Caro was picking oranges from the trees that grew along the side of the cabin when she heard the sound of wheels crunching along the drive. She climbed the steps to the porch as Miss Aggie came pell- mell on her pony cart, hair streaming behind her as the horse was pulled sharply to a halt at the porch.
“Caroline, a telegram for you from the War Department,” Miss Aggie called out.
Oranges spilled from Caro’s apron and rolled across the porch. She stood frozen, her hands clasped to her heart. “Oh, Miss Aggie…”
Miss Aggie climbed down from the cart and threw the reins over the porch railing.
“Come sit down child. It’s going to be alright. Whatever the news, you’ve got strength and you’ve got family.”
Caro sat in the porch rocker and held out a trembling hand to take the yellow telegram from Miss Aggie’s hand. She stared at the telegram afraid to break the seal, and looked up at Miss Aggie’s windblown face. “Oh, Miss Aggie, can I pour you some fresh orange juice?”
“Child, open it. We can drink orange juice later.” Caro took a deep breath and with shaking fingers opened the envelope and began reading aloud.
This is to inform you that your husband, Navy Seaman Randolph Jones has been reported Wounded in Action. Seaman Jones on hospital ship USS Comfort. Letter to follow from Commanding Officer.
Adjunct General
“Caroline,” Miss Aggie placed a speckled hand on her knee. “Are you alright?” Caro was staring at the words on the telegram. Her mind was spinning. Her darling husband injured. What had happened to him?
Caro looked up her eyes swimming in tears. “I feel torn. I want to dance and to cry!” she exclaimed. “Randy’s is safe! I was so afraid he was taken prisoner by the Japanese.” I’m so grateful for this news. But he’s injured. How bad? I think of him bandaged and hurting so far from me and I want to cry.”
“Perfectly understandable my dear. It’s been a rough couple of weeks waiting on word. We give thanks that Randy is alive. Now you wait for the letter from the General. Meanwhile, you keep writing letters. Your letters will be the best medicine Randy can receive.”
Caro looked into Miss Aggie’s kind face. “Miss Aggie…” she took a deep breath and wiped her eyes with her apron. “Miss Aggie, how about a glass of orange juice?”
©annettealaine2019
