MAPS! jack dawson

CHAPTER ONE, preparing to aboard titanic

APRIL 10, 1912

Mckenna Lewis loved maps. She had always loved them. She would lay out her maps and look over them, studying the borders and the details. She would touch her fingertips against the different shapes and countries, wondering what it would be like to see these places in person. As a child she had wanted to travel and see the world. She had a thirst for adventure and a hunger for knowledge. Her parents had been supportive of her curiosity, buying her books and maps and letting her explore as much as possible. She would spend hours reading about far off lands and dreaming of distant shores. She would read about great explorers and adventurers and wish she could join them. She had a passion for maps, for history, and for the unknown.

She grew up learning about maps thanks to her father who was a well known cartographer. He would spend hours telling her stories about his travels and showing her his work. He would point out all the places he had visited and tell her all about them. She would sit there and listen with rapt attention, her eyes wide and her heart filled with wonder. Her father would tell her tales of ancient cities and forgotten civilizations, of great battles and epic journeys. He would talk about the people he had met and the places he had seen, and she would be enthralled. She would ask questions and beg for more stories, and her father would oblige, always happy to share his knowledge and passion with his daughter.

She had been super close with her father growing up, but now she doesn't even recognize the man. They used to go on walks and he would tell her all about his day. And she would do the same, talking about school or whatever was bothering her. But ever since he got this big deal and his company took off, he has been too busy for her. He was barely home anymore and when he was, he was in his office working. He didn't have time for her anymore and it hurt. But she couldn't blame him. She knew he was just trying to provide for their family and she was proud of him for working so hard. But she missed him, and she wished they could go back to the way things used to be. When it was just the two of them, and he would teach her everything she knew. She didn't like the man he had became, the money had changed him and his priorities. When she was young she had admired her father's work, his passion and ambition. His determination to get his company and his business to the top. Now she resented it. She resented the way the business took away her family. The way the business consumed her father. The way the money and the status changed him.

He used to be so humble and down-to-earth. Now he's arrogant and stuck-up. He used to be so full of life and laughter. Now he's cold and distant. He used to be her best friend. Now he's just a stranger. And it breaks her heart. He had always been strict and protective, but in a good way. He was always looking out for her and her brother, always wanting the best for them. He was always trying to provide for them and make sure they had everything they needed. But now, it feels like he's more concerned with his business than with his family. Yes, he still cared deeply for his family and would do anything for them. But it was different now. The business had become his main focus, and everything else had fallen by the wayside.

They were leaving their life behind in London. And she was not looking forward to the move. She didn't know anybody there, but she had to admit she was excited. There was a thrill that came from packing your bags and starting over. She had always been the adventurous type, always wanting to explore and try new things. She couldn't wait to go, to experience this. To see this new country, this new city, this new life. And maybe, just maybe, she could start over and make a better life for herself. She could leave behind the memories and the pain, and create a fresh start. She could start anew and live the life she's always dreamed of.

So, it was exciting and scary at the same time. Leaving the comfort and familiarity of home for the unknown. Leaving her friends and family behind. It was a daunting prospect, but she was determined to make the most of it. She was determined to seize the day and embrace the adventure. That's why she loved maps so much, because they represent possibility. They represent the unknown and the uncharted. They represent a world full of opportunities and adventures. They represent a life worth living.