An Interview with Molly Andrews

Molly Andrews is one of the main characters in my Civil War novella, Soldier’s Heart. She’s waiting now for the train with her husband aboard to arrive. There’s quite a bit of noise her in downtown Ravenna with the crowd waiting to welcome the soldiers home and the band music playing, but I’ll try to ask her a few questions.

Mrs. Andrews, I imagine you’re excited that your husband’s coming home.

Oh, dear me, yes.

From what I understand, you were only married one day before he left to join his regiment.

That’s right. My father insisted I wait until I was sixteen to wed. My birthday was the day before Noah left.

Why didn’t you wait until he got back?

Wait? I couldn’t. I love Noah. I always have, and I always will. Even if something had happened to him, I would have wanted to be his wife no matter how short a time.

I imagine it was hard waiting at home, not knowing if he was all right.

Yes, it was. I can’t tell you how many times I couldn’t sleep because of the worry. Then there was the burden of running the farm all alone. But I managed.

You must be very proud of Sergeant Andrews.

I am. My husband is a hero. All the men in the Ohio Seventh are heroes. President Lincoln even said so.

I understand Sergeant Andrews was wounded at the Battle of Ringgold Gap.

Yes, but it was a minor wound, and I don’t want to talk about it. The important thing is he’s home safe now.

Are you concerned about the adjustments you’ll have to make? War changes men.

Nonsense. You sound like my father. War wouldn’t change my Noah. He’s the strongest, kindest man that ever lived. Now that he’s home, everything’s going to go back to normal. We can live our peaceful lives, and he can take the burden of the farm off my shoulders.

It might not be that easy.

Of course it will be. Don’t be silly. The war might not be over, but it is over for Noah and me. If you’ll excuse me, the train’s coming into the station.

Thank you for answering my questions. I hope things go well.

Noah’s home. How could they not be well?

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