The Fortress

Marmee's Gift

Charlottetown was in a festive mood. The Christmas carols were

sung with passion. The houses were compiled with dazzling

decorations and white snow permeated the windows. All the people

of the town were ready to celebrate Christmas with zeal. In the

distant farmhouse of Charlotte Town resides a simple family. Lucy

May, the widowed farmer's wife lived with her four beloved

daughters, Sofia, Anna, Ella and Rachel. Sofia was eighteen year old

and the eldest with the most elegant face, she had beautiful silky

hair with attractive brown eyes. Anna was two year younger than

Sofia and was a pensive gardener. She had a dark face with hazelnut

eyes. Her black curls bounced upon her shoulders and gave her face

rapture. Ella was ten year old. She was an obedient girl, and was very

fair with red hair which adored her face. Her eyes were black as coal.

At last comes Rachel, she was eight year old, youngest and a sweet

girl. Her eyes always glistened with the passion for writing. She never

worried about looks or fancy dresses, her bosom friends were paper

and pen. She was an artful and creative writer. She loved reading

lengthy novels, which intimidated her family.

The family wanted to have a memorable Christmas but their poverty

declined their craving. In the midst of all pabulum tears were this

family's gift. "I wish father was here" cried Ella.

"Yes. I covet for a father who would wrap me around in the times of

my hardships" remarked Anna

"Father are great comfort, isn't it Marmee? Asked Rachael staring at

her mother with watery eyes.

Marmee looked at Rachael and smiled broadly embracing the girl.

The sad group sat on the parlor watching the frolic of the cheerful

people, dancing, eating, and joking. Their mother being disturbed by

the pitiful atmosphere of the house cheered the children by

narrating stories. But her efforts were in vain. Sofia, complained

about her dresses and looks. "I can't stand poverty" she grumbled.

Ella came with a wonderful idea which was bedighted by all. She told,

"Mum, can't we go to church and offer our prayers to the Almighty?"

The overjoyed mother gave her consent. But she herself strictly

denied to go. She told them that, "I am undergoing a terrible

headache, but don't worry my dear kids, I will be fine, within few

hours, I will visit Dr. Diamond and he will prescribe me medicines

which will magically cure my headache and will also make your life

happy, forever".

When the small group of pretty girls were ready, their mother told