crucible
...m and said that someone had come by with news of Adam’s death. They both sat on the ground a moment and sobbed, happy to know each other was alive. Adam then regained control of himself, knowing he would have to face his mother soon. When Adam saw his mother, they embraced warmly. Granny then led them all into the kitchen. Many neighbors were there, most of whom had brought food. Mrs. Cartwright, one of the most insensitive and repulsive women Adam knew, took Adam upstairs where his father was laid out. She then coldly told Adam to pay his respects, and Adam said to her in no uncertain terms to get out. Having paid his respects, Adam went back downstairs. All the neighbors had gone, and only Levi, Granny, and Mother remained. It was agreed upon that Adam needed a bath, and Mother sent Levi to get some water. After his bath, more neighbors were there with more food. Adam, wanting an excuse to get out of the house, was al-most glad to see Cousin Simmons, among others, struggling to carry a coffin downstairs. Cousin Simmons asked Adam’s help, and he was glad to give it. They carried the coffin across the courtyard to the meetinghouse, which was serving as a temporary morgue. The coffinmaker apologized for the makeshiftness of the coffin, but with as many deaths as there had been, there was not much he could do. A reporter from the Boston Ad-vertiser cornered Adam and tried to pin him down with some questions, but he just pushed past him and out of the meetinghouse. Outside, a man was asking for volunteers to help with the siege on Boston. Adam stood there a moment, listening to him. He began dozing w...