Scout Has Doubts

 

During the Jazz Age:

 

 

Though Scout had always liked Mary, on the day of her brother Jimmy and Mary's wedding, Scout suddenly felt a wave of sadness. And on that day, Scout thought there was far too much to be done for her to have time to talk to Jimmy alone. "This is Mary and Jimmy's day. I should just try to enjoy it..."

 

Unbeknownst to Scout, Jimmy had noticed the uncharacteristically glum expression on her face. And so, he took Scout aside and asked her what was wrong.

 

"Nothing's wrong, Jimmy," Scout asserted. "Except, it's just..." Scout stopped as her throat tightened and tears streamed down her face.

 

"Scout, tell me, please," Jimmy asked.

 

"It's just that all of a sudden, I've started to worry about losing you. I mean, you'll have your own life away from the family, and...you've been such a great brother...Plus..." Scout hesitated.

 

"Tell me," Scout.

 

Scout answered: "After Daddy died, I always thought of you as both my brother and, in a way, as another Daddy. Now, I'm afraid that I'll just be left alone..."

 

"You'll never be alone, Scout," Jimmy reassured his little sister. "Mary is joining our family, not taking me away--she's your new sister and she loves you. There's nothing to be afraid of, Scout. We both love you."

 

"I love you and Mary, Jimmy," Scout stated.

 

"Now, are we okay again?" Jimmy asked.

 

"Yes," Scout answered, smiling.

 

"Love, family, and friends," Jimmy stated. "Those things are priceless."

Done