I lay in the tall grass, the sun radiating from its place in the sky. It’s heat reached my already scorching body.

I had snuck away, not because I had felt the need to be disobedient, but because I had felt the need to be alone. The last couple of days had been difficult. Painful, and difficult.

Papa thought I was sick the moment I walked into the room three days ago. My throat was sore, and I could barely swallow my porridge. In fact, I through it right up after I ate. I had a fever.

That’s when Mama had put me to bed, and called the doctor.

The doctor said I was to stay in bed until I was feeling well again.

I had diphtheria. I was not going to last long.

He didn’t want me to know, but I heard him talking to Papa.

I buried my head in the sweet smelling grass, crying silently. I looked up, taking in everything around me. The big white clouds, over the bright sun. The wheat grass whistling in the wind, their own little melody. It was all so beautiful.

I was going to miss this place.