Lock Blog
Pleas do not lock the doors

1917-mother died
Now it is 1927-Elizabeth Cornwell is 18 years old now

Mother, I just can’t do this. I know you told me to be strong…but…it’s hard. Its like I’m in this box, and every time I try to break OUT, I see Father standing there, with his hands on his hips, trying to control my life. I see my goal, my DREAM to be a botanist, and it is just out of reach. (quicker) And I’m trying my best to achieve that, like you told me, (slower) but…sometimes I just want to give up. But then I’m reminded of how much you sacrificed for women’s rights. I wouldn’t even be, so many other women wouldn’t even be, where they are today without the work you did. How did it feel to be locked in a dirty prison cell among common criminals; put there for just protecting your rights? Well, I guess I can’t ask you, (faintly sarcastic) since you’ve been dead for ten years, almost to the day. (beat)How could you leave me at the young age of eight, when I needed you the most? You haven’t been here—for the tears and the laughs, for the disappointments and the joys. And I feel myself giving into Father; I really need you. But you’re not here. (beat) I mean, really, how horrible would it be for me to become what Father expects? I could be the proper lady of society that I was taught to be in that etiquette school father sent me to a few summers ago–throwing parties, watching my children, knitting…oh, who am I kidding? I could never do that! You know how I could never sit still for more than a few minutes, and the I’d run off for the creek–you know, in the forest behind the garden house–, magnifying glass in hand. I remember when you used to call me your little “Alice Eastwood”, which, naturally, Father hated.(nostalgically)
“don’t give her any ideas !” he would say.

*longish pause*

Father thinks he’s found a suitable husband for me. Jonathon Greenland. Yes, one of the richest and most arrogant men in this area. I can see my life: marry Jonathon next fall, have 2-3 children within five years, and spend the rest of my life one step behind Jonathon and staying at home. But that’s not what I want. I want…to go to college. To learn. To experience. To be free. And not to have my future planned out like the dinner menu at the country club. (pause) Aunt Mary told me I should stop struggling. She said she understood how I felt, but she had given into Grandpa and settled down. But she’s not happy, you know? I would rather be free and die tomorrow, then spend 10 decades living under some man’s hand. And I know how much I keep a smile on my face and all these longings bottled inside, one day…I’m going to *****. These regulations of society don’t fit me and they don’t feel RIGHT. And, you know what? I’m not going to give up.
okay, i see what you mean, what should i change it to?
thanks tara. its the first one i ever wrote so EXCUSE me if its not perfect.

By: vballplaya212