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Mary O Toole: A Short Story

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The briny scent of the ocean flowed through the open doors and wafted across the bed- outside, sedate, cumulus clouds drifted lazily across azure skies; one looked like a giant, soft bunny before changing shape into a blob of white fluff. Stretching languidly, Allie enjoyed the comfort of her bed and the deep feeling of satisfaction she felt. Inhaling deeply the scent of the fresh salt air, which at times carried with it a slight scent of gunpowder, she rose to a sitting position. On several occasions, they had heard cannon fire in the distance; Thomas told her not to worry- most of the shots were warning shots fired from one of the forts when vessels came too close to the harbor. The pillow beside her still held an indention where Thomas’ …show more content…

I told him it was awfully early to be disturbing folks, it‘s barely eight o’clock a the mornin‘,” said Mary O’Toole. She and Allie had formed a kinship of sorts since she had come to work for them. For all her brass and bawdiness, Mary was a sweet-tempered soul and got along well with most people. Having asked Mary what Ireland was like, Mary had obliged her question with tall-tales of Blarney Stones, Bonny Prince Charlie, and the wee ones- Leprechauns she referred to as “the little people.” - However, when she spoke of the love people held for one another and the velvety beauty of Ireland’s lush green hills and valleys, Allie could tell that Mary missed her homeland very …show more content…

Although he was sitting in the parlor, Eli could hear every word said between Mary and Allie. When Mary walked to the door and told him that the Missus said that she would be right down, he thanked her copiously and apologized for the early hour, telling her that he knew it was too early to visit, however it was of the utmost importance or he would have waited to come at a more decent hour. Nodding her head, Mary accepted his apologies, and then smiled at him- she thought better of him afterward. Bothering to slip on only a housecoat, Allie hurried downstairs to see why Eli had come to call. When she entered the parlor, Eli stood and reached a hand out to her. The huge smile on his face relieved her and she smiled back. Taking her in his arms, Eli hugged her tight. “Do you realize that I haven’t seen you in nearly two weeks, dear Cousin?” “No, has it really been that long?” “I see now that you do not miss seeing me the same as I miss you,” he said, a tinge of hurt in his

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