Mary and I were on our way home from school when we noticed that pa's wagon wasn't at the mill. Mr. Larson came out when he saw us. He asked us if we knew why pa hadn't come to work. We told him no and then hurried home.
Doctor Baker was just leaving when we arrived. He told us that pa was a very sick man, and he wasn't sure if there was much he could do. My heart sank. Pa seemed fine this morning. A little more tired than usual, but fine. Doc Baker said that pa was running a dangerously high fever and had left medication for him, but it was in God's hands.
Ma came out to thank Doctor Baker for coming to see pa. Doc Baker nodded than left. Ma told us to get to our chores and then went back inside. Mary and I were folding laundry when we heard pa start to cough. They were hard, heavy and harsh. It was very painful to listen too. I dropped a sheet and ran to the barn.
I climbed up to the loft and curled my knees to my chest and buried my face in my legs. I heard Mary come up and felt her put her arm around me.
"Mary, I don't know if I've ever heard pa like that." I said muffled.
"Me either, Laura. But we got to have faith that pa will be alright."
"And if he's not, then I don't want to believe in God. I couldn't believe in a God that would let pa not be okay." I said crying.
Ma came looking for us.
"Laura, will you bring some water in the house for me?" She said calling up to the barn.
"Better do it." Mary said.
I slowly got up and went in the house to get the bucket. While in there I looked over at pa in bed. He laid still and looked so pale. My heart broke into a million pieces. I accidently dropped the bucket, which woke pa up.
"Who's there?" He crocked.
"Sorry pa." I said softly.
"Half-pint, what are you doing?"
"Ma asked me to fetch some water. I didn't mean to disturb you."
"It's alright. I wasn't really asleep. Just do as your ma says."
"Yes sir. Pa?"
"Yes half-pint."
"I love you." I said trying not to cry.
"I love you too darling. Now go on."
Pa set his head back down on his pillow. You could tell he was feeling really weak.
I went out to get water and brought it back in the house. I then went upstairs and sat on my bed and cried some more.