November Winner, Paterson: Level II

Dearest Family,

My life is now an empty void that brings a pain each passing day, but alas I suppose that is what happens when you are shipped off to a textile factory. My heart aches for the comfort that is my family. I wish on the stars each night to be back on the farm, to here the cows mooing while they graze, to see the chickens hopping for the feed, and I yearn for the farm air, I even miss the call the old rooster makes.

I work diligently even with my sorrows weighing me down. I am pained to think about staying here much longer, though I'm glad I can contribute to the family. With the influenza going around I want to have money for a doctor. I beg and plea for you to come and take me away from this horrid place. I wish to visit you, but I cannot so I am on my hands and knees hoping that you will come.

I will soon tell you about factory life but you may not like it. I will start by telling you about my friends, Allyson, Emily, Kaitria, and Kylie. They are really sweet, but our work-master isn't, in fact, she is anything but sweet. She has a heart of ice; ice that melted then was refrozen, and immediately thrown into a lava pit. So currently she has no heart, which explains why she is so bitter. People were injured working with the heavy (and dangerous) machines, and another boy died because he "fell" down the elevator shaft (I think that our work-master pushed him because he wasn't working hard.) Our hours are trying; we are dragged out of bed at five and are sent to break our backs till nine at night when we write letters, like I am doing now. But the candle that we use going to extinguish so I must write goodbye. I hope to see to you again so I can leave this wretched place. Goodbye, I send all of my love, care, and income.

Until we speak again,
Bridget