THE HEART OF A FALLEN SOLDIER

Chapter.2.

My love Alexzander,
Oh how I love your letters. Each time I see Sam Henders my heart is filled with so much joy. Your letters are sweet and well-written I always cherish them and wait in anticipation until I receive one.
  As of here I have started to be on my feet more even if it hurts. But I stepping outside and I have come to realize how beautiful it is outside. Our neighbors, the Smiths, have been very courteous and generous. Alice has been talking to me. Otherwise it is very lonely. Her husband Thomas was called away by the draft as well. I have been talking to her about my sickness and your well-being. She wishes you and me well.
I don't know how she has been surviving this long, she has 3 children she has to feed, clothe, and take care of. She says her mother might come to live with her to offer her help. I told her I would love to help, but she worried about me. She is oh so sweet. She doesn't want be to injury myself more that I have. I always tell her I would be fine, and helping would keep my mind off of the pain.
Every once and awhile I will take a meal over to her and her family.
My pain has been going on a while now. 3 months is the best estimate.
I am going over on the 'marrow to talk to talk with Alice. We will talk for hours about our lives. She had been very helpful through the rough time I am in.
Love you, will write back.

With all the love I could give,
Amelia Thompson

I grabbed an envelope from the same drawer, and stuck the letter in it. Then I write. Amelia Thompson 1254 Washington Avenue. I will give this to Sam on the 'marrow. I set the envelope on the dresser. I laid down pulled the cover over me and tried to fall asleep.

I woke the next morning and grabbed the letter set it outside on the front door. Then started to prepare breakfast for the Smiths. I started by boiling some water, then I added some oats.
When the oatmeal was finished I put it in a big bowl. I went back into our room and changed into a new dress. It was floral dress with mid arm sleeves. I slipped on my flats, grabbed the bowl and walked out.

I knocked on the door and a little girl answered.
"Hello Mary, and how are you?"
Her face brightened after I spoke. She had her finger in her mouth but she managed to smile. "Come here." I said as I reached out, and she ran into my arms.
I picked up and set her on my hip.
I walked in.
"Alice?" I called out as I shut the door that was behind me.
"Oh come, come in." Came Alice's voice. I walked into her kitchen with Mary still on my hip. I sat her on the ground. Then I held my dress as I sat on a chair.
"How you feeling this morning Amelia?"
"I have felt better and I have felt worse." I replied. Alice nodded.
"Have you gone to the Bakery at all this week?" She asked with what sounded like concern.
"No." I replied with honesty. "This is the best I have been feeling." We stood there for a moment and Alice seemed to be taking it all in.
"Well..." She began. "I have been thinking... you have really helped my children as well as I. And... with our money combined we could pay for a doctors visit."
"Oh...Alice no...I am not going to have you spend your money for me."
"I must make certain that my children's sitter is in good health." She smiled.
"No Alice that money is for the well-being of your children." She started in right after me.
"How will my children be in a state of well-being if the person they adore, and who sings them to bed almost every night is not in a state of well-being." She gave me a look.
"Please Amelia it's my way of repaying you for all that you have done for my family."
"Alright I might as well say it before you tire yourself by asking me."
"Alright then... I am sorry to do this to you...I had already set a time for you to meet with one..."
"Alice!..." I yelled. "What if I hadn't agreed and he came and waited for me to show up!"
"I just hoped you would agree." She said with an innocent look.
"It doesn't matter now... Alice when is it?" She paused a moment before answering. "Alice?" I asked again.
"Tomorrow."
I gave her a look that said are you joking.
"I am so sorry it was one of the only times he was available."
"It's quite alright." I said with a sigh.