Kid moved his hat between his hands. It seemed like so long ago the riders had been to this orphanage. Ike was alive then and they were still a family.
The sister came back into the room with a young girl who was about 13.
"Teresa?" Kid asked.
"Yes" she answered "Do I know you?"
"I'm your sister's husband we met a long time ago. I've come to take you home."
"Home" she whispered.
"Where's Jeremiah?" Kid asked the Nun.
"He left when the war started. He joined the northern army."
"Did he write?"
"No just this." She said pulling a letter out of a drawer.
Kid took it from her, questions in his eyes.
"To whom it may concern:
Jeremiah McCloud was killed in action at Bull Run, he fought valiantly and honorably for the American army. We extend our deepest condolences for your loss.
Sincerely,
Abraham Lincoln"
Letters like these were rare, reserved only for those who showed extreme bravery and saved lives. Lou would have been proud to receive this letter.
"Teresa."
"Jeremiah's dead, I know." She choked.
"I think you should keep this letter and hold it close to your heart."
"Thank you." She whispered.
"Come on." He said gently guiding her out the door. "Let's go home."
They rode silently for a long time.
"Kid." She said.
He looked down at her with gentle eyes.
"Why didn't Louise come with you?"
He sighed a deep and ragged sigh.
"Teresa, I don't know how to tell you this but Louise died from typhus about six months ago."
"Louise" Teresa choked.
Kid brought the buckboard to a halt and gathered the girl in his arms as she sobbed. He cried with her. It was the first time he felt anything in six months.