Next day at the infirmary
Elizabeth? Abigail said
(As I felt her hand on my shoulder, trying to rouse me. As I, wake up.) (I blinked sleepily.) What happened? Where am I? Elizabeth said
you're In the infirmary. Faith's voice said as she come in the door
I reached my hand to my head, feeling a faint throbbing pain in my temples. I most've hit my head when I fell. Elizabeth though. As the memory of the night hit her Suddenly knocking the break out of her chest. "Jack," Elizabeth said croaked
What is it, Elizabeth? Abigail said took my hand in hers
He's gone, isn't he? (Abigail look confused) "That Mountie. He was coming to tell me that jack..." my voice trailed off, I was unable to finish the thought. " it was exactly like the nightmare. The fog, the darkness, the gravel digging into my knees." Tears threatened to spill over her eyelids as she thought about the news that the Mountie had been bringing to me. I sawallowed a sob. How could he really be gone? Jack. My jack. My husband. The room spun. Elizabeth said croaked as she sat up and reached for the bowl sitting on the table beside the bed and emptied the contents of her stomach into it.
Faith rushed over, and handing Elizabeth a glass of water.
Elizabeth took small sips in between sobs. As darkness began to close in on me once more. Abigail took the glass from me. Something almost inaudibly- just as consciousness left me.
Tree days later in the infirmary in morning
The sun was streaming in the windows of the infirmary when I awake in the morning. My eyes felt puffy from crying. The throbbing in my head had intensified. Abigail still sat beside the bed had also fell asleep too.
Oh, thank goodness you're awake, Elizabeth. "You're been in and out for a for a few days." Abigail said
I carefully sat up in the bed, holding my hand to my head. Days? Elizabeth said
Abigail nodded. "Before you said anything else, you need to know something." A smile crept onto her face. "You were wrong about the Mountie came to town. Jack is fine." Abigail said
"Jack is... alive? Elizabeth said
"Yes. The Mountie was just stopped in town on his way to his new posting. He left the morning after we brought you here." Abigail pulled an envelope from fer pocket "he did bring something for you, though." Abigail said
Elizabeth took the envelope from her. I immediately recognized the handwriting; it was from jack. I quickly pulled the sheet of paper from the envelope. I ran my finger over the page, savoring his words. He reassured me that he was fine and would be home soon. " I just... I can't believe he's really okay. I don't think I'll believe it until he's here with me." Elizabeth said
Well, that day should come soon. Abigail said
"Not soon enough." I read over note in silence a few more time. I could hear his voice, almost as if he were beside me reading the words on the page. Elizabeth said
"Faith stepped around the curtain." Elizabeth, now that you're fully awake, I think you should try to eat something, build your strength up. Faith said "set down a tray on the table beside me.
Faith? Do you think I can go back home today? Elizabeth said nibbled on a piece of toast
I don't see why not. Let me check with Carlson when he gets back, though. Faith said
Thank you, faith. Elizabeth said "faith smiled and nodded before walking away"
"I took a bite of eggs and immediately regretted it. I reached for the empty bowl on the table once more." Elizabeth, are you sure you're feeling okay? Abigail said "as she handed me the glass of water from the tray."
"I took a sip." Yes, I'm fine I've been a little sick to my stomach for a few days. I think it's just because I'm worried about jack. Elizabeth said "took another sip."
So, you've been feeling nauseated, you've been tired, and you've been headaches. Are you sure you aren't...? Abigail said "as she put her on mine."
My eyes grew wide as I realized what she was suggesting. Could I be? I started counting on my fingers. It was definitely possible. I placed my hands on my stomach, as my thoughts swirling in my mind Elizabeth said
Abigail stood up as the door of the infirmary opens
Elizabeth, it's good to see you're awake. How are you feeling? Carlson said "standing beside the bed"
To tell you the truth, I'm feeling a little freaked out. Elizabeth said
Why is that? Carlson said
Well, Abigail was just suggesting that I might be... Um... that I might be having a baby. Elizabeth said
"He instructed me to lay back on the bed. He learned down and began examining my abdomen." As he said What are your symptoms? Carlson said
I've been feeling sick for a week or so, since before that night when I collapsed, and I've been more tired than normal. Oh, and I've been having headaches. Elizabeth said
"He placed his hand against my forehead." You don't have a fever, so it's probably not anything serious. It could just be stress, or... Carlson said as he trailed off as he checked my pulse.
