Meet Grace

Nine-year old Grace stared out into the endless ocean; the salty spray misted her face. Oh how she missed land! She had gotten used to the constant rolling of the ship and she no longer felt nauseous with ever swell, but she missed walking and running on land. She missed the ground staying still beneath her.

"Here you are poppet," her father came up behind her. Bending down to her eye level he looked out at the sun setting on the horizon with her, "and what are we searching for?" he asked.

"Land," Grace replied with exasperation as she slumped down over the railing.

Mister Cooper stood up and placed his calloused hand on her shoulder, "It is there poppet. Somewhere out there is America and a new life for us. You will see. It will be a better life than the one we left behind."

Turning to look up at her father, Grace solemnly responded, "I hope you are right." And with that she walked down to the tween deck where her family had made their berth.

Under decks, Grace's mother was lying in her bunk. Mother had not felt well since they boarded the ship two months ago in Southampton, England. Father had said that the voyage to America would be exciting and Grace was so excited when they first boarded. She had found every nook and cranny to be cozy and new; now she found it to be confining, cramped, stuffy. She loathed the stale smell under decks of human sweat and foul sea air.

Grace climbed into the bunk and snuggled up next to her mother. "You are cold child." Mother said lifting a hand to Grace's cheek, "Thou should not spend so much time topside for you may catch a chill."

"I will stay warm Mother. I was looking for America."

Grace's mother smiled a sad smile, "And did you see it child?"

"No," Grace buried herself beneath the blankets, "Just more ocean." She yawned and closed her eyes.

Kissing the top of the brunette curls spilling out of Grace's cap, "It is out there. Father says we will be there soon. It is out there." Mother cooed to assured her.

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