September 29, 1918
Like an animal can feel when a storm is coming, I can feel that I don't have much time left. I don't feel as though I have much time left here. This may very well be my last entry. Edward came to see me again today and is still here, as I write this.
While onceOnce, I had looked forward to the future I was so sure I had with him., Nnow, I know better. I am not strong enough to fight this, to survive the influenza. This Spanish InfluenzaIt will be the death of me. and my dearBut my Edward is meant for bigger things besides me. I pray that if he ever finds another girl to love, that she loves him far better than I ever could have.
He keeps telling me I'm going to be fine, that I'll beat this awful disease, m going to be one of the lucky ones, but I know I'm notI'm not going to. I can feel that feel so ill and feel as though Ddeath is upon me. Even the physician does no't think I'll survive past this night. I'm going to cherish the time I have left with my love and hope that he doesn't get this mess.
My father is still healthy and has not caught the influenza, but his grief is getting the best of him. I can only hope he knows that I love him and that he has been the best father anyone could ever havebefore I go. And Edward, my dear dear Edward, always remember that I love you. As you go on through your life, always remember the last few months we've been together. That is truly my only dying wish.
I can't decide whether or not I should be to be scared about of dying. Surely, it can't be too bad. I'll soon be reunited with my mother, Millie, Henry, Dorothy, and our nanny. As well as countless others that have died before me and will die after me. I'll be with the heavenly Ffather as well, and that's all I feel I can ask for.
I must retire now, for I'm growing weak and feel heavily fatigued.
-Charlotte Ruth Clarke, aged sixteen years and eight months
