By the Potomac

Chapter Ten

"Liesel, you are going to that man's house whether you like it or not," Aunt Susan lectured.

"Yes ma'am." I didn't see why I had to go to a stranger's house every single Wednesday. It didn't make sense.

"Act kindly towards him too, he's a old family friend."

"A family friend, Aunt Susan?"

"Yes, Liesel, one of your Father's friends. I'll send Margaret to tell him you accept the invitation." The old me would have gone myself to figure out what connection this man had towards my father. But now I must learn to face the facts, realize my father is gone

"Pardon me, Aunt Susan, but why must I participate in this... group meeting?"

"Liesel, it is your mother's last wish that you participate in this writers 'meeting'. She wishes for you to have a bright future in doing what you love."

"My mother's last wish?" I said shakily. My mother had wanted me to be a writer? My head spun with all this new information. "Excuse me." I left the parlor and grabbed my shawl as I hurried outside. The trees were crying leaves, the grass crying out for warmth and water. A blustery wind chilled me through my shawl. This was all wrong. How could I disappoint my mother now? There was no way I could start up writing again, my heart wasn't into it.

"Oh Petunia, what shall I do?" I stroked my little kitten that Annalise had giving me. She mewed back at me with adoring little eyes. There only was thing to do. Go to Mr. Hathway's house.

I tightened my black leather boots as I trudged through piles of wet brown leaves. Mr. Hathway had better be there. Otherwise I would be making this long trek for nothing. It is your mother's last wish. How can I go against my mother's wish? How can I go against myself?