Chapter 3

"Pa, I think every thing's ready."

"Yep, looks good, Brian. We'll just wait a little while for your ma. She should be home soon." Sully placed the last plate on the table as he spoke.

"Hey, pa I have a science project due next week and ma said you might be able to help me with it." Brian ventured.

"Yeah, of course I will. What do ya want to do?"

"Well, I'm not really sure. I could try another flying machine but I've already done that kind of thing before. I was also thinking about a self propelled cart of some kind that you could ride in to get around."

"Well, if you aren't too sure about the flying machine the cart sounds like a good idea. I am sure we could come up with something. We just need to figure a way to have you move the wheels on it without it being pushed or pulled by someone else. But I've got some ideas. Let's see if we can figure it out." Sully went and sat down next to Brian at the table. He took some paper and began drawing his ideas on paper and discussing them with Brian. Matthew was playing with Katie on the rug.

An hour later Brian exclaimed triumphantly, "Thanks Sully! This is gonna be the best science project ever!"

Sully chuckled," Yeah, we'll have to get to work on it right away though. I'll get the supplies tomorrow afternoon and after school we can start cutting the wood for it." Sully felt satisfaction in knowing he would be able to spend time with Brian over the coming week. It had been a while since they had been able to work on something together.

Matthew entered from the other room, "Dr. Mike's still not here. Think she decided to stay at the Garcia's?"

Sully looked out the window. The wind was blowing hard and the sun was lost below the horizon. A clap of thunder and a flash of lighting split the sky as rain began falling. A knot began to form in Sully's stomach. The string grew in thickness and tightened ever so slightly. He calmly turned to Matthew and Brian and suggested, "She might just be running a little late. This weather might slow her up a little."

He sincerely hoped everything was alright. "Well, we better eat before it all gets cold."

They all sat down and began eating dinner. By the end of dinner the wind was howling and the rain was trying to see how fast it could trill and tickle the earth.

Cloud Dancing tried to quickly find the herbs and leaves needed to make the tea that would relieve Mrs. Garcia's fever. He was disappointed to find that the surrounding area was void of the necessary items. He began to expand his search area. It had taken him longer then expected but he finally found what he need and headed back toward the Garcia's. It was almost dark and Cloud Dancing's skin prickled from the cold wind. He felt a strong need to hurry back. He hoped that Mrs. Garcia was alright. By the time he reached the cabin it was beginning to rain and the sky was dark.

There was a knock on the cabin door. Mr. Garica opened it cautiously. Then his eyes turned wide remembering that Cloud Dancing had promised to return. He ushered the indian inside out of the rain and led him to the bedroom where his wife lay peacefully holding the baby.

"I have come with your tea leaves. It will help you get better." Cloud Dancing explained.

"Gracias. I am already feeling better. Dr. Mike is good doctor." Eloisa said with a small smile.

"Yes, she is. Where is she?"

Eloisa explained, "She said she promised her son she would be home by dark. We told her to wait but she said she would be alright and make it home before the rain came. She said you would come. Gracias."

Cloud Dancing's brow furrowed. He had thought his feeling urgency was for Mrs. Garcia, but Eloisa was feeling better and seemed to be out of danger yet the desire to hurry still filled Cloud Dancing's mind. Were the spirits trying to warn him? He was unsettled to find that Michaela had already left. Seeing the look of concern on Cloud Dancing's face Eloisa asked, "Is everything alright? You don't think anything bad has happened to her do you?"

Cloud Dancing shook himself and said, "No, no. I was just thinking. I will take these leaves and show your husband how to make the tea." He gestured to Mr. Garica and they both went into the kitchen. Mr. Garica watched intently so as to learn exactly what needed to be done. When they were finished Mr. Garica beamed and brought his wife a cup of tea. The thunder clapped and startled everyone. Lightning lit up the small cabin. The baby started to cry. Eloisa comforted her daughter with a soft lullaby. Cloud Dancing looked out the window to see the rain coming fast and the wind blowing loudly.

"It is late. You can not travel home in this weather. It is bad now. You must stay here. I will have my husband make you bed in next room." Eloisa said.

Cloud Dancing nodded and smiled, "Thank you, that is very kind." But he was still troubled. Something didn't feel right. In the early morning hours Cloud Dancing tossed and turned. His vision was filled with falling, tumbling, darkness, panic... it was unclear and jumbled. Cloud Dancing sat up breathing hard trying to figure out what it was he had seen.