September 28th, 1861

Today Clarissa and her boys, Matthew and Thomas are meeting Emma and I for breakfast at the diner. Emma woke up and got ready and we were on our way. Emma wore her sparkly slippers with a ruffled, pink dress. We sat ourselves to a booth and waited for Clarissa and her children to arrive. Emma looked timid to meet new people. I told her about how Clarissa's husband went off to war and her two boys as well, don't have their father with them. Emma looked glad she was not the only one. They may possibly become friends, which would be good for Emma. She needs a close friend to talk to that will keep her mind off of everything.

Clarissa walked in with her two children and smiled seeing us in the corner of the diner. She sat down across from Emma and I and introduced herself to Emma. Thomas and Matthew introduced themselves and Emma replied shyly, "My name is Emma." We got comfortable and called over a waiter after we decided what we were going to order. Clarissa and I started to talk about our husbands and how long they have been gone. Emma, Tomas and Matthew listened sitting in silence. Matthew started talking to Thomas about a new play being performed in town. Emma joined in the conversation and they all discussed about it. Clarissa told me how her husband, Joseph was sent to war about 6 months ago. Not far before Samuel was sent. We both have been lost without our husbands, who we miss dearly. Our lives have been so different and we've had to learn to do many new things. Like me, Clarissa got a job at the market after her husband left. I'm glad I found someone who can relate to me, having children and all. It must be hard to have two boys, being a handful and all. I hope Emma and Clarissa's children become friends.