Moira Hammel

The Summer Day

Given Circumstances

Who: I am a 16 year old girl, imaginative, creative, free spirited, lazy at times
What: I have neglected my chores around the farm all day and my father is scolding
me
When: 1920s, Mid July, a Friday afternoon, late. 4 pm ish. Its hot with a pleasant
breeze, one of those perfect days to be outside
Where: A dairy Farm in Vermont, in the living room of my home. Its simple, but
comfortable. My father has been lecturing me while I sit in the arm chair, though Ive
just stood up. My mother is on the back porch with my siblings, so my father and I
are alone in the living room.
Why: I have spent the day out and about, exploring and just soaking in the beautiful
day. I snuck off in the morning and have done none of my chores, and my father has
just about had it with me today. Hes just been trying to get it into my head why
taking care of the farm is so important: Its what I will do after I get married, and it
will become my future. I want him to not only not punish me for skipping my chores,
but understand that theres more to life than the farm, more that I want.