The very mention of a "second spring" was enough to set Herman Hawthorne off.
"I'm not dead yet, so there's no way you'll be a widow. We're still in our first spring, and that's how it'll stay. A second spring... Don't even think about it."
Zoe Ellsworth turned around. "Go home."
She hurried back home. The moment she stepped into the Ellsworth Residence, Zoe Ellsworth froze.
Then, a smile unexpectedly touched her lips, and she slowly continued on her way.
Mrs. Ellsworth saw her come in and immediately stood up. "Zoe, come here!"
Zoe Ellsworth walked over. The moment she sat down, a hand slapped her on the head.
She clutched her head and frowned. "Mom, why do you keep hitting me on the head? What if you knock me silly?"
"I don't have to; you're already silly. How could you be so reckless? Climbing down a rope from your bedroom window? It's so high up! What would have happened if you'd fallen?"
