The Mississippi Boys

T.G. Payne and his sons rode hard to the cabin on the dirt road, leaving a dusty trail behind. Isaac met them at the barn. They were home earlier than usual.
“Son, I want you to let the horses cool down. Then you know what to do—only this time, make them all look like Glory. They need to shine. Feed them in their stalls and leave them in there tonight. Don’t let them out in the lot. My pride’s getting the best of me.”
“What’s happening? Is it time?”
“Yes, son, it’s time for us to go. We’ll leave early in the morning.”
Isaac wasted no time, imploring his father in one last effort.
“Pa, is there any way I can go with you and Jon and Henry?”
Tears filled his deep blue eyes. Tears, yet no inkling of cowardice. No doubt T.G.'s fourteen-year-old son was a man now, having reached maturity far too soon. Boys just older than Isaac would ride off to war with their fathers. He prayed Isaac would not grow bitter for being left behind and that he wouldn’t try something foolish. Rachel needed him.
“Son, I know how much you want to go, but you must stay with your ma and the boys. I’ve got to have the assurance you’re here taking care of things. You’re the man, now. I’m counting on you.”
“I don’t want to stay behind, but I know you need me here. I’ll gladly take care of things until you come home. You will come home, won’t you?”
Isaac no longer fought the tears that streamed down his youthful face, and the suppressed sounds burst uncontrollably from his throat. He hung his head in the presence of his father.
Thomas went inside, wishing he could answer that question for Isaac. Besides, he couldn’t look on his son right now. He was having trouble controlling his own emotions.
Jonathan and Albert Henry had said nothing to their mother. They waited silently for their father to join them in the house; he would handle this. But they were both aware that she knew this was it, and they were more concerned about leaving her behind than about going.
The fire crackled and loose sparks danced on the hearth, cheerful in spite of the gloom that hung over the cabin. The family gathered about the mahogany table and Thomas prayed for the Lord to bless the food and his family. He asked for a night of joy, peace, and laughter around his table, and when he said amen, forced delight and the usual chattering of the boys began to neutralize the otherwise poignant moment.