CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND NINE – SOUTHERN FAMILY DINNER

The living room was a haven of worn leather furniture and mismatched throw pillows. A roaring fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadows on the walls. A woman with salt-and-pepper hair and warm brown eyes emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dishtowel. "Harry, there you are! And you must be Scarlett," she said, her voice as bright and welcoming as the kitchen aroma. "Come on in, honey, dinner's almost ready." This was Myrtle, Harry's mom. Relief washed over Scarlett as Myrtle's smile seemed genuine and kind. Introductions were swift, Harry's younger brother, Otis emerged from his room, shyly mumbling a greeting. Martin, Harry's dad, a large man with a booming laugh, entered the room carrying a platter piled high with golden brown chicken pieces. Dinner was a delightful affair. Myrtle's cornbread was light and fluffy, the perfect accompaniment to the juicy chicken and mashed potatoes. Conversation flowed like warm molasses around the dinner table at the Cl