Or what? Elizabeth said
"He stood up straight." Or you could be pregnant. Now, I can't tell you definitely if you are or not at this point, but I think it's very likely given your symptoms and the timing of their onset. Congratulations, Elizabeth. Carlson said
I placed my hand on my stomach again. The thought of there being a baby in there - my baby, Jack's baby-made the corners of my mouth turn up. As my eyes filled with tears once more. Not really being sure where jack was. And if I would have to rains baby on my own made me scared. Carlson had only agreed to let me return home after I promised to take it easy for a few days. Sometime later at home as the day progressed, I became more and more convinced that I most be pregnant. Little, unexplainable occurrences that had happened over the past few weeks suddenly made sense the turning of my stomach at different smells, the headache that struck almost daily, the sudden dizziness when I was teaching. The next day was a Friday. It had been five days since the Mountie had ridden into town and I ended up in the infirmary. Though I was feeling significantly better- especially now that I know many of my symptoms were due to the tiny baby growing inside me I decided to take another day to recuperate. I would return to the school the following Monday, after a few more days of rest. Elizabeth said
Meanwhile at the school
All right. Everyone, settle in. It's time to start your math lesson. All right. So, your math lesson today is all on long division. Now, the first problem we need to solve is... oh... goodness. There are a lot of... problems up here, aren't there? Rosemary said
I think it's too many. Anna said
It's gonna take us all day. Corey said
Mrs. Thorsten never gave us this many. Robert said
And you didn't leave enough room for us to work through the answers. Holly said
Who wants to sing a song? (The entire class raises their hand) (laughs) Me . Rosemary said
On Friday night. In a hospital in another part of the county. A nurse was checking on her patients.
Any word on there identity John doe yet? A doctor said as he came in
No doctor. None so far. And he still hasn't awakened from the coma. He could have family somewhere searching for him, but we have no idea who to send word too. The nurse shook her head sadly is she said
We know he's a Mountie, isn't that correct? The doctor asked
Well, yes sir, but we don't know which town or his commander is. The nurse replied
Hmmm. Well, Be sure that you keep me posted, Nurse Bridgett. The doctor said
Well do, Dr. Casey. Nurse Bridget said As the doctor check the Mountie's vitals and then left the room.
Meanwhile in Valley Spring at the county house
Thank you again for inviting me. Elizabeth said
You don't have to think us. You're welcome here anytime. Rosemary said
Anytime. And we mean that. Lee said
Well, dig in while it's hot. I thought perhaps we could meet tomorrow morning, before school. I could go over some of the lessons I've been teaching the children. Rosemary said
Good idea. I hope the students haven't been too much trouble. Elizabeth said
Oh, no. The children have been the highlight of my day. They've been absolute angels. Rosemary said (lee laughing)
What? Rosemary said
Sweetheart, you are a doll, but... you're a terrible liar! Terrible liar! Lee said
It's all right. I know they can be a handful sometimes. Elizabeth said
It's true, at times, they have tried my patience, but there is a reason for that. I'm not you. Is there something wrong with the food? Rosemary said
No, I'm so sorry, I just... haven't had much of an appetite lately. Elizabeth said
It'll tell you what. I'll put your plate in the oven, keep it warm, in case you get hungry later. Rosemary said
Meanwhile at the cafe
Abigail? Bill said
Oh... bill. I didn't hear you come in. Abigail said
The front door was open. Bill said
You're up late. Are you doing rounds? Abigail said
Doing anything I can not to... think. Bill said
I know. Abigail said
Young man aren't supposed to die. And when they do, even as jack did as a hero... I don't know, Abigail. Can't make sense of it. Bill said
This town has certainly seen its share of tragedy. Abigail said
(Choking up) He was like a son to me. I never told him that. I wish I had. Bill said
He knew. Abigail said
I hope so. (Grunts) mm! You know , we're taught as Mountie not to show pain. My old instructor said it upsets the civilians. Bill said
Well you're not among Mounties now. Abigail said
I should go. Bill said
Stay. Abigail said
The next day back at the hospital in the other location, Nurse Bridget was checking her patient. They still no identification of the man yet. As she was about to leave to finish her rounds, she noticed her patient beginning to move a little. She called the doctor .
