By the Sea

"I'm so sorry," Samantha said. "I don't know what happened to me. I didn't mean to hurt anyone." Her eyes watered, but she bit down on her trembling lip to keep from crying.

"I know you didn't, dear. But you must learn to control your temper if you want to remain here."

"I'll try harder," Samantha said. "I don't want to let you and Reverend Crane down. Is he mad at me?"

"No, dear, of course not. The reverend is disappointed. As am I. We had hoped giving you responsibility would help you find your place, but perhaps you aren't ready yet."

"I'm ready. I promise, I won't lose my temper again. I'll behave from now. Give me another chance, please." Samantha bolted upright until Miss Brigham put a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't worry, dear, you'll still be my assistant as the reverend promised. For now at least."

Samantha threw her arms around Miss Brigham. "Oh, thank you! I'm going to make you proud of me."

"I don't doubt it, dear," Miss Brigham said with a laugh. "Finish your lunch and then we'll see if you're up for a walk."

Samantha did as instructed, tearing into the food with ravenous bites. She gulped down the rest of the water and then bounded to her feet. "Where are we going?" she asked.

"Oh my, you are fit enough. Very well, come with me," Miss Brigham said. She took Samantha on a tour of the cottages around town where the other girls prepared dinner, cleaned the dishes, and folded the laundry. Samantha felt a pang of guilt that the others worked so hard while she did nothing. "Everyone in Eternity has his or her purpose," Miss Brigham said. "In order for our community to thrive, we must all work together for the common good."