The Letter

It is a simple story about a family tragedy and the father's actions to try and repir what he and his daughter have left. But will all go as planned?

My dad kissed my cheek, his warm lips parted, leaving a cloud of breath in the cold snowy air. The whole world was silent, none of the carriages were on the streets no paper boys calling for the big news, It was so late at night, or was it early in the morning. I could never really tell the difference or keep track. He was kneeling in front of me, his face tired and worn. My daddy was very handsome, I always heard ladies talking about him. But he just looked so old in front of me now. His eyes that usually held a happy excited spark within the blue oasis was lost behind the stress and sorrow. They were my favorite thing about Daddy, Mommy always said she loved his eyes too. I don’t really remember Mommy, even though it had only been a year since she had gone away. I don’t know where she went, but Daddy said she will be gone for a very long time. The last time i saw her, she was sleeping at home, but strangely, she didn’t wake up when some men lifted her and put her into a long black carriage. It was a very strange day, because that was the only time i had ever seen Daddy cry. It made me cry too, but i’m sure he will feel better when 

Mommy comes back home. I just have to wait. But Daddy said i can’t wait with him, That’s why we are here tonight. That’s okay though, i’m already 5, I can wait here for a little bit until daddy sends me a letter saying he will be coming back with mommy for me. Then we can live together again. Snow fell gently onto his fading brown hair, It was always so soft. Daddy liked it when i ran my fingers through his hair while he slept in the comfy chair. That’s his favorite chair. It sits right next to Mommy’s lady chair, we got it from Spain. It’s very pretty, just like mommy. And i have my chair! Daddy and i built it together, It’s a blur rocking chair, I painted birdies on it because i feel like i’m flying when i rock in it. I really like our chairs. He patted my head with a great big hand, rough from working in the mines all these years. I love daddy’s hands. When we walk, i like to hold onto his fingers, he has such strong hands. He gave me a big strong hug, his body was so warm. Then Daddy straightened out the ruffles on my dress, i got to wear the nice Sunday dress i always loved. It was green and white and really really soft, Mommy made if for me. He checked me over, made sure my curls were nice, my dress was clean, and that the falling snow was mostly off. My nose and fingers stung from the cold, every year for Christmas i ask for gloves, but i guess Santa forgets, but that’s okay because i have Daddy’s hands to keep mine warm. Now you be good. He says to me. Ill sent you a letter okay? When i’m with mommy, and then it'll be all better. I just need you to stay here for a little bit. Then i can fix everything. What he says kinda scares me, but i think he is just tired. Daddy had a really long day. He kisses me again and hugs me, then turns me to face a big wooden door. He knocks really loudly on the door, and i'm scared it'll wake up the whole street, then he looks down at me and says I love you, Reina. Don't forget that. Then he stands and walks away very fast like. Isn’t he going to walk me inside? Can’t we at least explore together?

“Daddy! Daddy wait. Please don’t leave. I want to go with you to see Mommy. I changed my mind. Please Daddy, Take me with you.” Daddy doesn’t even turn his head but rounds the corner, and vanishes from my sight. The door behind me opens, A small clump of snow falls next to me on the hanging sign above. The words, Girls Orphanage is now legible. I feel tears sting my face, and blur my eyesight. I know a lady should never cry, but i couldn’t help it. Daddy will be back, and with Mommy. I don't know why i am crying,. He said he was going to fix it, I just have to wait and be strong.  I know everything will be okay, I’ll wait here. A big fat old lady is standing in front of me, i think she is a nun. Yeah a nun, i can never really remember the right words. She takes me inside, at least it’s warm inside. I will wait for daddy, he will come back. I just have to get his letter. I love Daddy, and he loves me.

I woke from the bed, it had been a few days since daddy dropped me off here, and it wasn’t too bad. I had made friends and the rats here are a lot quieter than the ones at home. The fat lady i had first met was sitting on my bed, she had a paper in her hands. It was a letter. It’s from your daddy, she said sadly, i am very sorry dear. But know you'll be happy here. I opened the letter, and the fat lady nun left me alone. I wasn’t very good at reading, but i think i knew what it said.