What is it, nurse Bridgett? Dr. Casey. said
Well, I believe our John Doe trying to wake up. The Nurse said
"The doctor checked the vitals and watched as the young man twitched." I believe you are right but it may take a while. Dr. Casey said
I wonder if he'll remember anything once he wakes up. Nurse Bridget said
We can only hope. You can go and finish your rounds and I'll finish up the paperwork. I'll keep an eye on the patient. Dr. Casey said
"The nurse nodded and headed out of the room but before she even got in the door, the doctor called her back she turned around to see that the Mountie eyes had popped open and he was looking around frantically."
Sir, I'm nurse Bridget this is Doc Casey. You've been in a coma your are at the hospital in Santa Clarita. Nurse Bridget said "The Mountie just stared at the pair for a moment, trying to shake the cobwebs from his brain. Then they he heard him try to speak in voice harsh from lack of use. He spoke only one word"
E-Elizabeth? Jack said
"The doctor and nurse rushed over to young man"
Sir, do you know who you are? Nurse Bridget said
Can you tell us your name and where are your from? Dr. Casey said
"The man slowly looked up at them" J...Jack Th-Thorsten. From... Valley... Spring. Mountie. Where's... Elizabeth? I... want... my wife. Jack said
"The nurse eyes widened as she pulled the doctor aside" Doctor! That can't be Jack Thorsten! Jack Thorsten was killed A month and a half ago in a mudslide. Nurse Bridgett said
How was that man Identified as constable Thorsten? Dr. Casey said
Well, the man was unrecognizable, Sir. He was identified, by The identification found near him sir. There was one other man who went missing. I was sure this was that man. Nurse Bridgett said
Well, with a mudslide, it's quite possible the identification tag or badge was separated from Constable Thorsten during the impact. Dr. Casey said
We checked this young man's pocket's but all we had to go on was a picture hidden in his breast pocket. It was of a young woman we assumed to be his wife or sweetheart. It didn't offer us a single clue. Nurse Bridgett said
However, we can show him the picture and ask him who we contact. Dr. Casey said
"Nurse Bennett shrugged her shoulders as both of them together to talk to him in the room"
That afternoon back in Valley Spring at the schoolhouse
It's time for language studies... Corey, Emily, Timmy, Holly, et cetera . Oh! Does anyone know what "et cetera" means? Rosemary said
And so on? Holly said
Yes! It's Latin for "and so on." Oh! Here is one of my favorite Latin phrases... It's pronounced Carpe... diem. Does anyone know what that means? Rosemary said
It sounds like what I had for dinner last night. Robert said
Well, I can assure you that it isn't. It means " seize the day." Opal? What do you do to make the most of your day? Rosemary said
Nothing. Opal said
Well, what makes you happy? Full of life? All right, everyone. Take out your textbooks and review the rest of your Latin vocabulary words. Opal? Are you all right? Rosemary said
Yes. Opal said
Are you sure? You don't seem like your regular self. You haven't said a word all day. Rosemary said
That's because I don't have anything to say. Opal said
Well, in my experience, there's always something to say. Well, if you want to talk about anything, you know you can tell me, right? Rosemary said
Latter that afternoon Lee office's (door opens)
Hi, sweetheart. How was your day? Lee said
Ugh! It's like the whole world has just been turned upside-down. Rosemary said
Why? What's wrong? Lee said
It must be horrible for people who experience this all the time. Rosemary said
Experience what, exactly? Lee said
Failure. Which is me as a teacher. Rosemary said
Failure? You? No. Impossible. Lee said
I am doing an adequate job, but, to me, that might as well be failing. Rosemary said
Only you would see that as a failure. Lee said
Lee! Imagine a Broadway review that said I was an "adequate" actress? (scoffs) I might've never worked again! Rosemary said
Mm-hmm... Lee said
I just can't help but feel like I'm not completely reacting the children. It's like they're there, but they're not really... there. Lee really?
