Dong Sanhua's face was pale. She wiped the sweat from her forehead and forced a smile. "He's probably out on an errand. It's my own fault, really. I was being careless and didn't see the rock on the ground."
As she spoke, she prepared to pick up the buckets herself.
But Sister-in-law Liu saw she was having trouble even walking and waved her hand dismissively. "Alright, you stay put. I'll get them for you."
"Thank you, Sister-in-law," Dong Sanhua said, full of gratitude.
Sister-in-law Liu picked up the two buckets and walked back quickly.
She told Dong Sanhua to wait at the door while she went to fill the buckets for her.
Sister-in-law Liu entered her own yard and moved with swift efficiency. She first drew some water to give the wooden buckets a quick rinse, then filled both of them to the brim with clean water.
Uncle Liu came down after drying corn on the roof and saw Dong Sanhua standing at the gate.
