GLRP E&H Jollier Fairground Books: Diary1
Title: Diary
Author: Estha Barnes
Dear Diary,
Uncle Walter pressed
you into my hand as
Lunton and I were
about to board the
ship. He told me it
would give me
something to do to pass
the long hours. I only
hope I do not run out of
ink!
a copy?
I find myself thinking of Mother almost constantly now. All the babies she delivered in her many years, it is a shame she will not be able to see her own grandchild be born. I have decided that I will name the child for her. Wilma, her name, for a girl. William, for a boy.
The pox swept over the island like wildfire. Lunton said the only thing that saved us, most likely, was the small spring behind the house. We fetched our water from there rather than the river. The river, Lunton thinks, was tainted. Perhaps even magically. We make our way now to the mainland. The captain said he believes we will be there in a fortnight. I hope we make it before the baby comes.
Dear Diary,
Lunton was wrong. We
were not spared from
the pox.
Half the crew is dead now, including the captain. Lunton is feverish and pale, but does all he can to help the two sailors left. No one has said as much to me, but I believe that in their delirium, someone misguided the boat. I have the feeling that we are only going in circles, though I am only a woman and not wise about these things. It is merely a feeling that I have.
I worry about the baby. It had been so active, kicking and flipping about, but for several days now, no movement at all. I have tried to make myself eat, to keep up my strength, but the rocking of the ship makes me lose my appetite.
I can only pray that we spot land soon. I do not know what will become of us otherwise.
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