The next day was Monday, time for me to move on, Emma wanted to know what my plans were for the future, I had a few vague ideas and I tried to present them as well as I could, Emma listened politely without interrupting
"Ok" she finally said "I'll get my husband to drop you off in town then?"
"Yes, thank you." I said. I gathered my things together and was about to climb into her husbands truck when she rushed up to hug me goodbye, she held me by the shoulders at arms length and looked at me "Sarah I do wish you all the happiness in the world" She kissed me lightly on the cheek and handed me a brown parcel topped with a note in a pretty pink envelope.
"Goodbye," I said looking at her with a new curiosity. I just couldn't help wondering why she was so kind and why she thought it necessary to take such an interest in me. It was hard to fathom, it felt natural to remain detached but in just a few days I could feel myself opening up towards her warmth.
I think it was a shame that I had to go, I needed a friend and truly Emma had offered me the first love I had felt in years.
It was when I opened the package that I felt my first deep sadness. It was a beautiful dress delicate, with colourful flowers and small scallops of lace at the neckline, tears pricked my eyes as I looked it over, and straight away I thought that I didn't want to wear it and perhaps ruin such a fine thing. I couldn't believe that she expected me to wear it as I went on my travels.
It did fit me beautifully but I only tried it on, in the town where her husband had dropped me off I bought several cheaper dresses and a pretty pair of plastic sandals.
I immediately threw the clothes that I had taken with me from the cabin away.
After I had changed my clothes in a public restroom I sat in a shady park to open the pale pink envelope - Emma had written;
Dear Sarah,
Although I have only known you for a short time I can see by your eyes that you have been through too much heartache and pain, please accept this money and train ticket and go to the address at the bottom of this letter, I have arranged for you to work for some relatives of mine in Atlanta, I'm sure we will meet again soon please take care,
Your friend
Emma Lundstrom.
3465 Charlotte Terrace
Atlanta Georgia
I couldn't believe the words I had read; now because of the kindness of a stranger I had a real path to follow. I was going to Atlanta where a job was waiting for me. I stared at the money she had given me – more money than I had ever seen! Several hundred dollars plus a train ticket and instructions on how to get to a house called Firestone.
I sat staring at the note, disbelieving, grateful, scared so many swirling emotions within me, my future was here it had found me, I wondered just what I would find in Atlanta – a place I had only heard about and never been to, and what sort of job would it be? And would the people like me? Perhaps they would just ask me to leave when they saw me – Emma didn't know how cruel and rejecting people in this world could be, Yes they were her relatives but you just never knew...