The Courage That It Takes To Live

Chapter 6: The Unexpected Happens

I woke up in the morning to the cold fresh air and to find Jack missing. "Delilah! Where's Jack!?" I yelled from the bed. Delilah came running up the stairs "It's ok mary calm down, he left early for work. He wanted me to tell you that he loves you and too have a good day at work." She explained. I breathed an exasperated sigh, and got out of bed to put my work clothes on. I climbed down the ladder and into the kitchen where my porridge was waiting for me on the small kitchen table. I quickly ate it , gave each of the kids a kiss goodbye and left. On my way to the laundry mat I saw a paper boy waving a newspaper around yelling 'Big news about the war, get you newspaper for ¢10!'. I was curious what he was talking about so I bought one, which probably wasn't the smartest considering I should've saved the money for much more important things but I just had to get it- I... Had to know if my family and I were going to be in danger. The newspaper read:

Confederate Soldiers expected to attack the northern town of St. Albans on the night of 10/6.

That was tonight, oh no! Mary clutches the paper in her hand and ran as fast as she possibly could to the house. She burst through the door, but then stopped because she realized she didn't want to worry the kids quite yet. "Delilah, may I speak to you please... Outside." Delilah nodded her head as she put down a towel she had been holding and followed me outside. We went all the way across the street so the children couldn't hear us. I handed her the newspaper and aloud her to read it before I started speaking. "What are we going to do..." Delilah asked with a trembling voice and shaky hands. "There's only one thing we can do... We must leave and go as far away from here as we can. Into the country perhaps, but... Then again we don't know what's out there. But it's the only way we could possibly stay safe. You need to go get the kids ready and bring everything that'll be necessary for survival. I need to go fetch Jack from work and bring him home." Mary explained. Delilah didn't argue and instead did exactly as Mary had instructed her to do. Mary ran all the way to jacks work, which was the lumber mill right outside of town. Mary ran through town with a pale face and a worried look, tears almost running down her face as well.

*Just when I thought everything was finally getting back to normal again, we were doing good financially everything was good, everyone was happy. Danger strikes and we are forced to leave a home we love and know once more. At least this time were not being abandoned by anyone.* Mary thought. When she finally arrived to the lumber mill she knocked on the door and waited, she knew it wasn't lady like or smart to barge into a large, dangerous lumber mill. A big man with a scruffy brown beards, a read and black flannel shirt, and plain overalls opened the door. "Yes, may I help you?" he asked with a deep but polite voice. "I'd like to speak with one of the workers here, his name is jack. He's a young fellow with black hair, blue eyes, and pale skin." Mary explained. The man didn't even hesitate before he responded with "Aw yes, little man. I'll fetch him for you right away" he said. The man then turned around and shut the door. Mary was nervous about what he would say to her idea, but whether jack liked it or not it was their only chance keeping everyone safe. The door opened once again and out came jack. Mary explained what was wrong and her idea on how to fix it. "Yes... I completely agree with you I'm just nervous about the country, we don't necessarily know what's out there." he replied. Mary had a feeling this would happen. "Jack it's the only way..." Mary expressed with plead and worry in her voice. He finally gave in to the idea and they quickly rushed home.

Jack and Mary arrived back at the house and went inside, all the kids were bundled up with their warmest clothes and were stuffing their small carpet bags with the rest of the clothing they had along with the toys they beloved and played with. Delilah was also doing this herself but instead of toys she was packing all he spices and her favorite wooden spoon that she used to stir almost everything. "Thank you Delilah." Mary told her, then both Mary and jack went upstairs to quickly pack up their own belongings. When they finished they went downstairs, Mary went over to the fireplace and was about to put it out when she heard a gunshot from outside. The kids all stood there, quite as ever out of shock. "Everyone grab your bags and quickly leave the house when I say ok. head down mainstreet until we exit town and stay close together. Jack make sure you have the gun and lets go. Ok!" Mary announced. Everyone ran out the door surprisingly one by one and did exactly as they were told. Eliza was in the lead but was suddenly stopped by a big scary looking man with luckily no weapons. "Come here little girl, I'll take care of you" he said with creepy and crooked smile as he grabbed her arms was about to pick her up. Mary quickly ran over there and grabbed his arm with a thick grip "Touch her once more and I will physically rip that smile off you face." Mary said with gritted teeth, jack came from behind with a gun to back her up. "OH uh look at the time best be going" he uttered nervously and ran away. Nobody questioned what just happen but instead kept running until they left town. When they finally reached their destination, everyone stopped and were huffing and puffing from being out of breath. "Is everyone ok" Mary asked? All nodded there heads. "I don't know how long this journey will take but we must keep going and have perseverance. We will walk about a mile but then we can stop and rest for the night." Mary explained with confidence even though she really was upset and worried.

They walked a mile and found a large willow tree to rest over. Delilah made a fire, jack went hunting, and Mary tended to the kids. There dinner was rabbit and berries, after wards the laid out a blanket, covered and cuddled up, and slowly fell asleep.