Standing in the doorway were two officers of the Union army.
Behind them were four more soldiers carrying what looked like a
bag. The second before the officer spoke I knew what he was going
to say. It did not make it any less painful to hear.
"Mrs. Victoria Elizabeth Caiden, wife to a Mr. Jonathan
Harrison Caiden?" the officer said it like a question.
"This is she." I replied. I know what you are going to tell me,
so just say it. Please, just say it.
The officer took a deep breath before he continued. He was
obviously trying to stall. He did not want to say it. He did not want
to break me. So I will have to help him.
"Has something happened to my husband? Is he all right?" I
asked like I did not already know the answer. The officers bowed
their heads.
"Ms. Caiden I regret to inform you that your husband, Mr.
Jonathan Harrison Caiden was lost in the Second Battle of Fort
Fisher where he fought bravely for the Union cause. We were able
to retrieve his-"
"Body."
"Yes, his body and have brought it home for you so that you
may give him a proper burial. If you need help we would be willing
to-“
"I would rather bury my husband myself, sir."
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