A Short Story of an Immigrant

It started like any other day up on the hills of Rhein, but that day had the scent of freedom floating in the air. The journey ahead of me had been teasing me for weeks, I was just so anxious to get away and start all over again. I had made certain arrangements before I left, our family dog was not allowed on the ship that we were going to be arriving in America, so I had my parents take care of the dog for us. It was a hard thing to do seeing that the dog had become more than just a pet to the children and I, for we almost would recognize him as a family member. Most of our possessions we were able to keep with us, but we had to keep the load light since it was going to be a tight stay in the steerage. I wasn't sure of what to expect in America, but my friend Niva had been writing me ever since she had arrived in America; begging me to witness the splendor of freedom given, and the different way of living. I was easy to be convinced into going because it seemed like nothing was really happening in my life, and I was desperate for a change. The sea breezes were dancing around me as I waved goodbye to my ma and pa. Tears streamed down my face as I looked at what I was going to be leaving, it was my life and my past. Each of the children were given a photograph of the last time we were all together, including our dog Marcy and my ma and pa. Their small hands drifted in the breeze while waving goodbye to everything they knew in this world, for they had not yet been to another country before, nor had they ever left the world of Rhein. As the ship set sail, it was almost as if we were breaking away from reality. It was a scary thought to start all over but I was willing to put myself through any circumstances to get me away from Rhein. I was tired of the living conditions of Rhein, and I knew America offered better schooling for the children. It was a risky change in my life and the children's, but I knew as soon as the ropes were untied and we started to drift