Thankful (Completed)

Chapter 2- A Small Glimmer of Hope

Emily awoke stiff and sore. Cramped against the wall where she had been sitting earlier, her hand still clutched tightly to her mother's. With her free hand, Emily felt her mother's brow. It was slightly cooler and Emily felt a spark of hope being to flicker inside.

"Prehaps she will live." She whispered, not wanting to speak of this too loudly.

Her mother's eyes began to open and as she looked on at her daughter, a smile crept over her tired face.

"Mother? Are you feeling better?" Emily asked.

Her mother reached up with a trembling hand and stroked her daughter's face.

"Aye dear, much better."

Emily could not help but burst into tears as she embraced her mother. For too long, she had been the adult, now she could hold onto her mother and be comforted.

"I've missed you mother." She whispered tenderly between tears.

"I know my sweet, you have been  brave. I am proud of you."

Before Emily could respond, Mary Smith, an older woman in her mid forties with bright red hair walked up and knelt down before them.

"Elizabeth Johnston, as I live and breath! You are doing well!"

Elizabeth, Emily's mother, beamed and replied.

"Yes, the good Lord has laid a healing hand on me this day."

Mary looked on at this mother and daughter stood and straightened her long skirts and said,

"I shall give you time with each other."

In the bottom of that dark ship that rocked on rough waters, the Johnston's section seemed to glow brightly as an inviting fire on a cold snowy night. All through that day and into the night, Emily talked, laughed and joked with her mother. Precious time was spent as they shared stories from happier times; when Aaron, Emily's little brother had once snuck a chicken into their shared room because he thought it was afraid of the dark. Or when James, Emily's father, would get out his wooden recorder and would play beautiful hymns by the fire.

As the evening grew, so did her mother's tiredness. Her eyes grew heavy and at times did not want to stay open. Still, a peaceful smile played over her face. Emily too, noticed her mother was growing more tired. She detested seeing her mother go to sleep. Today had been her happiest day since beginning this voyage and she did not want it to end.

"It is time to rest now, Emily." Her mother said gently.

"Must we? I've had such a wonderful time today." Emily said, as she tried not to sound as a whining child.

"So have I. And I want you to know something."

"Yes mother?" Emily asked with urgency.

"No matter how this voyage will end I want you to remember today. Even in the hardest of times, you can find thankfulness. Continue to be my brave Emily and love God."

Emily began to grow scared. The words sounded more like instructions rather than comfort.

"Why must you talk so? You are well now. We will be together always."

Her mother only held onto Emily's hand and nodded.

Reluctantly Emily laid down beside her mother. The ship continued to sway and it rocked Emily to sleep.

"Goodnight mother. I love you." She said sleepily.

"Goodnight my Emily. I love you my brave girl."

Coughs were heard in other sections but Emily slept peacefully as the waves carried her to a new and strange world.

A/N
Ok not going to lie, that was sad and I was about to cry during some of it. Sorry about the short chapters, I hope they get longer as I go on. Feel free to vote and comment, I love hearing from you all! :)