“A maid’s daughter helped an old man every day — until a general suddenly walked in with five military officers…”

in trouble. Yeah, well, trouble is part of life. He took the cookie. His hands were shaking more than usual. He tried to lift it, but his fingers fumbled. The cookie dropped onto his lap. He cursed a low, angry sound. He tried to pick it up again, but his swollen knuckles wouldn’t cooperate.

He looked defeated. Without thinking, Emma stepped forward.continue reading …