Chapter 2020

A frigid wind howled across the yard, and snowflakes drifted down in thick, steady sheets.

Charlotte stared up at the sky, the usual sparkle gone from her eyes, her expression distant and hollow.

Cecilia stepped up beside her and called softly, “Lottie.”

Charlotte blinked back to herself and turned toward her friend.

“Boss, what’s up? Are the dumplings done already?”

Cecilia sighed. “They’ve only just gone into the pot. They’re nowhere near ready.”

“Oh.”