Unknown Soldier: World War One Book Tasting

Chapter 1

The sun cast its golden glow over the small town of Thomasville, Alabama. Thomasville, nestled within the heart of Clarke County, is a world marked by simplicity and a powerful sense of community. Life unfolds at a slower pace than most bigger cities even in the South, untouched by the modern conveniences and complexities of bustling cities.

The town’s center is dominated by a quaint square, where locals gather on warm afternoons to share news, stories, and the latest gossip. Tall oak trees line the streets, casting dappled shadows upon the weathered sidewalks. The town’s square buzzed on a daily basis with activity as locals went about their normal routines. Even though the town’s charm lies in its close-knit nature, where everyone knows their neighbors and a friendly nod or wave is exchanged with each passing soul, James Reynolds, a young man on the brink of adulthood, stood at the heart of it all, gazing at the familiar sights and feeling a sense of restlessness stirring within him.

Thomasville exudes a rustic beauty, with sprawling cotton fields stretching as far as the eye can see. These fields serve as the lifeblood of the community, with families working tirelessly to cultivate the white gold that sustains their livelihoods. The rhythm of the seasons dictates the ebb and flow of life, from the spring planting to the autumn harvest, each stage celebrated with a sense of pride and shared responsibility. James had grown up amidst the cotton fields, with the scent of pine trees hanging in the air. However, as he watched the townsfolk going about their business on this particular day, a deep longing welled up inside him. He yearned to venture beyond the boundaries of this idyllic southern town, to explore a world beyond the comforts and constraints of his small-hometown life.

Each day, as the sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, James found himself daydreaming of distant places and grand adventures. The rhythm of Thomasville no longer sufficed; he craved the unknown, the thrill of new experiences, and the opportunity to make his mark on the world.

One evening, with his heart set on departure, James gathered his courage and approached his parents, Samuel and Elizabeth Reynolds, in their modest home. The air inside was filled with the aroma of his mother’s cooking, and the comforting sound of conversation drifted from the sitting room.

“Ma, Pa,” James began, his voice betraying a mix of excitement and apprehension. “I’ve made up my mind. I want to leave here and go to Mobile.”

His parents exchanged a knowing glance, recognizing the spark of wanderlust that had been in their son’s eyes for months now. They once had the same spirit of adventure when they were James’ age.

Samuel, a weathered man with a gentle smile, placed a hand on James’ shoulder. “Son, we understand your yearning for something more,” he said, his voice filled with the understanding of someone who once had those same dreams and longing for a brand new world.  ” I will make you a promise. If you save up the money to get a room in the boarding house in Mobile for the first month you’re down there, I will pay for your train fare to the big city. Just remember to stay true to yourself, and never forget to write your ma and sissy.”

Elizabeth, a woman of quiet strength and a teacher of young children at the local community school, stepped forward, her eyes shimmering with a mixture of pride and concern as tears of excitement and love filled her eyes. “James, you’ve always had a curious spirit. We want you to be happy, but promise us you’ll take care of yourself and not get in too much trouble” James smiled a bit with the coy smile of a young man knowing trouble found him way more often than he found it at this last comment asking himself “what teenage boy didn’t get into trouble?”

James nodded, his resolve strengthening with each passing moment as he absorbed their words of wisdom and encouragement. He turned to his younger sister, Maggie, who stood nearby, her eyes filled with both sadness and admiration.

“Maggie, you’re going to be alright here,” he assured her, wrapping her in a tight embrace. “I’ll write you letters, and someday, I’ll come back to tell you all about my adventures in the big city. I promise to send you gifts and candy from Mobile that you can’t get here. Who knows, I might even come back with a girlfriend that can be like a big sister for you to play with.”

With child-like silliness Maggie responded, “You better not” wiping away tears from her eyes. “I’m the only girlfriend you ever need” she continued with a sly smile on her face, returning her brother’s amused look.

Ever since she was born, James and Maggie had always been extremely close. Because the kids her age didn’t like playing with her, James spent a lot of his free time entertaining her, and letting her tag along with him and his friends as she grew up. He knew that she would be the hardest to say his farewells too when the time came. When he left for the big city of Mobile, he knew that his leaving would be the hardest on her.

With tears glistening in her eyes, Maggie whispered, “I’ll be waiting, James. Make sure you come back safe.”

***

After James had saved up the money for the first two months’ rent at O’Malley’s Boarding House in Mobile, a place James had heard about from an advertisement in the Mobile Press Register, who’s editions made it to Thomasville a day after they were printed. A man of his word, his father, Samuel, escorted him down to the train station in town and purchased his ticket to Mobile. After they shook hands, and a few reminders from his father for James to keep in touch with his Ma and Maggie, James noticed a group of his friends moving in his direction.

As James bid farewell to his friends, he found Tommy O’Connor, his loyal companion since childhood, waiting by an oak tree near the town square. Tommy, a jovial and steadfast friend who always helped James get into trouble and had always stood by James through thick and thin.

“So, you’re really going, eh?” Tommy asked, a mix of apprehension and sadness evident in his voice.

Even though Tommy had always been skittish and saw the adversity in everything, the bond between James Reynolds and Tommy O’Connor was forged in the crucible of childhood, an unbreakable friendship that would endure the test of time. In the quiet town of Thomasville, their lives intertwined, and their paths became inseparable.

From the earliest days of their youth, James and Tommy were two sides of the same coin. Where one went, the other was sure to follow. They were mischievous partners in crime, exploring the nooks and crannies of the town, chasing adventure with reckless abandon. Together, they climbed the tallest trees, their laughter echoing through the branches, and raced their bicycles down the winding streets, the wind streaming through their hair.

