It was a beautiful day on the Mira River in Nova Scotia, Canada. Meilin Lee and her parents had come here for the last week of summer vacation because Meilin had once again got perfect marks in school, as expected.
Meilin smiled as the cool water lapped her ankles. Looking around, she saw the unspoiled beauty of Nova Scotia. "Wow… it's so…"
"Breathtaking? Aye, that it is."
Meilin turned to see who had said that. It was a boy, probably around her age. He was about a head taller than her and as lanky as she was pudgy. His short hair was light blonde and curly. His eyes were a soft blue-green. He wore a black Rush t-shirt and green shorts.
Meilin smiled. "You're a local, aren't you?"
"I am. What gave me away?"
"Your accent," Meilin replied.
"Well, you're a bit wrong on that count. Me accent isn't Nova Scotian. It's Irish. Me dad immigrated here from County Mayo in the '80s. Now, me mam's lived here most of her life, but she was born in Quebec. Her family immigrated there from France in the 1640s or so." The boy smiled. "I'm Sean O' Cullen."
"Meilin Lee, but you can call me Mei. Nice to meet you." Meilin shook Sean's hand. "So, you're from Nova Scotia?"
"Cape Breton Island, to be specific. Born and raised on the Mira itself." Sean frowned. "Sadly, this will be the last I see of it."
"Why is that?" Meilin asked.
"Dad got a job offer in Toronto. Big bucks. A better life, he says," Sean sighed. "But my life here is the best it can be." The boy knelt and scooped up a handful of water. As it ran through his fingers, he began to sing softly.
"Out on the Mira on warm afternoons
Old men go fishin' with black line and spoons
And if they catch nothin', they've never complain
I wish I was with them again
As boys in their boats call to girls on the shore
Teasin' the ones that they dearly adore
And into the evening, the courting begins
I wish I was with them again
Can you imagine a piece of the universe
More fit for princes and kings?
I'll trade you ten of your cities for Marion Bridge
And the pleasure it brings
Out on the Mira on soft summer nights
Bonfires blaze to the children's delight
They dance 'round the flames singin'
Songs with their friends
I wish I was with them again
And over the ashes the stories are told
Of witches and werewolves and Oak Island gold
The stars on the river face sparkle and spin
I wish I was with them again
Can you imagine a piece of the universe
More fit for princes and kings?
I'll trade you ten of your cities for Marion Bridge
And the pleasure it brings
Out on the Mira the people are kind
They'll treat you to homebrew and help you unwind
And if you come broken, they'll see that you mend
I wish I was with them again…"
A tear fell from Sean's eye as he sang the last verse.
"Now I'll conclude with the wish you go well
Sweet be your dreams and your happiness swell
I'll leave you here, for my journey begins
I'm goin' to be with them again
I'm goin' to be with them again"
Mei, feeling bad for her new friend, gently laid a hand on his shoulder. "It'll be ok, Sean. Really, I think you'll like Toronto."
Sean wiped his eyes and looked up at her. "How can you be so sure, Mei?"
Meilin smiled. "Because that's where I'm from."
Sean stood and looked at her. "B-but… that's a day's drive!"
Now Meilin laughed. "Sure, but a four-hour flight."
"Oh…" Sean looked down at his feet. "I see… s-so ya flew here, did ya?"
Meilin nodded. "Yeah. Aren't you and your parents going to fly there when you move?"
Sean quickly shook his head. "Flyin' makes me nervous. Bein' high up makes me nervous."
"Oh. So… you're going to make the day's drive." Meilin realized.
Sean nodded. "Aye. Early tomorrow mornin'. That way, we can get settled in before me first day of grade 8."
Meilin smiled. "Well, if we end up going to the same middle school, you'll have a friend to help you see what Toronto offers."
Sean smiled back. "You have a good heart, Mei. I hope we end up at the same school."
"Mei-Mei! Come on, it's time to go!" Mrs. Lee called out.
Meilin groaned. "My mom can be so embarrassing…"
Sean chuckled. "That's a universal constant, m'friend."
Meilin hugged Sean. "Hope to see you around Toronto," she suddenly stepped back, blushing. "Sorry. Should've asked first, huh?"
Sean shook his head. "I have nothin' against friendly hugs. I, too, hope we see each other again."
With that, Meilin left, waving goodbye. Sean watched her go. When she had vanished from his sight, he made the sign of the cross and bowed his head. "Holy Father, please bless me new friend Meilin Lee. May she return home safe, may me own travels be safe, and may Mei an' I see each other again, even for only a moment. In yer Holy name, I pray, amen."