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Chapter Four:

Elizabeth, her gaze tenderly fixed on her swelling abdomen, couldn't contain her excitement as she whispered to her unborn child.

"I can't wait for you to be our little bundle of joy." A radiant smile graced her features, filled with maternal warmth and anticipation for the precious life growing inside her.

Distant, ominous sounds of thuds reverberated through the air, disrupting the serene atmosphere that enveloped Elizabeth and James in their garden. The thuds were not isolated but rather a series of multiple impacts occurring in the distance.

"Darling, looks like they are doing exercises again," Elizabeth remarked, her voice carrying a tone of familiarity as she observed the distant thuds reverberating through the air. 

The occurrence of these sounds was not uncommon in their village, often sparking discussions and speculation among the residents whenever they echoed in the vicinity.

The periodic thuds, served as a reminder of the ongoing preparations and vigilance maintained by the military forces to safeguard their borders against potential threats.

"It sounds like it," James responded, his gaze following the direction of the sounds. Though intrigued by the distant echoes, he remained focused on the moments shared with Elizabeth in the peaceful sanctuary of their garden.

"They must be doing some military exercises near the border," remarked an elderly man, his voice carrying a tone of experience and wisdom as he observed the distant thuds that punctuated the air. 

With a gaze fixed on the direction of the sounds, his aged eyes reflected a lifetime of knowledge and understanding.

In his late 70s, the elderly man exuded a sense of dignity and resilience, his white hair framing the back of his head while the top remained bald, a visual testament to the passage of time. 

As he stood amidst the tranquility of his own garden, his presence added a sense of gravitas to the scene, his words resonating with a deep understanding of the world around him.

 Elizabeth and James' focus shifted from the distant sounds of the military exercises as they turned their attention towards the familiar voice of their next-door neighbor. 

Recognising the elderly man standing nearby, Elizabeth greeted him warmly. "Good afternoon, Mr. Jenkins," her voice filled with kindness and respect for their neighbor.

Mr. Jenkins, their long-standing neighbor, had been a constant presence in their lives, offering wisdom and companionship through the years with his gentle demeanor and wealth of experience. 

As he exchanged pleasantries with Elizabeth and James, his weathered features softened into a kind smile, reflecting the bond of friendship that had developed between them over time.

In the tranquil setting, the interaction between the neighbors brought a sense of community and connection, bridging the gap between generations and fostering a shared sense of belonging within the close-knit neighborhood.

The elderly man, Mr. Jenkins, had emerged from his house and stepped into his garden, a warm smile gracing his features as he approached the fence separating their gardens, with a tray in hand.

Balancing three glass cups on top of the tray, he greeted them with a friendly demeanour. "Good afternoon, I brought over some drinks for you two," his voice filled with genuine hospitality and kindness.

With a gesture of goodwill, Mr. Jenkins lifted the tray, presenting the drinks to Elizabeth and James. 

A fence separating their gardens, though not very tall, served as a symbolic boundary that did little to hinder the spirit of connection and camaraderie shared between the neighbors. 

Appreciating the thoughtful gesture, Elizabeth and James exchanged grateful smiles, touched by Mr. Jenkins' gesture of kindness and the simple act of neighborly generosity.

James expressed his gratitude to Mr. Jenkins for the thoughtful gesture, acknowledging the kindness extended by their neighbor. 

Taking two glass cups, he thanked the elderly man before making his way back to Elizabeth, who accepted one of the glasses with appreciation. 

As James walked away, Mr. Jenkins picked up the remaining glass cup and made his way to a nearby deck chair with a table, where he placed the glass and tray before taking a seat.

Elizabeth, holding the glass offered by James, raised her voice to ensure Mr. Jenkins could hear her words of gratitude. 

"Thank you," she exclaimed, her heartfelt appreciation resonating in her tone. In response, Mr. Jenkins smiled warmly and replied.

"It's my pleasure, dear," his kind words reflecting the joy he found in sharing a moment of connection and neighborly camaraderie with the young couple.

Observing Elizabeth's stomach where her baby bump was growing, Mr. Jenkins inquired about the well-being of the little one. 

"How's the little one doing?" he asked, his eyes filled with curiosity and a genuine interest in the new life that was growing within her.

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