Uh... I'm sorry, sweetheart. Look. (sighting) I'm sure it's not you. It's just... everything that's happened. Lee said
I know. Well, I suppose I should go. You obviously have a lot of work to do. Rosemary said
No, no. Wait. Hold on. I'm sorry. Come here. I want you to stay. I'm sorry. Lee said
I just miss him so much. Rosemary said
Me too. He's one of the best friends I've ever had. You know... maybe the kids need something to take their minds off all this. Lee said
Like what? Rosemary said
I don't know. Working with your hands is good for that. There's a lot of scrap lumber around the sawmill. Maybe they could make stuff. Lee said
Like... birdhouses or doll houses. Rosemary said
Or train engines or ships. Lee said
Yes! Lee! This is brilliant! Rosemary said
Okay! Lee said
And the change of scenery would do them good. Tomorrow, we're spending the day at the sawmill! Rosemary said
Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold on. Just a second. Um, pack of kids running around a sawmill? Lee said
Fair enough. But? Rosemary said
Okay, let's see. Um... We'll do it at the livery. And I'll have one of my men come to help out. Lee said
Oh, ho, ho. Lee! This will certainly brighten their spirits. Thank you! Rosemary said (giggling)
Okay. I'm glad I could help. (Door opens and shuts) what was I doing? Lee said
The next day
Where are we going, mrs. County? Robert said
Aren't we supposed to be in school? Emily said
Well, instead of working with our brains today, we are going to be working with our hands. Well, hopefully, both. Brains and hands that is. Not both hands. Although... (chuckles) That, too, I suppose. Follow me. Everyone! Here you are, woodworkers. Oh... Martin? Are you the worker Lee sent to help us? Rosemary said
I, uh, volunteered. Martin said
We're going to make stuff with wood Corey said
Yes, we are. Whatever you want. Rosemary said
I'd like to make something for Mrs. Thorsten. Corey said
Me too. Emily said
We could make it together. Corey said
We could all work on it together. Robert said
That is a wonderful idea! What should we make? Rosemary said
A box to hold flowers? Emily said
Well... think a little bigger than that. Rosemary said
A gazebo? Robert said
(All laughing)
Let's think a little bit smaller. Rosemary said
Hmm. Robert said
How about you have a look at the raw material, and then you can make a decision about what you want to make? Martin said
Yes. Uh... very good. All right! You heard him! Take a look. Put on your thinking caps, and let's com up with some ideas. Rosemary said
Okay, careful of the saws and whatnot. They're sharp, and don't get any splinters, or anything. Martin said
Opal? Don't you want to share your ideas about what to make for mrs Thorsten? Rosemary said
I don't have any ideas. Opal said
Oh, sweetheart. Rosemary said
Some time later At lunch time
We need to make something for Mrs Thorsten that'll make her feel better. Emily said
But what are we gonna make out of wood scraps? Robert said
I have an idea. Corey said
All right! Break's over. Come on in. Martin said
Meanwhile at Elizabeth's house (knocking)
May I talk to you for a minute? Rosemary said
Sure. Come in. Who's watching the children? Elizabeth said
Martin Gowen. Rosemary said
Gowen? Elizabeth said
(Stammers) Its a long story. Listen, I hate to burden you with anything- - especially... at a time like this. I just don't know where else to turn. Rosemary said
Rosemary, what is it? Elizabeth said
It's our dear little opal. Rosemary said
What's happened to her? Elizabeth said
No. She's fine. Physically. She's just because unusually quiet. Rosemary said
Mm. Something did seem to be bothering her the other day. Sometimes, she gets quiet when the work is too hard, or if she's concerned about a test, or- - Elizabeth said
I haven't told the children about any upcoming tests. Frankly, the only person in over their head is me. Rosemary said
I'll talk to her. Elizabeth said
Would you? Only if you're up for it. Rosemary said
I am, of course. Elizabeth said
Thank you. Rosemary said
A few minutes later at the livery.
