Chapter 2013

Elaine Ma, cooking downstairs, heard Mrs. Wilson yelling in the street. Using her crutches, she hurried outside to watch. Charlie Wade and Claire Wilson also came downstairs and saw Elaine.

Elaine excitedly asked, "Did you hear that old woman cursing?"

Charlie and Claire nodded. Claire said, somewhat embarrassed, "Grandma's been yelling from the second-floor terrace."

Elaine exclaimed, "Claire, help me upstairs!"

Claire replied helplessly, "Mom, what's to see?"

Elaine, propping herself up with her crutch, said, "This is great! Hurry, or we'll miss it!"

Claire sighed, "Fine, I'll help you."

Charlie stepped forward, saying, "Let me help Mom, honey."

Claire nodded. "I'll get the elevator."

They helped Elaine to the third floor. From the terrace, they clearly saw Mrs. Wilson sitting on the second-floor terrace, cursing. Inside, they could only hear her; outside, her words were distinct.

Mrs. Wilson yelled, "Hannah, you thief! You stole my money! I curse you to be hit by a car!"

Elaine laughed and shouted, "What's wrong, old woman? Isn't your daughter-in-law the most filial? Why's she stealing your money on New Year's Eve?"

Mrs. Wilson, seeing Elaine, became furious. "This doesn't concern you, you shrew! Mind your own business!"

Elaine retorted, "You're seventy years old, cursing on your terrace! Who's the shrew?"

Mrs. Wilson raged, "You're the biggest shrew! Living in Thompson First doesn't make you a good person!"

Elaine smiled. "Living in Thompson First means maintaining a certain standard. Unlike you, stealing from others. Shameful!" She added, "Did your family enjoy the leeks you stole from us last time?"

Mrs. Wilson trembled with rage. "Elaine Ma! I haven't repaid you for the daffodils! Don't you dare mention this!"

Elaine laughed. "You stole our leeks, so I can mention it! I heard your daughter-in-law's pregnancy was thanks to our leeks! You should thank us!"

The daffodil incident and subsequent incontinence were deeply painful memories. Adding to her distress over the stolen money, Elaine's taunts were infuriating.

Just as Mrs. Wilson was about to retaliate, a police car arrived. Officers exited, and Wendy opened the gate. An officer asked, "Did your family call?"

Wendy replied, "Yes, my grandmother called."

Mrs. Wilson stood up, dramatically leaning on the terrace railing. "Officer, help us! We've been robbed! I've lost my life savings!"