As they grew older, their bond deepened, becoming a steadfast foundation in a world full of uncertainties. James, with his dreams of venturing beyond Thomasville’s borders, found skepticism in Tommy’s apprehensive support. Tommy, with his unyielding loyalty, provided a shoulder to lean on and a voice of caution amidst the tumult of adolescence.

Their conversations were legendary, held late into the night beneath the stars. They discussed the mysteries of the universe, contemplating the meaning of life and the complexities of love. They shared dreams and fears, their imaginations intertwining as they painted vivid pictures of the future, they hoped to carve out for themselves.

Through it all, James and Tommy faced life’s trials together.

James nodded, his gaze lingering on the familiar faces around him. “I can’t ignore this feeling, Tommy. I need to see what’s beyond these cotton fields. Maybe it’s where I’m meant to be. There’s still time to change your mind and come with me.”

Tommy clapped James on the back, a hint of a smile on his face. “You know I can’t leave Patty here by herself, plus I’m not as brave as you.” Patty Johnson was Tommy’s longtime girlfriend whom he planned on asking to marry him when he turned eighteen in four months. “You better bring back some tales of your adventures, my friend. I’ll be here, ready to listen and raise a glass in your honor or commiserate in your failed return. Oh, and one last thing, you sure as heck better come back for my wedding.”

Before James could board the train, he saw his Ma and Maggie running down the street after him. Ma reached him first and they embraced as tears filled her eyes. Ma said, “I love you son and take care of yourself.”

James knelt down so that he could look Maggie in the eyes as they said their goodbyes.

“Maggie, I want you to know how much you mean to me,” James whispered, his voice filled with emotion. “You’ve always been my guiding light, my little sister whom I love more than words can express.”

Maggie’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her voice barely above a whisper. “James, I’ll miss you so much. Promise me you’ll come back and tell me all about your adventures.”

James reached out, gently wiped away a tear from Maggie’s cheek. “I promise, Maggie. No matter where life takes me, I’ll always come back to you. You’ll forever be my compass, my reason to return.”

Their embrace held a mix of sadness and hope, their hearts entwined even as the world threatened to pull them apart. In that moment, James realized that no matter the distance between them, their bond would endure.

It seemed like the town had gathered at the train station to bid James and the other passengers farewell. Amidst the crowd, Maggie clung to their parents, her small frame barely visible. James spotted her, and his heart swelled with a mixture of pride and longing.

As he boarded the train, James leaned out the window, his eyes locked with Maggie’s. “I’ll write you letters, sissy, I promise.”

Maggie nodded, her eyes shining with a mix of love and faith. “I’ll be waiting, James. Safe travels and remember, no matter where you are, I love you.”

With final farewells exchanged, James made his way to his seat. The bustling atmosphere was filled with anticipation as passengers hugged their loved ones and collected their belongings. The departing train pierced the air, marking the beginning of James Reynolds’ journey to Mobile, a city teeming with possibilities and the promise of a brighter future. As he sat down, his heart filled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, he couldn’t help but reflect on the years of hard work and sacrifices that had led him to this moment.

James felt a profound sense of gratitude for the love and support that had surrounded him throughout his life. His parents, Samuel and Elizabeth, had instilled in him the values of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of dreams. Now, it was his turn to make them proud.

As the train started to move, James took a deep breath and closed his eyes, scanning his thoughts about the adventures ahead. Feeling a surge of excitement as the train slowly started to pull away.

The passing scenery outside the window blurred into a kaleidoscope of colors, a reflection of the myriad emotions that swirled within James’ mind. Thoughts of his family and friends in Thomasville brought a mixture of joy and sadness. He cherished the memories they had created together, from childhood escapades to shared dreams. But he also knew that this journey was essential for his personal growth and the pursuit of his own ambitions.

Mobile, with its bustling streets and urban buildings, promised a world far different from the tranquil simplicity of Thomasville. It beckoned him with the allure of new experiences, opportunities, and the chance to hone his craft as a carpenter. It was a city that whispered of untold adventures and the potential to carve out his own path in life.

As the train rumbled along the tracks, James couldn’t help but imagine the future that lay ahead. He pictured himself in a workshop, surrounded by tools and the sweet scent of freshly cut wood. He envisioned his hands, calloused from years of dedication, transforming raw materials into works of art. And he imagined the pride and satisfaction that would come with creating something beautiful with his own hands.

The hours melted away as the train sped towards its destination. James occupied his time with thoughts of the challenges he might face in the city, but also the resilience he had inherited from his family. He reminded himself of the countless hours spent honing his skills, the unwavering support of his loved ones, and the burning passion that fueled his determination.

Finally, the train pulled into the GM&O terminal in Mobile, its brakes screeching and hissing as it came to a halt. James stepped onto the platform; his gaze fixed on the bustling streets that stretched before him. The city’s energy enveloped him, and he felt a surge of both excitement and apprehension.

With each step he took, James embraced the uncertainty of the unknown, knowing that it was an essential part of his journey. He was ready to immerse himself in the vibrant tapestry that Mobile had to offer, to learn from fellow craftsmen, and to make a name for himself in the world of carpentry.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the city, James found himself standing before a sign that read Apprenticeship Opportunities Available. He took a deep breath, a sense of purpose welling up inside him. With final farewells exchanged and the promise of a new chapter ahead, James Reynolds, fueled by love, support, and the fire of his dreams, stepped forward into the embrace of his future in Mobile.