Chapter 1

"Stay right where you are."

He could hear the voice, but not a color was visible.

Even though the cock of the gun was heard before he turned around, it became a repeated echo in his mind.

There they were, face to face. He couldn't see him, but he knew he was there.

"I've been waiting a long time for this."

The sound of a gunshot was heard, and he felt a strong force hit against him. Falling. That was all he felt. He was falling.

"No!" Sully bolted upright in bed.

His eyes scanned over the dark room. His breathing was heavy, as he wiped the perspiration from his face.

"Sully," a voice heard.

Sully flinched as he looked beside him.

"Michaela," he breathed.

"What's wrong?" She sat upright and touched his shoulder.

"Where…where are we?"

Michaela held his hand.

"Our room," she informed.

Sully looked around and suddenly things became clearer.

The dresser with the basin on top of it, the vanity where Michaela did her hair, the opened the window that a cool breeze blew in from.

Sully let out the breath, he wasn't even aware he was holding.

"Sully," Michaela broke the silence. "You had a dream?" She knew.

Sully gave a slight nod.

"I was on the cliff…" he paused.

Michaela's brow wrinkled in uncertainty.

"Ser…Sergeant O'Conner," his hands shook.

Sully rapidly shook his head, trying to forget the dream.

"Sully," Michaela stroked his hair. "It was just a dream," her tone was soft.

"It was so real," he leaned against her.

"Shh," she pulled him close. "Come here."

Gently, Michaela drew Sully on her chest.

"It's alright, it was just a dream. You're safe."

She could feel his body tremble inside.

Michaela rubbed comforting circles on his back.

"Everything's fine," she kissed his forehead. "I'm here."

At those words, Michaela felt her husband's body slightly relax.

"That's right," she said. "I'm here."

A few moments of silence passed, and Michaela continued to rub Sully's back. His breathing grew steadier. Looking down, she noticed that he had fallen back asleep.

Michaela remained awake for a while longer. Wondering. Wondering, why Sully had that dream. It had been almost a year since the ordeal with Sergeant O'Conner took place. Why had he been dreaming about him? Perhaps it was just a one-time thing. But Michaela didn't quite believe that.

XXXXX

Michaela descended the stairs to see everyone around the table, preparing breakfast.

"Good morning," she greeted.

"Morning Ma," Brian smiled.

Michaela turned to see Sully in the kitchen, preparing coffee.

"Hello," she approached him.

"Hey," Sully kissed her.

"How are you?" She touched his back.

Sully nodded.

"Good," he replied.

"Did you sleep well?" Michaela spoke low.

Sully knew what she was referring to.

"Yeah," he nodded.

Michaela was about to inquire further but remained silent as Sully went to the table.

"Come on," he pulled the chair back for her.

Michaela approached her chair, and everyone took a seat. During breakfast, Sully was unusually talkative. Yet, he somehow avoided Michaela. He seemed to be very brief with her and when breakfast was finished, he was the first to stand from the table.

XXXXX

Cloud Dancing stood on the Mercantile porch and was about to mount his horse but stopped when he saw his brother approaching.

"Aho," he greeted.

"Cloud Dancing," Sully smiled. "What are you doing here?"

"I am about to go to the reservation, Palmer Creek. I have decided to see how the Indians are getting along out there. Would you like to join me?"

Sully sighed and glanced at the store ahead of him.

"I don't think so," he replied.

"You have not been there in many months," the older man said.

"Maybe some other time," Sully touched his brother's arm. "I've got some work to do."

Cloud Dancing nodded and the two made their separate ways.

As Cloud Dancing mounted his horse, he rode a way off, but Sully was still in sight. Cloud Dancing had expected him to go to the Livery, but instead, he went around and made his way past the school and on a road, out of town. The Indian had seen his brother do those often recently, go off by himself and he didn't know exactly why.

XXXXX

Sully sat on the grassy plain, staring out at the crystal stream ahead of him. He pulled his coat tighter around his shoulders as a cool breeze began to blow. He had walked farther this time, then he did before. He was closer to the mountains. Looking up at the tall structures, he inhaled deeply.

His chest felt tight and his body shook. Closing his eyes, his mind went back. He could feel it as if it was happening all over again. The sound of a gun cocking, the strike of the hard punches. The pounding of his heart deep in his chest as the wind blew against his face as he plunged down the cliff. The hard impact of the rocks against his body. And then, the sudden feeling in his chest. Unable to breathe as he drowned.

Sully's eyes flashed open. He looked around.

Not there, his mind said. It's over. You're not there anymore.

Gazing at the clear stream before him, he touched the cold water. It felt refreshing. Once more, he gazed at the sturdy mounts, so close, yet so far away from him.

Sully then stood and began to walk from the scenic view. Right now, he didn't want to be alone.