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Emma's Story

by Sonja Wolter

Emma couldn't understand why they had to leave Gran behind. She watched, as the only woman in her life, climbed into Uncle Danny's wagon. The chestnut mare snorted and shook its head in the crisp spring air.

Da said they had to leave. Mr Marley wouldn't let them stay on his land anymore. He'd paid the fare for her and Da to go on a ship to Canada. But, why couldn't Gran come? Why couldn't they just stay with Uncle Danny? Emma ran up to the wagon and grabbed hold of Gran's skirt. "Don't go Gran." Her eyes welled up and were near overflowing.

Gran turned round and put a gentle hand on her head. "Now then, no tears. I'll be fine and so will you - better in fact. There'll be a whole new life for you over there."

Tears rolled down Emma's full rosy cheeks. "I have a life here." Gran's eyes softened and she pulled Emma up into the wagon, and sat her on the bench. "Now listen here. I'm too old to start all over again. Ireland is my home, and new lands and grand adventures are for the young."

"It's my home too. Can't I stay with you and Uncle Danny?" "Your Da needs you. It'd break his heart to leave you behind. You look so much like your Ma, with those big blue eyes. Wide as summer skies they are." Emma sniffed and wiped the tears with the back of her hand. "Can we come back to visit?"

"Maybe someday. But, for now, be brave for your Da, and don't give him any grief. Remember darlin', Ireland will never leave you. T'will always be in your heart."

Emma threw her arms around Gran's neck and held on tight. She hung on for awhile until Gran gently pushed her away. "Go on now. An' don't forget to say your prayers every night."

Emma stepped down. Her wavy red hair fell softly around her porcelain face. "I won't forget Gran." She backed up as Da came out from the small stone cottage with Gran's bags, and the quilt she and Gran had made this past winter. There were hearts and clovers in the squares. It was beautiful.

Da hugged Gran and Uncle Danny. He mumbled something to them before stepping down and backing onto the grass. The sound of pebbles crackling under the wheels made Emma's heart leap, as the wagon rolled away. Da put his hand on her shoulder. The sight of the wagon grew distant, until all she could see was the rolling green hills against the cerulean sky. He kissed her forehead. "It'll be alright. You'll see." He let go and turned back to the cottage, leaving Emma where she was.

The light cast shadows behind her, as she stared at the empty horizon. Gran was right. Ireland was in her heart. She resolved right then and there, that one day, she would come home.