Family Ties

Pneumonia. Pneumonia. My mother died of pneumonia. That disease kills. Why Jacob? Why now? These thoughts and a million others raced through Jacob Senior's brain. "Pneumonia. Of all diseases."

"I'm sorry sir--"

"My name is Jacob."

"I'm sorry Ja--"

"Don't say you're sorry. There's nothing you could have done. What's your name doc?"

The doctor paused. He saw the steeling of a man hardened by war and loss, "My name's Smith. Sean Smith."

Jacob started chuckling. Then got louder. Dr. Smith was horrified. This man's son is dying, one already dead. And he's laughing?

Then Jacob curled up on the floor and started crying. Crying for Sean. Crying for Jacob. Crying for himself. Crying for Mary. Crying for this damned war. Then he stood up, "Sorry, Dr. Smith, but my son who died before Jacob was named Sean. The terrible irony of it all." He sauntered of to his hospital bed and added to his letter to Mary.

P.S. Who would have guessed?...

"'...Jacob has pneumonia. As soon as we hear that Sean is dead, Jacob's dying. Please Mary, now more than ever, take care of yourself. I know I'll be as safe as I can. Neither of us could stand losing another family member.'"

Harry and Hermione stood in disbelief. Her family had suffered major trials going through this war. Already the family was cut down to two.

"I hate war. I hate it. It's the scourge of the Earth. Why can't we all get along, and accept differences?" Hermione asked to no one.

"I don't know. People just can't accept someone different. Like Muggleborns and Wizardborns attending the same school. Mudbloods. We went through all of that at school."

"Dr. Smith, I think I can go back into the field now."

"Are you sure you want to."

"Yes. Might as well end this war and kill all of the Yankees. Then they won't have any left to fight."

Dr. Smith stared into the blue eyes of Jacob Granger. They weren't as flashy and fiery they were when he was carried in on a stretcher. No. Now they were hardened. By war. By death. By everything around him. It seemed as though this man was going to become an ice cool killing machine. "Okay, you have my permission. But be careful you still have your wife, Mary."

With that remark, Jacob's eyes softened, they regained some of their gleam, if just only for an instant. "I will. I will try and stay safe."

The two men embraced, and Jacob left the hospital, setting off for the commander.

The aide let Jacob into the tent. Jacob took off his hat and saluted.

"At ease. Why did you seek to talk to me?"

"Sir, I came to request a transfer. My son died, and feel that if I do this, I can best benefit the Confederate army."

"Where would you like to go?"

"Sir, I'd like to become a sniper near enemy lines. I could also serve as some sort of reconnisance."

"Interesting. You say your son died. How many children do you have?"

"None. I used to have two sons. One died in a Union prison camp, the other, of pneumonia, at the hospital. All I have now is my wife."

"Okay. You are reassigned to the position you asked for."

"Sir, thank you, sir."

Jacob saluted the commander and walked off, towards the enemy.