Creative Writing: Empire Island

I sat on the chilled stone floor, sewing a sock which a hole had formed. A small fire had slowly began to die, not helping with the freezing weather. I refocused on the sock, making sure I stitch it up properly. A door slammed, making me look up. I accidentally pricked my finger, causing me to gasp from the hurt. I dropped the sock to the ground, bringing my finger to my lips. I looked back up to see Papa, shaking the snow from himself. I quickly stood up, running over to Papa. I excitedly said, “Papa! Papa! Can we go?” He pulled off his cap, looking at me. A smile broke out onto his face, answering my question. He picked me up and spun me around, causing my dress to fly. A squeal escaped my lips from excitement, causing Mama to come down

The boat rocked back and forth, making me feel unwell. This was the first time it had rocked that bad. We've been aboard the ship for two days. I learned what the place we stayed in was called, it was the “Steerage.” It was pretty bad in there. Many sick people, terrible food, and the smell. Oh, the smell was awful. However, everyone was getting off the ship today and go to an island. According to Mama, we were to be checked to see if we could become American. A man, or officer as they were called, came and woke every person up. “Alright, you are to follow James to the ferry, and that will take you to Ellis Island. A name tag will be placed on your shirts once you get there,” he

I ran to the railing of the ferry, looking at the symbol of freedom. Lady Liberty stood in the horizon, welcoming us to America. Mama and Papa stood behind me with our belongings, also fawning over the statue. Once the limit of people boarded, the boat moved toward an island. Most people continued to stare at the statues, waiting for their freedom. Within a short amount of time, the ferry docked at the island. Everyone hurried off the boat, tags being placed on them. I walked off after Papa, and I tag was placed on me. Not being able to read English at the time, I just stared at it. Mama grabbed my hand, taking me to a room filled with stuff. Mama placed our belongings down, however, I did not let go of my dragon. She didn't seem to mind, so we just followed the crowed. It lead to a staircase, leading to another room. We climbed up them, not aware of the doctors watching. It lead to another line separating men and women. Papa left us, making me worry a bit. A man with a weird looking object came up to Mama and I. He pulled down our eyelids, looking at them. I didn't fuss, but it hurt and felt