The Ocean Flows In Me

Preface

My name is Abigail Lee, I was born in 1776 into a wealthy family. As a 12 year old, I was born to two successful parents who would smuggle English data for the Americans to fight the American revolution. I once had one older brother who had died in war prior to when I could even account to remember him. My father, a military commander, always travelling and away from home. Every time he leaves it would feel like the end of the world and when he was to return, my world began again. I can not even conceptualize the anguish if he was not to return.

We would lament to his quietus. My mother  an austere retired teacher, I would be her cohort. She teaches me all kinds of things, sewing, embroidery, shoemaking, simple practical medicines in case of emergencies, what I would do if our country went into convulse, and how to outlast a bomb.

Thoughtfully sitting at my desk, I thought life through wondering if something exciting would ever happen... "Abigail!" a voice shuddered my thoughts, "Are you even paying attention?" They sighed, I looked up to see my mother with her hoary feather pen, a white frock with black lines embroidered onto her sleeves, long beige tights and black heels. "S-Sorry mum" I stuttered, she looked at me indignantly. She always reminded me to call her Mrs Lee instead of 'mum' as it would make me feel too comfortable for learning and not professional enough for her. "What am I going to do?" she sighed, "My only daughter cannot even write correctly" she continued, "How will you marry? Do not bring our family misfortune!" she stood up face red with choler. "I've had enough with this nonsense, go to your room immediately!" she exclaimed infuriated.

I ran up the staircase ignoring my surroundings, bumping into servants and rushing through with brute force, which my mother taught me was unladylike. Finally, I reached my room...