Hopeless Hopes

Chpt 1

I peek through my eyelids- it is nearly dusk.

My body begged to go back to sleep but my brains pushed me out of the bed.

I rummage through the drapes and crawl out to the night stand, I hold the candle and light it.

I need to bathe.

The water boils over the furnace and I pour the water into the tub. After several pots, the tub is filled to the top and I slide in. The tub sits in the living room by the furnace. The fire giving warmth and a light glow to the place. It's just me and Ma so I don't have to worry about any one walking in.

My favorite part of my day, soaking away the grub from the previous day. And where I made new plans for the new day.

What was to be done today? I go through the list in my head, ah yes. I must go to town and fetch mother new coffee beans.

She loves coffee and I know it'll bring some joy into her day.

I have to stop by Margaret's, she always adds a pound extra than I pay for. Bless that sweet ol lady's heart.

Okay- I still have to grab grains for Sky, sugar, the only luxury I allow my self to have.

That's all I can think of, I'm sure I'll have 10 more things before I get out of the tub.

Doc came by last night, she's getting worse. Just last month it seemed as if everything was okay, we worked together washing the loads and she laughed carelessly. Now she's ill and I'm losing her.

The town is nearly half days ride from home, so I'll need to set out on horse soon.

I quickly get out and dress in my olive green dress with leather strap boots and slide my satchel over my hip. And head over the the stables.

Ever since I was a child we lived here, our little cottage with a small stable big enough for one horse. We didn't live to far away from society, but still a bit out in the country side. We have two neighbors who are nice people.

"Sssh Sky, it's just me Adnes!" I whisper to my horse who I startled on my way in.

I climb on and click my tongue, Sky immediately starts walking slowly. We can't afford a saddle so I usually ride bare. The sun is just yet to rise and I might make it to the hill in time to see it.

"Yaah!" I yell out and Sky sets out into a full run through the trail.

The sun rise is beautiful. Nothing like the seldom opening of a fresh day.

Mother prefers I take the carriage out to town, yet I refuse. I love riding Sky.

I ride into town just as the market is setting up. I slow Sky down and slowly walk the rest of trail leading to town. I see a few merchants setting up stalls filled with foreign things. I let my hand linger over the furs. I can only dream of wearing something like this.

The fog is clearing up as the sun is peaking out. It's a bit chilly so I tighten my overcoat around my waist and rub my hands together for warmth. Not really doing the trick I decide to buy a cup of steaming milk.

I jump off Sky and tie his rope around my hand. He slowly follows behind me.

I take my list out and run over the things I need to get. The first stop is a few steps ahead.

"Hi Margaret!" I startle her. She drops the sack but thankfully nothing spills.

"Agnes! You should know better. Don't frighten an old lady" Margaret's face lights up in a smile.