"First Encounters"
The wail of the mountain man's wife pierced the steady stream of conversation in the cabin. On the kitchen table lay her husband; his life resting in the hands of the mountain doctor. "Silence" the doctor bellowed. A hush fell over the room. His eyes quickly swept the gathered crowd, coming to rest on a horror stricken, pale young woman. "You" he said, and beckoned her over. She came forward cautiously, halting a few feet from him. "Lord, she was beautiful." he thought to himself. He quickly explained what he needed her to do. Within a few moments, it became clear that she would not last through the surgery. He ordered her out, and she fled the room quickly. Hours later he collected his things and exited the cabin. His steps were halted when he encountered the young woman on the porch steps. Their gazes met and he found his mind void of anything except for the word "beautiful." Brushing past her, he strode out into the dark night.