Tensions between the north and south were beginning to grow in the year of 1854. It both excited and frightened Alberda. The publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin two years prior had added to the brewing tension in the nation. More and more people were beginning to see the truth.

The abolitionist movement was on the rise with more people joining every day.

"Do you think we'll be freed?" She asked Nan one night as they readied for bed. She had spent her whole life dreaming of the day when she would not be owned by anyone. That dream now seemed tangible.

Nan sighed and removed her head wrap. Her dark hair was beginning to show signs of gray. "Don't go getting your hopes up, Birdie," she replied. "They've been trying for years and made no progress. Nothing is going to change."

Alberda slipped into her nightgown and settled into bed. Despite Nan's words, she allowed herself to hope. Hope was the only thing that kept her going. However, she knew Nan was only trying to save her from disappointment. Nan had given up long ago. She would say that after so many years it grew exhausting to keep wishing for a life she could never possess.

But Alberda had a feeling she might have the life of her dreams one day. She could do what she wanted, marry who she pleased, and maybe even learn to read.

The thought put a pleasant smile on her face as she laid her head onto her small pillow. She pulled her thin blanket up over her shoulders and closed her eyes.

"I mean it, Alberda," Nan said as she crawled into her own sleeping spot. "This is the life we were given. It isn't going to change. If you think any different you are just setting yourself up for disappointment."

Alberda didn't respond to her statement and drifted off into a happy dream of better things.

She dreamt she had just eaten a large meal and was now in a big bed all to herself in a house that she and Nan had bought with their own money. She dreamt of learning how to read, write, and do math.

She dreamt of finding a handsome young man and getting married. She dreamt of having a few children of her own.

She fell asleep with a soft smile on her face that night.

~~~~
Word Count: 449

Hello! Thank you all for reading and I hope you enjoyed.

I am thinking about changing the cover of the book, so let me know if you like the current cover or if you'd like to see something different.

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