Thirty-six days later, Allie received her first letter from Thomas. With trembling fingers, she broke the seal to read what her husband had written. When she finished reading it, Allie folded it neatly and then looked across Charleston Harbor toward where Fort Sumter was; she wondered why the Confederates had not been able to keep Thomas and other blockade-runners safe… She had not a clue about the workings of wars and battles. All Allie knew, was that in less than a year’s time, her world had turned completely …show more content…
Word from Eli is that Grandmother is not doing well at all. They do not know exactly what is wrong with her, but do not think it yellow fever or the pox, because she has not shown any of those symptoms. He thinks it is just her age catching up with her- she is at least eighty-years-old…
When I tried to go see her, Mary O’Toole talked me out of it by saying that I could endanger my own wellbeing or that of my child.
The child that grows inside me, moves so slowly sometimes that I have to joust my stomach and make him move to assure myself that he is still there. Thomas was so happy when he found out I was expecting- he said his child would never grow up without knowing his father… everyday without word of him, it seems more and more a possibility that his statement was made in haste.
Mary says that I should choose a name for the baby- always referring to it as an him; but I feel that is something Thomas should have a part in- What if I choose a name not to his liking… what if Thomas never returns… I cannot raise our child alone… Oh, Thomas, please return to me- I need you so badly that I cannot perceive the thought of you not coming