July 27, 1789

I awoke to the sound of my mother complaining that I never wake up in time for chores in the house on hot summer days in Philadelphia. I got up and washed my face with a wet muslin cloth and dressed into my dress and apron for today's work in the restaurant. I went downstairs to help make oatmeal and flapjacks for the customers.

I stirred the oatmeal while and when mother licked the spoon and added some more sugar.

"Lily, go out to the garden and fetch some water from the well. Oh, and while you're out there you can take a basket and dig up the vegetables. And when you come back brush your hair, you look like a beast." mother said.

"Yes, mother." I groaned as I put down my bowl and walked outside. The sun scorched down hot and the grass was dead as the flowers drooped their heads, waiting for a measly drop of water. I dropped the bucket down the well and hauled it up using the rope. I wipe my forehead with the back of my hand, already tired from the heat. I worked away at the vegetable garden and went back into the house.

"Mother, may I go to the springhouse to cool down?" I asked sweetly.

"Of course not! You have so many chores. You may go after tea. It's not safe for a girl your age to go out on her own." she replied.

" But mother!" I whined.

"No buts. Now go finish the oatmeal and flapjacks. Then set up the tables and make the honey rolls. And start brewing the tea."

"Ugh!" I went back to mixing the oatmeal.

I carefully measured out all the ingredients and mixed them up in the bowl. I let it cook and filled bowls with oatmeal while it did. Once it was finished I placed them all on plates and put each one on a tray with the oatmeal and a glass of milk. I balanced trays on my arms and one on my head as I walked out of the kitchen and into the diner. I placed a few trays on each table, careful not to knock anything over. Once I finished I went back to the kitchen to started on the honey rolls.

1 hour later

I finally finished the tea and poured it into the teacup. I went to the diner which was completely packed, and started weaving my way through the tables pouring tea in all the empty cups. I walked around and noticed a boy sitting in the corner smiling at me. I made my way over and set the teapot on the table once I filled his empty cup and put my hands on my hips.

"Ian Carter, what brings you to tea at our diner today." I said smiling at him.

"Oh, I thought I'd just stop by, you know." he replied.

"Well, want to come to the springhouse with me after tea." I asked sweetly.

"Sound splendid." he replied as we linked arms and walked to the kitchen to ask mother if us two could make our way to the nice cool springhouse.

As we walked down the plank of wood I called "the dock" I felt relief in my bones as I felt nice and cool. I sat down and dipped my feet into the icy cold water. Ian sat down beside me.

"Sure is cold." I sighed. As I laid down on my back and closed my eyes. When I opened them Ian had taken off his shirt and jumped into the water.

"Ian!" I exclaimed.

"You coming?" he asked smiling in the nice cool water. It was so tempting, so went to the door and locked it. I stripped myself down to my undergarment and jumped in. The submerged into the water and felt the water all around me, ice cold. I swam under the dock and around the other side.

2 hours later

I squeezed the water out of my hair as we walked home. We were laughing about how I pushed Ian in and he pulled me in along.

"Well, I better get going. Ma is probably pacing the floor worried." Ian said ruffling his hair. I love it when he does that.

"Of course." I replied, neither of us look at each other, watching the sun disappear behind the dock. He turned my way and our eyes locked for a moment.

"Lily," he began. I turned away and he didn't continue. He turned onto his street and waved goodbye. I waved as well and kept walking straight. I watched the sun slip away and the stars scatter into the sky as the moon shined brightly. I sighed. What had Ian wanted to say? I turned and walked into the room.

"Lily!" mother yelled.

"Yes." I replied. She came hurrying into the room and embraced me in a hug.

"I was so worried. After you left the police came and told us to stay indoors, people have been dying of yellow fever. We just received news that Ian Carter has yellow fever." My eyes widened and I fell to my knees and began to cry. Mother kneeled down and stroked my hair. As I cried all night, I hated myself for turning away earlier that night.