"Mom," I said for the thousandth time."I will be fine."1

My mother looked at me with teary eyes. I knew it must be hard for her, me being the eldest child, to let me go. I was joining the Civil War, after all. She knew I had a great chance of dying.2

"Jasper," she said miserably,"I could never see you again. My little Jasper."3

I smiled sadly. I would miss my family, but I had to fight. I could be one of the ones known for helping win the war. Or, die, of course.4

"I love you, mom. Always will."5

She hugged me, and I wished I knew what she was feeling now. Proud, or was she just plain sad?6

My father was standing next to mom after she was done hugging me almost to death.7

After a while, he said,"Jasper, I think it's time I give you an early birthday present."8

An early birthday present. My birthday wasn't for a few months, but then again, who knew when and if I will see my family again?9

He led me to the small barn, where we kept a few animals there sometimes. At the moment, none. Or so I had thought.10

Inside was a horse. Reddish brown, and looked old enough to ride on.11

"This is your horse now." said my father.12

I looked at him, overjoyed. A horse. My horse. I'd need that for the war.13

"Thank you, father." I said.14

He embraced me(second person that day) and I didn't want to leave, feeling like a child rather than a seventeen year old going to war.15

----------16

"So you're leaving tomorrow." said my thirteen year old brother, Jacob.17

I looked at him. He was almost like a young version of my father. Light blond hair, brown eyes(I myself had blue), and a tough look on his face.18

I'd miss that kid, or teenager, actually. He was years younger than me, yet so old, in a way.19

"Yes, Jacob."20

He looked as if I was dead already, about to cry.21

"I'll miss you, Jasper."22

My brother was one of my best friends. He was always there for me. He seemed to be able to read my mind. And, he idolized me.23

"I shall miss you too, brother."24

He looked at me, his brown eyes full of tears.25

"Jasper," he said."Don't die."26

I almost laughed, but I felt like sobbing at the same time. Don't die. Great advice.27

"I'll try, but no promises there." I made an attempt on joking, but Jacob didn't seem to care. He looked more heartbroken than before.28

Jacob realized he was being very emotional, tried to look tough again, and failed. He started crying softly than before.29

"I'll be okay." I said more seriously."I will be back. You can bet on it."30

Boy, was I wrong.