Mabel's Goodbye

Ember walked up and knelt beside her friend. Staring at the blood that covered her chest and the floor. Tears poured down her face as she took Mabel's hands in hers.

"Ember...you were...my only firend...I do not... regret....coming with...you to enlist... I see our Maker's face....."

"No Mabel, no you aren't going to die." Ember cried.

"Do....not....cry....Ember....you were....so kind....to...me....I may....have....been...your slave....but you always....treated me.....as...a....firend..."

"You are my friend Mabel, you are no longer my slave. I can not finish this war without you. Please don't die.."

"You....will.....have...me...every step...of the way. I will guide... you my...dear...firend. Please... do not....cry...for...me."

Ember shook her head as she hugged Mabel tighter to her body as her fellow Yankee soldier's looked on. Tears flowed like a waterfall down her cheeks as she clung to the nigger who laid before her.

"You....have...so much.... grit...Ember.....I love....you....miss Ember..... this.... is goodbye my..... dear friend.."

"No! Please no." Ember sobbed

Mabel's body went limp in her arms and Ember felt as if she would puke. She shook her head and held on to her friend as tight as she could.

"Why God! Why...Why..did. you take her.." Ember sobbed.

General Grant and Major Washington removed their hats and bowed their heads in silence. The only sound that filled the room was Ember's sobs of pure heartbreak.