laurens interlude drabble

kms

I may not live to see our glory...

"...Alexander? There's a letter for you."
The clacking sound of high heels on aged wood filled the quiet house as Elizabeth slowly made her way to her husband, a small envelope being held tightly to her chest as she walked.

Alexander, without looking up from his desk, instantly replied, "It's from John Laurens. I'll read it later." He resumed his writing, the ink from his quill being brushed across the parchment paper so carefully as to ensure his work was absolutely perfect.

...But I will gladly join the fight...

"No, it's from his father," Elizabeth said with a heavy heart. Alexander abruptly stopped his writing, somewhat confused.
"His father..?"

...And when our children tell our story...

"...Will you read it?" Alexander spoke as he turned to look his wife in the eyes, his heart racing with confusion and fear.

...They'll tell the story of tonight.

Eliza nodded hesitantly and began to read the letter aloud.

"On Tuesday the 27th, my son was killed in a gunfight against British troops retreating from South Carolina. The war was already over. As you know, John dreamed of emancipating and recruiting 3,000 men for the first all-black military regiment. His dream of freedom for these men dies with him."

Alexander's heart stopped and he froze completely. John Laurens, his best friend, was dead just like that. Tears began to well in his eyes as he thought of all the good memories he has shared with John, knowing that he would never be able to even see his face again.

Tomorrow there'll be more of us...

"Alexander, are you alright?..." Elizabeth approached her husband, gently placing her hand on his shoulder.

Alexander turned around as salty tears rolled down his cheek in an attempt to hide his anguish.

"...I have so much work to do."