By Sharon Murphy
She’s back on board tonight. Wearing the same clothes as yesterday. I didn’t expect her until tomorrow. They usually stay two nights. The unpredictability of the bleeding… Probably couldn’t afford another night.
Sitting up on deck, watching the choppy waves, she caresses a crucifix around her neck, face grey with exhaustion, coat open despite cold squally rain, self-punishment for the sin, the secrecy, the shame.
She’s thrown up twice, seasickness replacing yesterday’s morning sickness. She’ll lie to the taxi driver at Dublin Port about her fun weekend in Liverpool. Back at the office for nine tomorrow.
No baby on board tonight.
Sharon was very moving and well written, capturing a journey many Irish girls had to do.
Thanks Mary Anne. Wrote this after reading an article on the subject recently. Very sad journeys made by many lonely scared women.
Yes indeed Sharon and all driven by the Church. I have recently published a book of short stories about growing up in rural Ireland where times were tough especially for women and girls. Farmside Stories by Mary Anne Gorman on Amazon
. It might interest you x
Hi Mary Anne. Well done. Will certainly have a look at that.
All???
You perfectly captured the heartache and shame in this little piece. Well done!
Thanks so much Lisa.
Heart wrenching. Great job.
Thank you Janet
You do a good job capturing the isolation, fear and loneliness of this woman. Well written.
Thanks so much Susan. Appreciate the comment.