Chapter 57. The Issue

A week after her return from Istanbul, Emma was finally able to visit Mona. She brought tea, a scarf, and other souvenirs for her mother. When she arrived that afternoon, she was surprised to see Ferdinand and Tim there as well. She knew both men as their neighbors and her father's close friends during his lifetime.

After Isaac's death, Emma often sought help from Ferdinand and Tim to take care of various carpentry-related tasks, from fixing a leaky roof to repairing a broken water pump, even just replacing a burnt-out light bulb. For Ferdinand and Tim, Emma and Edward had become like their own children.

"Uncle Ferdinand and Uncle Tim? Happy to see you here," Emma shook hands with both men in turn. "Is something broken, Mom?" She turned to look at her mother, but Mona responded with a shake of her head. Her mother's facial expression didn't seem right, and signs of worry were clearly visible.

"Emma, look at you! You've become even more beautiful. It's like I don't