As the snow began to melt, the young woman turned to the couple with a gentle smile.
“I would like to repay your kindness,” she said. “Please allow me to weave cloth that you can sell—but I must ask one thing: while I work, no one may watch me.”
The old man and his wife hesitated, but they agreed.
She entered a small room with a loom and closed the door behind her.
Days passed. From within, the soft rhythm of weaving echoed. When she finally emerged, she held in her hands a bolt of shimmering cloth—so fine and beautiful it seemed almost magical.