Elizabella sat on the docks after a long journey. During her journey she was given some paper by a young lady named Patrice, who explained to her that she should write home. She had taken the paper and smiled politely at the lady while her thoughts were left in a range of emotion. No one cared enough about her to be mildly interested in this. She decided she would write a letter that she would never send. She had no one to send a letter home to anyway.

Taking out her pen she began her note.

To Whom It May Concern,

I've finally reached America. I know that there is nothing for you to care about, after all I was not born the boy you wanted. Once my mother died you lost hope of ever getting that son you wanted. So I came here to start a new life. Maybe you have noticed my absence, but you probably haven't just yet. Give it some time. You'll wonder where your obedient, little girl took off to.

Maybe I should explain why I left. While you were busy tending to whatever work matters you deemed worthy enough of your attention, I grew up. I did not want to live in a home haunted by memories with someone who seemed to care about nothing. While you threw yourself into work, I became invisible. Invisible meant I had to learn for myself. My lessons were always hardest without guidance. I grew bored with the expectations of being your quiet little girl. I've left to give the space that I need and to find my own way. My own way into a country my mother loved more than you. Too bad you never realized that about her, it could have lessened the burden that you now have.

How was the trip? Lovely. Absolutely great. I had my first lesson in doing whatever it was you could to survive. Once aboard the ship and in the ocean there was a young man. His hands had such a way of wandering towards me. One evening I lured him to the decks. I pretended to be interested in the dribble he was talking until I managed to get him off guard. As I leaned in with the intention to kiss him (well he thought that was my intent) I ended up pushing him over the rails. I doubt his hands will be wandering towards anyone ever again. In truth, I hardly felt bad. His just desserts I say.

Oh don't worry your pretty head about my welfare. No one ever suspected a thing. Well not of me anyways. I spent the rest of the time with my new found acquaintance Patrice. Did you know that she came to America in hopes of being a seamstress? Says she may be able to get me a job nearby. I would just have to wait till morning to speak to her again, so  here I am writing to you.

Anyways it grows late and I really should be off. Don't worry about me.

Goodbye,

Elizabella.

Elizabella sat there just a little longer. She reread her letter and crumpled it up to toss it away. It felt good to finally have the story out in some way, but she'd never send the letter. She wanted him to suffer the way she suffered waiting on something she would never get. A presence she would never see again if she had her own way. Tossing the letter in a nearby bin, she began off down the street to look for a place to eat.