And their sister who's home resting because I fought through a night of fever to save her life. She calls me mama, too. Their father who works himself to exhaustion every day to provide for his family. He calls me the best decision he ever made. Eliza's voice dropped lower, more intense.
So, I'll ask you, Mrs. Peton, what do people call you? Because from where I'm standing, all I see is a bitter woman wearing her grief like a badge of honor, using it as an excuse to tear down anyone who's found a way to be happy despite their losses. The silence that followed was absolute. Mrs.
Henderson stood frozen behind her counter. The boys stared at Eliza with expressions of awe and pride, and Mrs. Peton. Mrs. Peton looked like she'd been slapped.
"How dare you? " she finally whispered. How dare you speak to me that way? I dare because I'm not afraid of you anymore, Eliza said simply. I'm not afraid of this town anymore. You already did your worst to me and I survived.
I more than survived. I found a family who loves me. What more can you possibly take from me? Mrs. Peton turned on her heel and stormed from the store, the bell chiming violently with her exit.
In the aftermath, Eliza's hand started to shake. The adrenaline of confrontation finally catching up with her. "Mama, that was amazing," Nathaniel breathed. "You were like a hero in a story. You made her run away," Matthew added with deep satisfaction.
"She couldn't even think of anything to say back. James just looked at her with new respect in his eyes. " "Paul was right," he said quietly. "You are the best decision he ever made. " Mrs. Henderson cleared her throat nervously. Your total comes to $347, Mrs.
Thatcher, and I want you to know what you said was right. We were all wrong about you. I'm sorry for that. Eliza counted out the money with still trembling hands. Thank you, Mrs.
Henderson. That means more than you know. They loaded their supplies into the wagon and headed for Doc Morrison's office next. The doctor was waiting for them, a bottle of dark liquid in his hands. Tonic for young Meera," he said, handing it to Eliza.