(No One's POV)

Over the next week, Elizabeth started to be in pain most of the time. She said it was mostly in her back and it was making it hard to walk. So, Jack carved a cane for her to use, so she could still get to the saloon to teach. By now, the whole town knew that Elizabeth had cancer. The students would make cards and adults would drop off meals at Abigail's.

"Yes Rosaleen?"

"If you're sick, why aren't you sneezing?"

"Well, I don't have a cold Rosaleen…" Elizabeth tried to think of the right words to explain cancer to the children. "Cancer, doesn't make me sneeze or cough. It's hurting my back right now, which is why Mounty Jack made me my cane."

Some of the students were raising their hands now. None of them even had a clue what cancer was.

"Emily?"

"Are you going to go be with the fathers that are gone?"

"Oh Emily," Elizabeth's eyes filled with tears as she looked around the room. "I'll be with the other fathers, yes. And I'll tell them how wonderful you all have been. In fact, I'll be watching over you all, right along with them. I try not to worry about it though, because I know God has a plan for me- for all of us."

"We'll miss you Ms. Thatcher." James stood up from his seat. "I'm really glad that you came to Coal Valley. You've made everybody happy again."

Soon enough, the class was standing up clapping for Miss Thatcher. Then everybody rushed to their favorite teacher and formed a group hug.

The next day, Elizabeth was writing a poem on the blackboard as her students watched. All of a sudden, Elizabeth collapsed on the ground. The students gasped in shock as Gabe Montgomery jumped up to take charge. "James, watch the class. I'm going to get Mounty Jack."

Gabe ran to Jack and found him sitting in the jail with Rip sleeping nearby. "Mounty Jack! Ms. Thatcher collapsed at school!"

Jack rose to his feet and grabbed his hat. "We have to get her home and in bed right away."

The two rushed back to the saloon as quickly as possible. Jack picked up Elizabeth and held her in his arms. "Gabe, James, thank you for being so responsible. Please make sure that the children get home safely."

"Will do Mounty Jack!"

Jack walked slowly, as not to disturb Elizabeth. She finally stirred when they were almost home. "Jack?"

"Elizabeth, I'm glad you're okay."

"I don't understand, what happened?"

"You fainted at the saloon. I'm taking you home now. I'll send for the doctor, but I think your days of teaching are unfortunately possibly over." Elizabeth had fallen back asleep before Jack finished his sentence. It was probably better that way. Jack didn't want to have to break the news to Elizabeth about not being able to teach anyway.

"Abigail! A little help here!"

Abigail popped out from the kitchen downstairs and realized the situation. Jack and Abigail helped Elizabeth into bed and Jack explained the story once the two were back downstairs.

"It's probably pointless to get the doctor, he'll tell us the same thing. She's just getting weaker. I'd say just bedrest and staying off of her feet."

"You can tell her that then. I know Elizabeth and she'll want to get fresh air."

"We can get a wheelchair for her once she gets some strength back, but for right now, bed."