Mary wrapped her shawl around her shoulders and made her way out onto the porch. She noticed some rustling of leaves just steps away from where she stood. But who screamed out? She turned and walked inside to make sure her children were safe. Mary looked over at the mattress on the floor where her children soundly slept. Neither her daughter or son had stirred. Her heart was pounding as she walked back outside.
Brodie was walking out from the barn and walked in her direction. “Brodie, did you hear something?”
“No, Mrs. Jones. I didn’t. What did it sound like?”
“It was a piercing cry. At first, I thought it came from one of my children but they’re sleeping.”
Just about that time, both of them could see movement from the trees. Brodie called out, “Is anyone there? If so, come out.”
Brodie moved up onto the porch and placed his slim body between Mary and the trees. He reached for a stick and held it out as a way of protection. Mary and Brodie waited as a figure walked out from behind the trees. The man was caked in mud and his beard and hair were long and straggly. Mary had to study the man for a moment before she recognized that it was Thomas.
“Thomas, is that you?”
The man didn’t speak. He appeared exhausted and barely able to stand. Mary walked in front of Brodie and swiftly made her way toward her husband. Tears cascaded down her cheeks as she approached him. She placed her arms around Thomas and then led him up the stairs and onto the porch. It was clear from the feel of his body that he had gone without food for quite a while. And just as he stepped onto the porch, Thomas began to sway. Brodie rushed over and the two of them led Thomas onto the porch swing.
“Brodie, stay with Thomas. I’ll fetch some water and something for him to eat.”
Just as Mary made her way into the cabin, her children were sitting up on the mattress and were staring at her with fear in their eyes. She looked in their direction. “Children, your father is home. He’s very weak and needs some food. If you want to go out and greet him, do so, but don’t be alarmed at his appearance.”
The two small children jumped up and ran outside. Mary grabbed a pitcher of water and some beef jerky. When she opened the door, she could see her children standing at a distance. Thomas was slumped over. For a moment, she wasn’t sure if he was still alive. She went over and shook his shoulder. “Thomas, are you okay? Please be okay. I’ve missed you so much!”
Thomas slowly raised his head. “Mary, is that you?”
“Yes. Thomas.” Mary filled a cup with water and handed it to Thomas. His hands were shaking so much, the water began to spill. “Here, let me help you.” Mary took hold of Thomas’ hand and guided the cup to his mouth. His lips were parched and cracked. Thomas took only a small sip before moving the cup away. “Please, Thomas, you need to drink more.” At that moment, Thomas looked up into her eyes and a weak smile came over his face. He then allowed Mary to help him drink another sip of water.
“I’m so tired.”
Brodie was standing on the edge of the porch and walked over to Thomas. “Come on, let’s help you inside so you can lie down.”
Mary and Brodie leaned over and pulled Thomas up and the three slowly made their way inside where Thomas was placed on the bed.
For the next couple of hours, Mary wasn’t sure if Thomas would live. He was so still and when he did stir, he made grunting noises that sounded like a wounded animal. She pulled up a chair and didn’t leave his side. When the sun began to set, Thomas finally awoke. “Where am I?”
Mary reached down and took his hand. “Darling, you’re home in Durham.”
“How did I get here?”
Mary was perplexed by the question. “I don’t know. I was hoping you would tell me.”
“I’m so thirsty.”
Mary reached for the cup and placed it next to Thomas’ lips. As he sipped the cool water, Thomas began to become more lucid. “Can I have something to eat?”
Mary reached for the beef jerky and gave Thomas a small piece. “I wish I had more to give you, but we’ve already had to slaughter all the animals for food. I was able to store some wheat and can make some bread.”
“Oh, Mary. I’ve missed you so much. All I could think about for the last year was coming home and being with you.”
Mary looked down at Thomas. “I was frightened when I didn’t hear from you. I kept the letters you sent from New York. Then after I received the letter from Richmond, there was nothing.”
Thomas scooted his weight into a seated position. He appeared confused and shook his head. “When I left Richmond, I had no idea how difficult it would be to get home. At first, I had the company of several other Confederate soldiers. Over time, we split up leaving me all alone.
