Chapter 27 If You Want It, I’ll Win It for You
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i have the
Yvonne broke down completely, sobbing like her whole world had shattered.
Zaid had made it crystal clear he wasn’t going to lift a finger, and she kind of network that could help in a crisis like this.
All she could do now was sit and wait out the 48–hour window before she could even report Alice missing.
But by then, who knew where Alice would be? She could already be out of town, miles away from Southville.
And if she was still in the city, what if something happened to her?
It wasn’t until now that Yvonne finally started acting like a real mother–showing the kind of fear and desperation she should’ve felt long ago.
Evelyn had never dared to expect this kind of reaction from her.
While Yvonne’s cries echoed through the house, Evelyn quietly stepped out of the Schmidts‘ house and made her way to the supply store.
Back in 1983, money wasn’t enough to buy most things. You needed ration coupons and cash to get anything.
Thankfully, that whole system would start fading away in a few years, by the early ‘90s.
So Evelyn didn’t plan on stockpiling coupons. She just wanted to use what she had before they expired.
She handed over every coupon she’d collected–cotton, fabric, even
The store clerk looked totally shocked.
the ones for pens.
It wasn’t like it was some festival or special day, and no one usually bought this much stuff at once.
And from the look of what Evelyn was buying, she clearly wasn’t some newbie who’d just moved to the city.
Out–of–towners didn’t have access to that many ration coupons.
There was really only one reason someone would buy all this.
The clerk leaned over and asked with a little grin, “Sweetie, are you getting married?”
Huh?
Evelyn froze, caught off guard.
She looked at the mountain of goods she was holding and finally got what the woman meant.
Toothbrush cups, bedsheets, thick quilts… It totally looked like someone prepping for married life.
The idea was so ridiculous she laughed out loud.
Getting married? To whom?
Philip?
Not a chance. Now isn’t the time for that. Not even close.
She gave the clerk a vague response and started hauling her haul toward the door.
The woman, still friendly and sharp–eyed, found some old fabric strips to tie everything up for her, making sure the stuff wouldn’t fall out of her arms.
It helped keep things in place, but it also made everything heavier.
Evelyn tried again and again to lift it all but still hadn’t made it past the shop entrance.
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Chapter 27 If You Want It, I’ll Win It for You
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The clerk, clearly worried, called out, “Honey, why don’t you go hire a cart outside? Ask the guy to come help you carry this load. You’ve got such skinny arms–I’m afraid you’ll break one.”
But Evelyn couldn’t afford that.
She had spent literally every cent she had on the supplies.
The only money left in her pocket was a single dime, just enough for one bus ride.
She already had the whole plan worked out in her head.
The bus stop was right outside the store. She’d drag everything on board, ride it to the company housing area, and ask some neighbors to help her carry the load upstairs. It wouldn’t be easy, but it’d get the job done, albeit just barely.
Evelyn didn’t even make it to the bus stop.
Getting started is always the hardest part.
Since she couldn’t carry everything at once, she figured she’d just take it in two trips.
She was just about to untie the bundle and split the load when she suddenly felt it lift from her arms.
Startled, she grabbed the fabric tie out of reflex.
“Are you planning to play tug–of–war with me?” came a voice from behind, low and smooth, right next to her ear.
Evelyn spun around in surprise and saw Philip standing there.
He was in full military uniform, looking sharp and put together. His brows were dark and strong, and his eyes sharp. He didn’t even need to speak to give off that commanding vibe.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
“Running errands for the unit,” he said casually.
Then he glanced at the load in her arms. “Heading back?”
She almost laughed.
The bundle that had nearly crushed her just seconds ago looked like nothing in Philip’s arms. He picked it up so effortlessly like it weighed nothing.
Evelyn couldn’t help but question her whole existence.
He’s so strong.
Still a little dazed, she nodded. “Yeah, I’m on my way home.”
“I’ll take you,” Philip said simply.
He didn’t ask. He just picked up the bundle and started walking.
She had no choice but to go with him.
He had driven over in a green military pickup, the back already half–loaded with stuff from the store.
Philip carefully placed her things in the middle of the pile so nothing would fall or get broken.
Evelyn saw what he was doing and felt a quiet wave of gratitude.
Wait in the truck. I’ve got a few more things to grab. I’ll drive you after,” he told her, opening the passenger door.
But Evelyn didn’t move.
“I’ll go with you and help you carry the rest,” she said after a pause. “If it’s too much, I can help.”
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Chapter 27 If You Want It, I’ll Win It for You
Honestly, she knew he didn’t need help.
He had carried her bundle like it was full of feathers.
Sull, Philip agreed without arguing.
They headed back inside together.
The military’s supplies were kept in a separate warehouse, under lock and key.
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Philip handed over a requisition slip and requested 50 metal lunchboxes and around a hundred enamel mugs with the words
Serving the People stamped on them.
“Got another event coming up?” the clerk asked as she started packing things up.
“Yeah.” Philip said.
“I thought so. You always come in around this time. But these items are actually useful.”
She looked over at Evelyn and teased, “Your husband’s as practical as you are, huh?”
Evelyn’s face flushed red.
Clearly, the woman misunderstood us. We must’ve looked like a couple.
She glanced sideways at Philip, trying to see how he’d react.
He didn’t even blink. “I learned from the best,” he said lightly.
The clerk chuckled. “You don’t learn things like that. You soldiers are so funny.”
As the clerk spoke, she packed up the lunchboxes and mugs into bundles before passing them to Philip.
That was when he pulled out another slip. “Oh, and one enamel basin,” he added.
“You should’ve reminded me earlier! This is the army’s go–to prize every year,” she said, heading into the back. “We’ve only got one left, and I saved it just in case you showed up.”
She brought out the last one.
It was stunning.
The basin was coated in a soft, milky–white enamel. At the bottom, a crescent moon was painted–slightly uneven, with a hint of fragility. But once water filled the basin, the craftsmanship truly came to life.
The moon reflected in the water would shimmer and break apart with every ripple, just like the real thing.
It was far better than those gaudy designs like fruits or oversized roses.
Evelyn couldn’t take her eyes off it.
“You like it?” Philip asked quietly, noticing her stare.
She nodded, totally honest. “Yeah. It’s beautiful.”
“Want it?” he asked again.
At first, she nodded without thinking.
Then hesitated. “But isn’t it meant to be a prize? We already have one at home. I probably shouldn’t take it.”
“If you want it,” Philip said. “I’ll win it for you.”
