Flat Creek

"I used to want to live to be a hundred years old, I don't want to anymore, and if my daddy was alive I don't think he would believe what is happening to this country." She got up and poured us coffee and apologized that it may not be very good because she couldn't buy any at the store. She twisted the handkerchief in her hands and began talking again. "I'm so sorry to have to tell you this but your brother Addison, well he's in the union army. Your pa is sick because of this, not because he joined the union but because you are on different sides, it's going to drive him to and early grave." Mel looked at Ma and asked, "Do you have anything stronger to drink? I think Reuben and me may need it if you do."