lady Wilson nodded vigorously. "Don't worry, I'll buy the meat and Wendy will help me make them for you and your father!"