Cora Cartmell: The first year

Chapter 1~ Sad News

It was now about a week since the babies had been born. Jack, Rose, Nan and Cora were practically sleepless because of the babies crying.

"Is it good?" Rose asked Cora, when she took a warm, buttery bite of her potato. Cora nodded. Josephine and William were now asleep.

   They only had one cradle, so William slept in an old cigar crate, but he slept peacefully in it.

Cora was struggling to keep her eyes open. She put her elbows on the table and put her cheek in her palm.
Jack laughed. "Someone's tired aren't they?" He said.
Cora was too tired to let out a heartfelt laugh. She smiled and nodded.

Jack and Rose both had dark circles under their eyes. Cora sighed. She couldn't wait to go to sleep, and she hoped that the babies wouldn't wake up and cry again.

As they were eating, Nan was unusually quiet.
"Nan, is something wrong?" Rose asked her.
Nan looked at Cora with sad eyes.

Suddenly Cora was nervous, what was happening?
Nan took a deep sigh. She squeezed Cora's hand and said;
"I think I've overstayed my welcome." She said.
Rose looked confused. "What do you mean?" She asked.
Nan took another deep breath. "I think it's time I go back to England." Nan said.
Cora was shocked. She stood up and called out "what! Why?" With tears in her eyes.
Nan placed her hand on Cora's shoulder and looked over at Rose.
"Now that Josephine and William are here, I think it might be hard for your Uncle Jack to pay for everything, and with me staying here, it doesn't make it easier." Nan said.
"Don't leave!" Cora called.
Nan smiled. "I have to, sweetie. I leave in three days, but we can make the most out of them." She said.
Cora felt a tear drop down her face. She was angry, and sad. She didn't want her grandmother to leave.

Suddenly, Cora slammed her hand against the table, and went to hide behind Jack and Rose's bed.

She clutched her dolly close and cried. She could hear Jack, Rose and Nan talking to each other, but didn't bother to try and hear what they were saying.

Then she heard footsteps behind her.
"Cora?" The voice said.
It was Jack.
Cora got on her knees and looked over at Jack.
He smiled, and held out his hand to her. Cora grabbed it, and he helped her off the floor.

He sat on the bed, and Cora sat next to him.

Nan and Rose came over.

"It's okay to feel sad about this, Cora, but you'll never forget your grandmother." Jack said.
"You can write to her after she leaves." Rose said. "Would you like that?"
Cora nodded. She felt her eyelids get heavy, and slumped against Jack.

She slept soundly, even with the babies crying in the background.