Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage
Johanna Perry, a middle-aged, unmarried housemaid, works for Mr. McCauley and cares for his granddaughter, Sabitha. Although Johanna rarely takes an interest in her employers' lives, she becomes curious about Sabitha’s father, Ken, after meeting him. She learns from Edith that Ken lives somewhere in rural Canada, struggling with poverty, and often asks Mr. McCauley for money after the death of his wife, Mr. McCauley’s daughter. Despite this, Johanna finds Ken a decent man and attaches a thank-you note to Sabitha’s letter for him.
Edith discovers the note and, with Sabitha, decides to prank Johanna by writing fake love letters from Ken. After reading the letters, Johanna feels hopeful about finding love and begins planning her future with Ken. Eventually, Johanna travels to meet Ken at his request, only to find him bedridden and in financial distress. While Johanna cares for him, Ken assumes she likes him and agrees after learning about her savings.
A few years later, Edith learns that Johanna has married Ken, and they have a child named Omar. Edith feels she is the one responsible for changing Johanna's fate.
The Bear Came Over the Mountain
The story follows Grant and his wife, who have been diagnosed with early-stage dementia. Fiona is placed in a care facility as her memory and cognitive abilities deteriorate. The story reveals how their relationship shifts dramatically because of her illness. As Fiona's fragile health deteriorates, she forms an unexpected attachment to Aubrey, which puts the couple's marriage at risk. Grant and Fiona had a seemingly happy marriage, but his repeated cheating left him questioning whether Fiona was seeking revenge when she formed a close bond with Aubrey. However, as Fiona’s mental and physical health deteriorates after being separated from Aubrey, Grant recognizes that her well-being depends on being with him.
Determined to help, he approaches Marian, Aubrey's wife, to find a solution that allows Fiona and Aubrey to reunite. Marian declines due to her financial struggles and loneliness without her husband. After that, Grant and Marian begin spending more time together and eventually start a romantic relationship. Grant realizes that by dating Marian, he can organize Fiona’s reunion with Aubrey. His efforts succeed, and when he visits Fiona to share the news, she surprises him by recalling their shared past and confessing her love.