That looks great, Emily! Rosemary said
Thanks! Emily said
None of this scrap wood's gonna work. Robert said
We need a big, flat piece. Corey said
Like this? Martin said
Whoa! Robert said
Mr. County gave these to you for free. Some for practice, and one for use. Martin said
They're perfect! Corey said
That's my Lee. Rosemary said
Well, he's just happy to help. All right . Come on in, everybody. I'm gonna show you how to use a chisel. First of all, we're gonna do it safely. Martin said
Opal, Would you take a little walk with me? Have a seat, opal. I just have to grab something in the back. Rosemary said
Opal... hi! Elizabeth said
Hi. Opal said
How are you doing? Elizabeth said
Okay. Opal said
You know, Mrs. county says you haven't been saying much in class. Elizabeth said
I don't have anything to say. Opal said
Do you know what I know about you? Elizabeth said
What? Opal said
That, when you don't talk, it's usually means that you have a lot to say, but you're keeping it all bottled up inside that little body of yours. Is that what's happening now? Elizabeth said
Maybe. Opal said
Thank you could share with me what it is you're not saying? Elizabeth said
I'm mad at myself. Opal said
Mad at yourself? Why? Elizabeth said
I never got a chance to say "thank you" to Mountie jack. Opal said
Thank him for what? Elizabeth said
For saying my life. In the fire... before the wedding. Opal said
(Sighing deeply) sweetheart... he know how grateful you were. Elizabeth said
Are you sure? Opal said
Oh. I'm very sure. Did you know that Mountie jack saved my life? In the mine. It was collapsing and... And, just like you, he swept me up in his arms and he saved me. Elizabeth said
He was the best Mountie ever. Opal said
Yes, he was. But you know what this means, now, don't you? Elizabeth said
What? Opal said
That, now, for the rest of our lives, you and I have something in common. Mountie jack saved us both. Elizabeth said
And we'll thank him in our prayers. Opal said
Every night. Elizabeth said
That night at the cafe
You look like you could use a strong cup of tea. Abigail said
Oh, a strong cup of something. Rosemary said
(Chuckles) oh, teaching can be exhausting. Abigail said
(The cafe door opens)
Elizabeth. Abigail said
Just the two people I wanted to see. Elizabeth said
Well, I wanted to see you as well. Whatever you said to Opal worked. She's back to her old self again. Rosemary said
Oh, good. Elizabeth said
How are you feeling? Abigail said
Rosemary... I want thank you for everything, but as of this moment, I relieve you of your duties. I'm ready to teach again. Elizabeth said
Well, you won't have any argument from me. Rosemary said
Elizabeth, are you sure? Abigail said
More than sure. Elizabeth said
Well, the children have missed you very much. Rosemary said
And I've missed then, too, which is why, starting tomorrow morning, I will be back in the classroom. Elizabeth said
You have no idea how happy we are to hear you say that. Abigail said
The next day
Aside from these five, New York, London, Paris, Sam Francis, Rome can anyone think of any other? Opal. Elizabeth said
Chicago? Opal said
Good one. Chicago. You know, it's believed that Chicago was name after a wild onion that grows along the river there. Elizabeth said
My dad said Chicago burned down. Is that true? Robert said
It is, in the great fire of 1871. Elizabeth said
What happened? Timmy said
Well, it's believed that the fire started at a farm outside of town, and many of the buildings were made of wood, so the fire spread quickly. Elizabeth said
What did they do? Emily and Holly said
There's a lesson there. That even on our darkest days, if we help each other, we can overcome anything. Elizabeth said
We're glad you're back, mrs. Thorsten. Opal said
Thank you, opal. So am I. Elizabeth said
Afternoon at the cafe
So how did it feel to be back in the classroom? Abigail said
It was actually just what I needed. Elizabeth said
Corey said all the children were on their best behavior. Abigail said
Oh... what a wonderful thing they did, naming the school after Jack. Elizabeth said
They loved him so. We all did. More tea? Abigail said
Mm-mm. I should be getting home. I already have papers to grade. Elizabeth said
Before you go, we have a little gift for you. Abigail said
"We"? Ladies! Elizabeth said
We made this... for you. Molly said
All of us worked on a section. Clara said
(Gasps) oh... it's so beautiful. Elizabeth said
We want you to know you're always wrapped in love. Abigail said
You're our family, Elizabeth. Clara said
You're my family, too. And that is such a blessing. Elizabeth said
The next afternoon
Elizabeth approach the cafe after school, fuming. She had just gone past the Mercantile and found that she had a telegram.
