Freedom At Last

August 30, 1856

"... and I hope this changes your minds about slavery." I finish, and the crowd stands up, honoring and clapping for me.

I smile, and step down from the podium. I did it! I actually did it! And the crowd was pleased with my speech!

After the convention, a man came up to me that I did not recognize.

"That was truly a wonderful speech," he says, shaking my hand. "And I am truly sorry about our sister's death."

"Thank you," I say. "Who might you be?"

"My name is Dred Scott," the man says. "I am also a former slave, or I'm trying to be. I am currently stuck in a situation that is very complex for the human ear."

"I don't mind," I say, smiling.

"Well, my late master brought me with him on a trip to Illinois , a free state. By law, even if he returned me back to a slave state, I would be free as soon as I stepped on free soil. I am now trying to file a lawsuit on my master's family, since he passed away, and freeing my wife, my children, and I." Mr. Scott says, and takes a deep breath. "Any questions?" he asks comically, and I laugh.

"No questions, Mr. Scott, thank you." I say. "Well, if you ever need my help, I am here. Speaking of which, when is the trial scheduled to be?" I ask, interested.

"The 6th of March." Mr. Scott replies.

"Well, then expect me to be there," I say. We shake hands again and go our separate ways, I to Elijah's house.

Once I arrive, I am greeted by Elijah, who is cooking dinner. "How did the convention go, Ruth?" he asks, smiling.

"It went perfectly." I reply. "Everyone was pleased with my speech."

"I'm proud of you, Ruth." Elijah says as he wipes his hands on his apron. "You're so independent and sincere. You're just the kind of person our country needs to abolish slavery."

I'm taken aback. "Thank you!" I say, surprised.

"You are welcome." Elijah replies. With a nod, I leave the kitchen and walk up the stairs to my chamber, which is right next to Ethel's and John's. Elijah's chamber is right across the hall, and Riley's chamber is next to it.

I put down my purse, walk over to Maggie's doll, which Maggie still kept after all those years and left at our village when she died, and look at it like I do every time I walk into my chamber. When I look at the doll, it reminds me of when we were young.

Then, I suddenly feel very, very tired. Therefore, I pull off my shoes, pull down the bedsheets, climb onto the mattress, and fall asleep.