Little Women
This is a story that happened recently. The story of four sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. They lived in a small village, in a little house.
Their parents were poor, but the four sisters never asked for anything their parents couldn't provide. Meg was young and beautiful and very wise. Jo was more tomboyish and wanted to become a writer.
Beth was shy, gentle, and sweet, and Amy was the youngest. She was the most beautiful of all the sisters. There was a strong bond between them. All the villagers admired their sensible ways and called them: Little Women.
The Call to War
One day, a soldier came to their house to take their father into the army, because the Civil War was happening.
— I have a letter for you. You have been called to serve in the army, to fight in the Civil War. Please prepare yourself.
The family became very sad.
— Daddy, please don't go! — No, my dear children, I must go. It is a pride to fight for your country. — And when will you come back? — I'll be back before the rains begin. Don't cry anymore. Meg, take care of them. — Yes, Father.
Saying this, their father left with the soldier. A few days after his departure, the family began to face hardships. They didn't have enough money to buy food.
— Meg, I'm trying to work hard so I can earn enough money, but it's very difficult for me. — Don't worry, Mother. It will only last a few days. Everything will be alright when Father comes back. — But until then, we'll have to manage. I don't understand. Why do people need wars? — Oh, Mother.
Jo's Sacrifice
One day, they received a letter from the army that said:
— What is it, Meg? — The army representatives inform us that Father has been seriously wounded in the war. They took him to the hospital and need someone to take care of him. — Oh! I must go there. But how can I do that? I need money for the journey. How will we manage? — Don't worry, Mother. You get ready for the journey. I will manage the money.
Jo left home. When she returned in the evening, she brought some money with her.
— Take this money, Mother. I think it will be enough. — Where did you get this money? — I sold my hair and earned it. — Oh, Jo, you've lost your beautiful hair. — It doesn't matter, Mother. — But Jo, we could have thought of another solution. Why did you have to do that? — Don't worry. It will grow back. Ah!
Jo couldn't sleep that night. She cried silently in her bed. Late at night, Meg placed a hand on her back. Jo sat up to see who it was. When she saw Meg standing next to her, she hugged her.
— Don't worry. Everything will be alright soon.
Beth's Illness
After their mother left for the hospital, the sisters had to take care of the house. They did everything that was needed. They washed, cooked, and were happy together.
One day, Beth fell ill. She had a high fever and was shivering with cold. All three sisters took care of her. But the fever was persistent. They were all worried.
— We should call the doctor. — And what about the payment? How will we pay the doctor? We don't have any money. — I have a few cents saved up. — It's not enough. Don't bother, I'll get better soon. — I'm going to call the doctor. — And the payment? — Let's think about Beth's treatment first.
It was snowing that day. Despite this, Jo left in a hurry and reached the doctor's house. She explained the situation. The doctor agreed to pay them a visit.
The Doctor's Kindness
— I've examined her. She has a high fever. Don't worry, she'll get better. — Oh! That's very good, Doctor, but... — But what? — Sir, you know... — Speak! Why are you so hesitant? — Sir, we don't have money to pay you. We're sorry. Will you still take care of Beth? — Is that how things are? You have nothing to worry about. Of course, I will take care of her. It is my duty. I will take my payment from your parents when they return. — Thank you very much, Doctor!
The doctor gave Beth some medicine. The sisters took great care of her. She felt a little better and missed her mother.
— I miss you, Mother. Where are you? Please, come home. I need you. Please, come home. — Beth, please don't cry. She'll be back soon. Get well, and we'll send her a letter. — Yes, yes, she'll come home soon.
Reunion with Mother
At that very moment, their mother entered the house. They were all so happy to see her.
— Oh, Mama! Mommy! — Mother! — Oh, my dears! How are you? I'm so happy to see you.
And Beth was very happy to see her mother.
— Don't worry, my dear. I will take care of you now.
From that moment on, their mother took great care of Beth. She recovered in a few days. When winter came, Meg began to worry about the family.
— Mother, when is Father coming home? — He was seriously wounded. He also broke his leg. But now he is no longer in danger and can come at any moment. We miss him so much. — I know, my dear. I wish no one had to endure such hardships in life. — Don't say that, Mother. Hard times are the best teachers. They teach us things that are useful if you want to succeed in life. — You're right, Meg.
The Most Beautiful Christmas Gift
A few days later, it was Christmas Eve. Meg and her mother somehow managed to buy a Christmas tree. But little Amy also wanted a gift.
— I want a new dress from Santa Claus this year! — I wish to find the prince of my dreams. — I want a big piano. — What do you wish for, Meg? — I wish we could celebrate Christmas together. — Well said, my dear.
On Christmas Day, all the sisters were unhappy because none of their wishes had come true. They were disappointed, but they didn't complain about it. The day was so sad that they didn't even have enough money to buy breakfast. Just then, they heard a knock at the door.
— Who could it be? Who is it? Who is it? — I'll go see who it is. — No, Amy, wait!
The door swung open forcefully and Amy saw her father standing in the doorway. All the girls rushed to meet him.
— Father! — Oh, my children! How much I've missed you! — It's the most beautiful Christmas gift we've ever received! — Thank you, Santa!
Having their father by their side brought joy to the entire family, and they spent a wonderful Christmas.
