But these two wooden rods had no notches or grooves for locking; they were perfectly smooth and whole.
The key, then, had to lie within that thick rectangular board — there must be some clever mechanism hidden inside.
"How do you put it away?" Clara asked curiously.
Carpenter Liew pointed at the bottom of the board. "Press that little wooden nub back in, and it'll collapse."
Clara did as told. Sure enough, her fingers found a thumb-sized block protruding beneath the board. With a little pressure, she pushed it in — and with a clatter, the raised handle collapsed neatly, shrinking down until it stuck up only five centimeters higher than the box, serving as a grip.
"How marvelous!" Clara exclaimed.
Carpenter Liew chuckled, pleased with himself. "This is my master's secret craft. The mechanism inside — that I can't reveal."
Such secret mechanisms were sworn upon before the master. Unless one was the master's final disciple, they could never be taught.
He had been chosen from among the apprentices to inherit the art, but not long after teaching him a handful of mechanisms, his master passed away.
Thinking of his late teacher, Carpenter Liew's eyes filled with regret. "If Master had lived, he would have perfected this long ago. I only managed a chair with a backrest out of the skill."
"If he were still alive today, this pull-rod book chest would already exist."
Clara stroked the little luggage-like chest again before reluctantly setting it down. She said to the pensive Carpenter Liew,
"Perhaps it's just that no one around here has seen one. Not that it's new."
One had to be humble — they weren't inventors, merely re-makers.
Her words snuffed out his melancholy completely. He huffed, "You really know how to ruin the mood!"
Clara shrugged, still reluctant to let go of the little box. "Rest for now. Tomorrow, make me two of these at once. Adam and Ben need them for school."
"Oh, and tonight I'll stay up late to re-draw the interior layout. Make it more efficient. You can build to my plans."
Since it was now a suitcase, it could hold far more than brushes and paper.
Perhaps a little compartment for self-defense weapons? Or a slot for an umbrella?
Luckily, Carpenter Liew didn't hear these wild notions — or he'd lose sleep all night imagining how to fit an umbrella in.
"Wait — what's it called?"
Seeing Clara about to drag the chest home, Carpenter Liew quickly asked.
Clara winced. Asking her, of all people — a notorious failure at naming things?
"Luggage" didn't sound right — this was a book chest, not meant for clothes.
What should it be called? …She couldn't think of a thing!
And so she tossed the problem right back, smiling at Carpenter Liew. "You built it. You should name it."
Her earnest gaze sent a small thrill through him. Pretending indifference, he waved a hand modestly before finally suggesting:
"It saves strength and holds plenty… let's call it… the Mighty Book Chest?"
Clara's temple throbbed. Out loud she agreed, but inwardly she sighed — Carpenter Liew, your naming sense is atrocious.
"Mighty Book Chest?"
At home, all four children crowded around the box their mother had brought back, poking and prodding at it. Could it really be imbued with divine strength?
Clara poured herself hot water, downed it in one gulp, then ordered Chad to shut the door. She glanced around, then began hauling down all the heavy ceramic bowls from the cupboard. She stacked them into the drawers of the chest.
Don't underestimate those small compartments — they held twenty or thirty bowls easily.
She hefted it. Already heavy. With the chest's own 5+ kilograms, it was enough to crush a child's back.
Clara lifted her chin at Ben. "Try it. See if you can lift it."
Ben rushed forward but failed to budge it — though by accident he brushed the wheels, and the chest spun smoothly in place.
Carpenter Liew's craftsmanship was indeed silky.
Adam, inspired, pulled his brother aside. He grasped the little handle sticking out, tugged — and out came a long rod, reaching just above his waist. Perfect height for pulling.
Adam hadn't yet thought to tilt and drag, but even pushing on level ground, he moved the weighty chest with ease.
Chad gaped. "It really does have divine strength!"
Clara laughed at the silly boy. She took the chest from Adam, demonstrating the right way: tilt and pull. On flat paths, uphill slopes — effortless.
She let Adam and Ben try again, and soon the two were racing the chest across the courtyard.
The wheels rumbled wildly across the ground.
"Wow, so fun!" Deb's eyes sparkled as she stretched out her hands, wanting her brother to let her ride.
Adam shot Clara a questioning look. "Can it carry people?"
"It can," Clara admitted. After all, in her time, people often sit on suitcases to rest.
And so Deb climbed atop, squealing in delight as her brothers pushed and pulled her about.
Chad quickly demanded his turn too.
The precious chest was reduced to a toy, the four siblings taking turns "flying" around until each had two rides before finally carrying the Mighty Book Chest inside.
Adam and Ben dutifully unloaded the bowls back onto the cupboard, while Chad and Deb watched enviously.
They knew these chests were special — made only for the brothers going to school.
Chad wasn't too jealous; Clara had promised he'd go to school once he was older. He simply clung to his brothers, asking them to save the used chest for him.
Adam and Ben, giddy at the thought of arriving at school with such a marvel, joined in his chatter. None of them noticed Deb's quiet expression.
The little girl sat before the Mighty Book Chest, pulling drawers open and shut, again and again, her small face clouded.
So young, yet already burdened with sorrow.
After washing up, Clara glanced into the hall. The boys were still chattering away, ignoring how late it was.
Wait—where was Deb?
"Deb, are you sleepy?" Clara smiled as she stepped forward, scooping up the little bundle curled in front of the chest.
The girl instantly rested her head on her mother's shoulder, arms tight around her neck. In a small, wounded voice she mumbled,
"All my brothers get to go to school… why can't I?"
(End of Chapter)
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