In the early hours of a fog-laden morning in 1914, the world was unaware that it stood on the precipice of great change. The RMS Empress of Ireland, a marvel of maritime engineering, cut through the waters with grace and speed, her hull glinting like a polished gem against the vast expanse of the Atlantic. Onboard, a young girl named Sara Glen, just ten years old, clutched the teddy bear given to her by her Aunt Jean, a symbol of comfort in a world that had already shown her its harsh edges.

Sara's journey began in grief as she left behind the cobbled streets of Liverpool and the grave of her beloved mother. Her voyage across the sea was meant to be a passage to healing, to find solace in the arms of family in the New World. But fate, it seemed, had a different plan. As nations edged toward the brink of a war that would engulf the world, the Empress of Ireland would soon become a stage for a tragedy that mirrored the impending global turmoil.

The collision with the SS Storstad in the shrouded waters of the St. Lawrence River would alter Sara's life and leave an indelible mark on history. In the wake of the disaster, stories of loss, heroism, and the resilience of the human spirit would emerge, woven together by the shared experience of those who survived and those who perished in the sea's cold embrace.

This is the tale of "The Empress and The Norwegian," a narrative transcending the mere recounting of a historical event. It is a story of a young girl's emotional odyssey, the scrutiny of captains and crews, and the birth of safety reforms that sought to prevent future maritime tragedies. As the world moved forward, the sinking of the Empress of Ireland would stand as a poignant reminder of both human vulnerability and our enduring quest for hope amidst despair.