Nora Norry’s 1st Valentine’s Day

It was a chilly February morning in 1855, and 12-year-old Nora Norry was bursting with excitement.

Today was Valentine's Day, and she couldn't wait to get to school that day.

Her teacher had promised to have cookies and candy for the class in the afternoon.

As she walked to school, the crunch of snow beneath her boots was the only sound that broke the silence. The village was still waking up, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of woodsmoke.

Just as Nora was almost to the school yard gate, she caught sight of her classmate, 13-year-old Finnley Wilson, waiting for her by the schoolhouse door. He was tall and lanky, with a mop of messy brown hair and a crooked grin that made Nora's cheeks blush. Everyone knew Finn was sweet on Nora!

"Happy Valentine's Day, Nora!" Finn exclaimed, holding out a small, handmade card. "I made this for you!”

Nora's eyes widened as she took the card, adorned with pencil drawings of hearts and flowers. Inside, Finn had written a sweet message in his messy scrawl:

"To my dearest Nora, Happy Valentine’s Day!

Yours truly, Finnley."

Nora's face grew pink as she read the words, her heart racing with excitement. She had never received a Valentine's card before!

As they walked into the schoolhouse, Finnley turned to Nora and whispered, "Meet me by the oak tree at recess. I have a surprise for you."

Nora could hardly concentrate on her lessons. What kind of surprise did Finn have for her? It was too early for a flower…maybe some hard candy from town?

When recess finally arrived, she rushed out to the oak tree, her heart pounding in her chest.

Finn was waiting for her, his eyes shining. "Close your eyes, Nora," he whispered in her ear.

Nora shut her eyes tight, her heart racing with anticipation. And then, in a moment that would stay with her forever, Finn leaned in and kissed her!

“Oh!” she exclaimed. Finn grinned his lopsided smile. “I've been wanting to do that.” he whispered. “I like you, Nora!”

Nora smiled back, her cheeks still flushed with excitement. "I'm glad you did," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “And I like you too!”

As they walked back to the schoolhouse, hand in hand, Nora knew that this Valentine's Day would be the one she would never forget.