“My dear Reina

I am so sorry it had to be this way, but it’s time. You’re mother isn’t away on a trip and she is never coming back. Your mother died in her sleep, she killed herself on the pain pills the doctor subscribed. I loved her very very much, and nothing is the same without her. So i’m going home. I am going to follow with your mother. Please know I love you but i just cannot be there for you. Be strong my sweet, you'll do big things when you are older, I am so very sorry. I love you, Live your life Reina

Love 

Daddy”

It’s here! The letter! Daddy sent it so fast, I don't understand all the words, but i do know mommy, and home and coming back. He wants me to come home so that we can be together. I’m so happy. Thank you daddy, ill be right there! I jumped down from the bed and tugged on my favorite dress, i tried to fix my hair so mommy can see how pretty i am in my dress, i put on my shoes and ran quickly and quietly downstairs. I snuck out the front door and into the outside. It was snowing, and very very cold. I don’t really remember the way home. But i do know to follow the canal. A couple people were out on the streets, but it was beginning to get late and they were all heading home. I was too. I began to sing to myself. I’m going to be with mommy and daddy. I skipped along the canal’s edge. The dark waters were calm yet strong, daddy had always told me to be very careful by the canal, i wouldn’t want to fall in. I skipped happily, looking over the letter, when suddenly the wind blew up and tore the letter from my hands. It floated high into the air way out of my reach, but came back down slowly. It swayed in the wind. To and fro. Then landed gently on the water, The ink began to smudge in the water and was pulled fast downstream. I panicked, i had to get the letter. I began to run back the way i came, i knew there was a bridge that i could reach down and easily scoop it up. Yeah ill do that. This was kind of fun, out running the river. The black waters were fast, but i was faster. I got to the stone bridge way ahead of the paper, and knelt in the snow, it was very cold. I saw the paper and reached over the side of the bridge. It was coming closer, i had to reach a little further. Closer still, just a bit further. My fingers brushed the icy water and it send shivers up my spine, i posed my hand on the snowy bricks, and reached further. The paper came directly under me and i reached far down. Suddenly, my hand slipped. The snow gave way and my hand fell over the edge, I think i was falling. My dress lifted as the wind took me and the icy waters took my breath away. I can see. The water is too strong, i cannot swim, i cannot breathe. My head bobbed above the water periodically, i sucked in, gasping for the precious air, but was only met with more stinging water. My brain swam, i cannot breathe. I cannot breathe. I opened my eyes in the water and all i saw was darkness. I was underwater, how come i feel like i'm on fire. My chest is on fire, i cannot breathe. Somebody help me. Daddy please help me. I'm so close to home, then we can be happy. Mommy daddy please help me. I need help. I cannot breathe. The darkness of the water entered into me, and i felt weak. The fire was fading from my chest, i couldn't feel anything. I wasn't even cold anymore. Daddy i'm sorry. I think i may be a bit longer getting home. Please wait for me. I love you daddy, mommy i'm sorry, but i love you too. I love you both, just wait and ill be home.

The police found a 5 year old orphan girl floating in the river the next morning, her dress tattered and ruined. Nobody claimed the body, so she was discarded in a poor sector mass grave. No funeral was given, no body missing her. 

Reina Frune- Jan 14. 1856- Dec 23. 1861. 

Author's Note

Sorry for the mistakes, when I get to writing i loose myself, and i can't always catch everything. Please enjoy.

Reviews

[A.W. Carl]

Quite blunt. I am just curious- what emotions/feelings/thoughts were you trying to evoke in this story?

This is a pretty brutal story, which is fine with me, it just seems a bit... like it's going for the shock factor rather than attempting to portray a message. It seems like brutality is the ends not the means to a greater purpose.

I enjoyed your writing though, it is a very well written story. I love stories that are not afraid to be different and daring.

[Free Spirited]

I was trying to get across that the world is cruel and cold without the love of a family, and through the turmoils, the river, you should always try to stay close to what matters. Dont let family become lost to the world, try to fix whats broken, but fix it together.

[A.W. Carl]

ahh gotcha- I like that message

[Free Spirited]

I'm glad I could clear it up a bit. I hope you enjoyed.

[Warrior]

The ending was sad for me, but if a story can bring out emotions it is good.

[Free Spirited]

Thank you! and double thanks for being my first review on this site. :D

[Warrior]

My pleasure.