Chapter III

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Amidst the destruction, Abby Sutton's thoughts drifted to her late husband Noah, and her beloved son Peter. They were taken from her in the blink of an eye, victims of the merciless blast that had claimed so many lives. But as she stood there, surveying the wreckage, a quiet resolve filled her heart.

Tragedy may have scarred Valley Spring, but it was also a place of resilience and strength. As the townspeople gathered around her, offering words of comfort and support, Abby felt a glimmer of hope ignite within her. She knew that they would rise above the ashes, rebuilding not just the physical structures but also the spirit of their community.

Amidst this tumultuous time, a sense of renewal stirred within Valley Spring. A new school teacher named Elisabetta Letcher was set to arrive soon, bringing with her the promise of education and inspiration for the young minds of the town. And alongside her, a new constable named Seth Thorndlike had taken up residence, ready to uphold justice and safety in Valley Spring.

As Abby looked out at the town she loved, she knew that they would overcome this tragedy together. They would rebuild, heal, and forge a future filled with love, hope, and an unbreakable sense of community. With Elisabetta's arrival and Seth's presence, a new chapter was about to unfold for Valley Spring—a chapter marked by resilience, strength, and unwavering determination to rise from the ash

Flash Back three months before both Elisabetta and Seth had arrived, a world fire burned down the school and several buildings and the mine exploded, killing forty-seven men with a mouth.

Flash to the present day when Elisabetta is preparing lessons on her first day

Oh. Hello. Seth, I didn't know anyone else was here. Elisabetta said

Good morning, Elisabetta, I am staying in one of the rooms upstairs until something more permanent can be arranged. Seth said

I'm sorry I'm afraid I may have left you with some of my chalk dust Elisabetta said

No. No chalk dust; now I feel cheated Seth said,

Now, if you'll excuse me, Seth, as much I would love to talk, I have reading materials to prepare for my student's good day Seth

Sometimes later in the saloon

Boy 1 I'm saying it's a lie.

Boy 2, you're dead wrong

Boys, remember the rules. No talking while I'm talking. Elisabetta said

Boy 1 is too! Ma says my pappy wrote it.

Boys, you're not listening to me. Elisabetta said

Boy 2, you're a liar

Boy 1 takes it back!

Stop it! Elisabetta said

Stop it this minute Elisabetta said

Boy 3: Show him! (Kids shout encouragement.)

Boys, stop it Elisabetta said

After School

Oh, Elisabetta, Just in time for dinner. Would you mind setting the table for three? Abby said

Remember how you said the first few days might be a little bumpy? Well, you were right. Elisabetta said

Oh, black and blue, too, it appears. What happened? Abby said

Some boys got into a tussle over the message on the wood. I stepped in the middle and caught the worst of it Elisabetta said

Never step between two coal boys when they're mixing it up. Abby said

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