The Write Place

Under The Fruiting Tree: Chapter 15 – The Write Place
Under the Fruiting Tree: Novella Table of Contents – The Write Place

“Hope it didn’t cost you too much when you bought me,” Sarah said, shaking her head with amusement as she sat on the bench, one hand on her growing abdomen.  Jonathan sat beside her to her left, a Bible in one hand and an envelope in the other. The cool weather was pleasant amidst the changing trees.  The sight of amber colors filled the forests. 

“Oh, what’s a table or two. Or a gold watch, or a horse.  Or selling these things,” Jonathan said, smiling amused.  “It wasn’t quite that much but compared to a person no cost would be too great.  Fortunately, he was vain.  An “uppity slave,” is still worth more sold than dead.”  Jonathan leaned in to hand her the envelope.  “You’ve made good progress with reading from the Bible.  Did you want to give reading Rodney’s letter a chance?”  Sarah reached out with her left hand to take the letter.

“Of course.  I believe I can do it now,” she said as she opened the envelope and pulled out the letter.  An eager smile upon her face appeared as she unfolded the paper and prepared to read the words of the man she loved.  An elderly woman in a blue dress appeared walking down the hill carrying a tray with three cups for tea and a kettle.  She strode over, short in stature but confident in stride.  Her shining silver hair upon her head glinted in the sunlight.

“Ah, Delores you’re just in time,” said Jonathan turning his head upon hearing her steps.  “Take a seat my dear,” Jonathan said.  Picking up his Bible again he made room for her on the bench beside them.  Delores sat down carefully so as to not spill any of the precious commodity, lest there be insufficient tea for those present.

“Thank you dear.  Would you like some tea, Jonathan?” asked Delores, taking a cup in hand.

“Oh, always my dearest,” Jonathan said.  Jonathan took a cup of tea for himself from the tray in his wife’s hands.  

“Sarah?” Delores asked as she poured water from the kettle into the cup Jonathan held.

“Sure. I do have two hands and a very thirsty mouth.  I think the baby would like some too,” Sarah replied.  Sarah took the cup Delores offered and received what she poured of the remaining water.  Delores took a bag of tea and some sugar, mixing it for Sarah. With her free hand, Sarah held the opened letter.  After taking a sip, she began to read slowly and with care.

“Dearest Sarah.  You’ll be pleased to hear I’m still going strong.  Aside from a few scratches in a brawl here or there, I have sustained no serious injuries.  My writing may seem improved; that is not simply my skill but my commander who is quite friendly and educated.  I’m writing more on my own.  The commanders seem to be growing in experience, which is a godsend.  We’ve suffered many losses for their lack of knowledge, and my immediate superior himself expressed his frustration before.  The rebs are pretty adamant about defending Virginia.  I, in my great fortune, am in good company.  War is an awful place; the blood, the horrors.  We were in retreat once, the rebs fired at our back as they often do.  Men fell to my left and right, but once again by God’s grace the bullets missed me.  It’s as if his divine hand catches the bullets meant for me.  God is watching over us.  I am well convinced.  Many slaves are running North.  Maybe the army will at least make good use of them and remember their contribution.  There sure is a need on both counts.  Don’t worry yourself greatly.  We don’t lack any supplies.  The men in my company fight well and I fight with a purpose.  I shall spare you further details of such an awful scourge.  I hope and pray the baby will arrive safe.  Though it looks like the war will go on, I pray God willing it will be over soon. I pray that he will bring me back to you in one piece.  War is a horrible thing.  What may come on the other side makes it all worth it.  I long to see you again, how I long to see you free.  I enclose a picture in the envelope of myself.  Rather amusing, the feats of machines today.  I thought you would appreciate it greatly.  Perhaps our child will too.  Take care my dear, I hope to see you and the little one when this is all over. 
Love Rodney.”

“You read quite well now,” said Jonathan.  “A photo?” Jonathan asked, leaning over to see the curiosity.  Sarah looked in the envelope again and pulled out a folded up photo.  She held it up with a smile.

“Would you look at that?” said Delores leaning in for herself after taking a sip of tea.  Sarah offered her the photo, which she quickly took in hand.  “Managed to get one taken of himself.  Makes him seem here in some way,” Delores said, handing the photo to Jonathan’s outreached hand.  Delores leaned over his shoulder to look alongside him.  The man in the photo black and white phot was Rodney, dressed in his uniform and seated with his rifle.

“Quite impressive,” said Jonathan, handing it back.  “Did you want me to write a return letter, or did you wish to do so yourself this time?’  Sarah put the photo back in the envelope for safe keeping, then looked up a bit surprised by the thought.

“Well, I can dictate it I think.  No, I’ll try a bit,” Sarah replied after some thought.  Jonathan pulled a pencil out of his pocket and a folded-up piece of paper.

“Best to keep sending them addressed to and from me on the envelope.  What will you write?” Jonathan asked, leaning back with one arm around his wife.  Sarah looked up in thought at Jonathan, then ahead in the distance.

“Well.  I guess in short.  Come home.  Stay alive,” she said looking at the elderly couple.  Jonathan nodded as he finished his tea with his free arm.  They sat together while watching this young woman write a letter to her husband.  Memories of their own flooded their minds. Together they went to places they had been in years gone by.  

Sarah eagerly wrote using her belly as a desk.  She looked up, then back to her writing.  When she completed the letter Jonathan handed her an envelope he had placed in the Bible.  She sealed it, addressed it and handed it back.  Sarah rested back on the bench next to the elderly couple, her thoughts alone with her husband in a faraway place.