Abigail Elizabeth said (called out as she come into the cafe)
(As Her friend came running into the room) "Elizabeth's, What's wrong? Abigail said
I just got a telegram from my father! He said that he and mother are worried about me being alone with a new baby! Elizabeth said
Elizabeth, they are your parents. It's their job to worry. Abigail said
That's not what's making me angry, Abigail! Here, read this! Elizabeth said
"Abigail took the telegram and quickly read it to herself. Then she looked at Elizabeth in shock." They want you to leave Valley Springs. Abigail said
Yes! Abigail, what should I do? I've tried over and over to get them to see why I need to stay in Valley Springs! If I don't go back, They are going to come to Valley Springs and force me to go back! You read the telegram! Abigail, this is where Jack is! I need teach the children to keep busy. I want to raise my child in Valley Springs where my support system is. If we go back to Hamilton, we'll be thrown into Society going to meaningless social engagements and party to keep up appearances. I don't want that life for me Or my baby! And in the last letter I had from my mother, she was talking about finding me a husband who can be a good provider for me and the baby! I don't need or want anything man! I had the perfect one for me. Why can't my parents understand that?! Elizabeth said
(Once Elizabeth finished venting, She hugged her friend before making the younger women look at her.) Elizabeth Thorsten, if I know you, and I do, nobody can make you anything you don't want to do. You brought your parents around about you and Jack getting married. You got them to let you come here and stay here. I have no doubt you'll be able to make them see things your way about this too. We will ALL support you. Abigail said
Thanks, Abigail. Elizabeth said softly
Anytime. Now come help me with supper. Abigail said (as the women a small smile as they whit into the kitchen)
Back in the hospital
Sir, do you remember what happened to you to put you in the hospital? The doctor said
(Jack thought for a moment) Well, The last thing I remember was waking up here. Before that, I remember seeing the mountain crumble and mud coming at us very fast. I tried to get my men out of the way... and then it's just blank. When can I see my wife? Jack said
Well, first off is this your? The doctor asked (as he showing the picture to him.)
Yes. That's my Elizabeth, Is She here? Can you bring her into me? I need to see her. Jack said (with a soft look on his face and a shaky voice)
(The doctor look at the nurses they looked at each other for a moment.) Constable, we don't really know how to tell you this, but you have been in a come for A month and a half. We didn't know who you were this whole time and we had no way to find out. Sadly, your family and friends believe you're dead. We are going to call your hometown and get someone to confirm your Identity. Nurse Bridgett said
You are also in no condition to travel alone. Who would be the best person for us to contact? Dr. Casey said
What?! "M-my wife, My family, my entire town thinks I'm DEAD? How is that possible?! Jack said
Well, we found a man who was hurt beyond recognition. We found your badge lying next to him. We believe now that it fell off the you somehow and then you were thrown when the impact hit. Dr. Casey said
Well, you asked who to contact. Bill Avenue in Valley Springs. He will know how to break the news to my wife, and he'll be able to confirm my Identity. Jack said
We'll take care of that Imediately. Are you in any pain? Do you need anything? Nurse Bridgett said (Jack just shook his head)
(Once he was alone in the room, he let the tears fall. His poor Elizabeth. His poor family, poor friends. Jack know he really wasn't at fault in this. He had been in a coma. He'd had no say in the matter. He still felt guilty for what his wife and loved ones had through, though.)