I'm going to be changing things coming up. I'm not letting people die.
Things were good for once. Money was coming in at a steady rate. Food had been decent, the stew tasting good for once.
Everybody was getting along. All except Micah of course but that was to be expected.
His relationship with John had improved, his friendship with Charles strengthening. Hosea and Dutch finally allowing him out of camp after nearly two weeks.
Only on hunting trips with Charles or supply runs into town. All accompanied of course. He wasn't to hunt anything bigger than a deer though or do any of the lifting.
A part of him was annoyed. He was going crazy, not a moment to himself. Truly to himself. Sure, he could be alone in camp but there was always someone nearby. He longed for the true solitude of his outings.
But he understood, he did almost die. They were worried. Besides, even with his energy returning and his wounds healing, his shoulder was still paining him. It would be a while until it stopped. If it ever did.
But small twinges of pain he can deal with. At least it wasn't aching like it was before.
The whole camp changed what they did, everyone finally realized how much Arthur did. The chores were assigned daily, kept a strict eye on by Grimshaw. She was apologetic, not knowing how hard she was working him.
Others were apologizing as well, for not doing their jobs or thanking him for all he did. He brushed it off. Not wanting the attention, though it felt nice to be thanked for his work.
People would now be after him about eating. Making sure he was drinking enough water. Some more than others. He didn't mind this; most would just bring him the food and leave him on his own. Some would sit silently with him, like Charles or Hosea. John or Dutch, sometimes Lenny, would sit and talk. They never expected replies. They knew he would listen but he preferred to stay silent.
With the food he ate and the forced bed rest he was healing quickly. He was bored though. He would read, write or draw. Play with Jack, sit with the girls while they worked. Play dominoes or cards. He was losing his mind. Even with the hunting trips. He needed action. But he thought it best to wait a little longer. Until he could stop wincing when his shoulder would twinge.
He knew his fathers noticed, still sending him worried glances. Slightly guilty ones in Dutch's case, despite his assurance all, was fine. His relationships with them had never been better. The camp had barely blinked when he started calling them Dad and Pa. The girls all cooed over it, even when he glared at them.
He had even heard John doing it a couple of times. They had finally started acting like brothers again. Arthur now noticing how much he had been missing John. Missed his family. Fishing with Hosea. Reading with Dutch. John would sit and draw with him like they used to, Arthur giving him pointers on how to improve.
He didn't always share what he drew. All three of them have seen some drawing. Not all of them. Even Charles had seen a few. Usually, the ones he did of animals. He knew people were curious, hell he would be too. Though he didn't let anyone read anything.
He was a man of few words, but he could write for hours. Where he would struggle to share his thoughts or feelings, he could easily write them out. Maybe because he knew his journal couldn't react. Couldn't hurt him. There were no repercussions to writing it.
He never had issues talking openly to Hosea. Somehow, he knew it was safe. Like no matter what he told Hosea, his Pa would still love him. Though he doubted Dutch would ever hate him, Hosea felt safer in a way. That's why he didn't hesitate to complain about his situation to Hosea but didn't breathe a word to Dutch.
Hosea took it all in stride, not telling Dutch either. He understood Arthur just need an outlet. He would go to Dutch if he really needed to. But it was more about just being heard than anything.
It had been close to a month. Arthur was clearly itching to rejoin the action. Sending glares Dutch's way every time he wasn't sent along. Anytime he said he was ready he was met with a 'soon' from Dutch. One day Arthur sends an exasperated look Hosea's way. He nods in response. Arthur's look turning grateful before retreating to his tent.
Hosea approaches Dutch, who is sitting on his cot reading. He looks up as Hosea enters. "Walk with me." Dutch's eyebrows raise but Hosea just turns and walks out, heading for the shore. He knows Dutch will follow. Once they're down by the water, out of earshot, he stops and turns to Dutch. "I know you know what this is about."
Dutch nods, looking slightly guilty. "I know. It's just-." Hosea cuts him off. "I know. You don't have to explain it to me. But he's healed. He has had no problems hunting. He's clearly eager to return to work."
Dutch nods again, gaze turning to the water behind Hosea. "Every time I close my eyes." He doesn't say more. He doesn't need to. Hosea sees the same thing. He doubts he will ever stop seeing it. "Me too." Dutch's gaze returns to Hosea. "Start small. Homesteads, reconnaissance. Maybe a stagecoach. Work up. Then you'll feel better about sending him back in after weeks away."
Dutch looks like he's thinking it over, brow furrowed, He hums, the sighs. "I guess so. If I don't give him something soon, he'll just go get something himself." Hosea agrees, an amused chuckle leaving his lips.
He waits a moment, hoping Dutch will talk to him. Lift some of the weight off his shoulders. Finally, after a few minutes of silence Dutch sighs, running a hand down his face. "I know he's more than capable and he's healed but…" He pauses, chewing on his bottom lip in worry. Something he would never do if it wasn't just the two of them. "I can't stop thinking about what he went through. About how much he worked before. I'm hesitant to let him fall back into that."
So is Hosea. Almost losing Arthur was incredibly hard. The fear, the guilt. He can't imagine how much worse Dutch feels, with him being the one to agree to the parlay. And with them returning to how they were at the beginning. The gap they were unaware of, closed. Neither of them wants it to reopen. "We'll make sure he doesn't. We'll tie him to his cot if we have to."
Dutch laughs at the statement, looking a bit less worried. "Alright, I'll send him out tomorrow. Though he's not going alone yet." Hosea shakes his head fondly, "Of course. Though I think he'll take whatever he can get right now." They spend some time just listening to the night before returning to camp.
The next day they are in front of Dutch's tent, studying a map. Trying to find a better place to go. Hosea sees Arthur nearby, and gives Dutch a look, heading to the table nearby. He feigns reading, but he's within earshot on purpose.
Dutch calls out after a minute. "Charles, Arthur? A moment?" Both make their way over, probably assuming they're being sent hunting again. "I have a job for you boys."
Hosea can see Arthur perk up; eyes excited. Dutch hands him a piece of paper. "I have some homesteads that are said to have some good takings. If you two could check them out. Bring us back whatever you find."
Arthur looks ready to run to his horse, he's practically bouncing. Charles has a small smile on his face, clearly enjoying Arthur's excitement. Dutch sends an amused glance to Hosea. He turns back to his map, "Be careful boys." Arthur's eyes are still glued to the paper, "Course, Dad." He turns and starts to his tent to prepare, Charles doing the same.
It doesn't take long before they are walking towards their horses, Arthur making a detour on the way. He stops before Hosea; he gives him such a happy look it makes Hosea smile wider. Glad to see his boy smile. "Thanks, Pa." Hosea gives him a fond look, "Just be careful." Arthur places his hand on Hosea's "I will." He gives it a squeeze before joining Charles at the hitching posts.
Hosea watches them until they both disappear into the trees. Of course, he will worry, he did even before. A part of him always will, but it is lessened knowing it's a simple job and he has Charles beside him. He trusts Mr. Smith to take care of his boy.
He makes his way back to Dutch's side, intent on distracting the man from his own worry.