The day seemed normal as Keavy cleaned,

And worked on her daily routine.

The sun outside was bright and warm,

And made her indoor water steam.

She kept on working and humming to herself,

As the day went by,

Until around 11 o'Clock,

When Erin came in, dry.


When I say dry, I mean sunburned,

Scorched and thirsty beyond belief.

Keavy dropped her mop and ran over to her,

Stricken with empathetic grief.



Erin collapsed into a chair,

Though she didn't mean to.

Keavy quickly brought her water,

And Erin's mind was askew.


After Erin greedily gulped

Several glasses down,

She filled her canteen and tried to rise.

But Keavy bade her no with a frown.



Erin: "I have to get-"
She started and stopped,

Her mind stirring aimlessly.


Erin: "I cannot let Valentina see me.

I've got to go pull the weeds!"



Keavy: "You don't normally pull the weeds.

The gardeners come by for that.

Why are they making you do extra work?"



Erin: "Have you fed the cat?"



Erin coughed roughly and raggedly,

And took another gulp down her throat.



Keavy: "Erin, please! Why is this happening?

Is this some kind of sick joke?"



Erin: "They're afraid that I'll get married,

To some powerful Lord.

Taking an opportunity from the twins,

And leaving this family's chores.

So they're trying to make me sick,

And I don't believe I can go.

I'm supposed to fill my canteen at noon,

I still have an hour to go!

And what's more, I'm not even close to done.


Keavy, I fear that I am,

Simply not going to be able to go.

I will not be able to attend."



Keavy looked down for a moment,

Saddened by her sister's news.

But then Erin's face broke a smile,

And Keavy was left confused.



Keavy: "What on earth are you smiling about?

I thought we were trying to be sad.

Erin: "

I just thought of something that changed my heart,

All the way to glad.

Keavy, you should go to the ball.

I don't care if you socialize.

You deserve to do something fun.

Dress up! See different skies!

In fact, you should wear Mother's old dress!

No one would begrudge you this,

Especially our Father.

He longed for us this bliss."



Keavy's eyes began to fill,

And she held her sister's hand.



Keavy: "If you want me to go,

I trust your judgement then.

It sounds like it might be fun,

What with fanciful decor and letters,

Just focus on getting through this,

Just focus on getting better."