Free After the Republic by Frank L. Williams Page B

hard to believe.”
    A few minutes later Joshua savored what would likely be the last cup of coffee he would ever drink on the porch at their beloved farmhouse. He closed his eyes and thought of the day he and Rebecca found this tract of land. They had worked together, along with Thomas, to design the house and barn and determine where everything would be placed. This was truly their dream house. No, it was more than that. It was HOME -- where he had planned to spend the rest of his life with Rebecca. This doesn’t seem real , he thought. We’re actually leaving. Is this the right move? He looked at his watch. Everyone will be here within the hour. I can’t believe this is actually happening.
    Rebecca joined him and a jittery Reagan tightly wedged himself between them. “This is all hard to believe. I still don’t like it, but I trust your judgment,” she said. “I’ve got a few more things to get ready.”
    Joshua went to the barn to do a quick check for any last-minute items that needed packing. When he walked through the high, arching doors into the dimly lit interior he noticed the old Massey Ferguson tractor. It had belonged to his father. Joshua felt a lump form in his throat. They were leaving the antique red tractor behind. Joshua perked up as Bob greeted him. “Joshua, we are ready to proceed.”
    “Thanks for all you’ve done, Bob. One question. I’d like to stay connected to the outside world so we know what’s going on. Do you think we should take our satellite dish and see if we can get it working?”
    “Affirmative. Martin, remove the satellite dish from the residence and prepare it for transport. We will ascertain its functionality when we arrive at the new location.”
    “Yes, sir!” Kane removed a ladder that was tied to the cattle trailer. Joshua and Bob loaded the television while Kane removed the satellite dish.
    As Joshua walked back toward the house he again dialed his phone, praying that his best friend would answer. His heart sank when the call went straight to voicemail. “Perry, this is Joshua. Just trying to get in touch with you. We’re leaving in a bit and are worried about you. Hope we see you this morning. Please let us know how you’re doing. We miss you guys .”
    Joshua walked back into the barren house, where a teary-eyed Rebecca sat on the empty floor. He sat down beside her and grabbed her hand. “Well, this is it.” He put his arms around her and hugged her tightly as she buried her head in his chest. Joshua closed his eyes as the reality of the moment swirled around him. They were leaving their beloved farm behind. Joshua was parting ways with an entire library of books, many of which had belonged to his mother. The high-back leather chair featuring the North Carolina State Seal that he retained from his days in the legislature would also remain, along with most of his business suits and a mountain of plaques and certificates from his years of civic and political involvement. Rebecca was devastated to leave her wedding dress behind, along with her grandmother’s antique China and sewing machine. So many important memories were attached to these items. Precious items which were being swept out of their lives by the tides of history.

 
    CHAPTER 4
     
    The flag whipped gently in the breeze, its colors shimmering in the radiant morning sunlight. A few wispy clouds graced the sky. Joshua and Rebecca looked out over a driveway teeming with vehicles and people. The crowd included several children and three dogs. The group looked like an ancient convoy of nomads who took all of their belongings when they traveled, apart from the fact that this group had automobiles rather than camels. Reagan was unnerved by the crowd of strangers, particularly the three much larger dogs, and hid behind Joshua.
    “Any sign of Perry and Caroline?” Rebecca asked.
    “None.” Joshua heaved a morbid sigh.
    She squeezed his hand. “I’ll try them one more time. You go talk to everyone and