The doctor stood next to Mary over Jack's bed. He sighed and shrugged, "Well, I frankly can't tell what's wrong with you. Your pain patterns don't make any sense. But I can certainly put your mind to rest on that you don't have any internal injuries. I'd swear, if it wasn't for the fact that you don't have a scratch on you, that you had fallen down a cliff or something."
Mary pleaded with the doctor, "Isn't there anything you can do for Jack? He's in such horrible pain."
"I'm fine, I can grin and bare it." Jack said resentfully.
The doctor turned around and rummaged through his black bag full of medicines and such that he brought with him. "This is why I don't normally make house calls." He mumbled to himself, "Now where is it? Oh wait, here it is!" The doctor turned to face Jack holding a small bottle of pills. "This is some industrial strength pain reliever. You are mighty sore, so I figure something strong. You'll probably fall asleep soon after taking it, but that's a good thing since you could use sleep in your condition.
"This is a very powerful drug, so you need to take it carefully or you might become addicted to it. Take three now, two this night and two the next morning. Then a single pill twice daily till you run out. That should make you back as good as new."
Mary took the bottle out of the doctors hand, "So you think Jack will be alright?"
"He'll be fine, just out of it for a little while. No heavy labor either for at least a week. That means no farming Jack."
"Well, I haven't exactly had much time lately to take care of the farm, with all the murders and stuff," admitted Jack, "The whole thing is starting to be overrun by weeds. But it's almost harvest time for some of my crops, and they are still in good enough shape that I can sell them. I can't just let the rot on the vine."
"I'll do it Jack. Not to worry."
"Mary, please, you're already doing so much."
"Jack's absolutely right, the last thing you want is for dirt to get into that stitching job I did on your face. It could get infected, and that will make a nasty mess of your face."
"But I-"
"But nothing. You heard the doctor. It would be a very bad idea to risk ruining that beautiful face of yours."
Mary blushed, "Oh, I'm not beautiful."
"Oh yes you are my love. You are the most beautiful lady in all of the town, and we are soon to be wed." Jack meant it with all of his heart.
Mary knew he was lying. She'd gone her whole life being told by her mother how ugly she was, how she wasn't worth anything. But, it still made her feel good inside to be told she was beautiful, even if she knew it was a lie. Jack was so sweet to her; how could she not help him out in his time of need? She'd harvest his crops for him, even if she had to do it in secret. "Oh yes, what about our wedding? I can't wait for you and me to become we."
"I don't know. I hope we can get married as soon as possible. I want to have you by my side forever."
The doctor cleared his throat, "I'm sorry, but I really don't think Jack or you should be going anywhere soon. You're going to have to postpone your marriage for a little while now. At least not for a week should either of you be doing anything really much at all. Now I think I'm being nice for not making you two have to stay in the hospital while you heal, but I expect you to take care of yourself while you are at home. I want you to follow my orders."
A sly smile crossed Mary's face as the beginnings of a plan began to form in her mind, "Alright. I won't let Jack leave the house until he's all better."
"Good. Well, I have to go now." The doctor pointed at the bottle of medicine in Mary's hand, "Remember, give him three pills now. Two tonight and in the morning. One twice a day after that until they are gone. Now," he bent down to pick up his medicine bag, "I bid you all farewell."
Mary waited for the doctor to leave before retrieving a glass of water. "Now Jack, be a good little boy, and take your medicine now."
"I am so not sick. I'm fine. I don't need any medicine. Just a little rest."
Mary gave him the sweetest baby eyes she could muster up, "Please? For little old me?"
Jack grinned, "That's not fair. How am I supposed to refuse such a cute little face like yours? Alright." He took the three pills and swallowed them with a swill of water. His face grimiced in disgust.
Mary gently hugged Jack, "That's my darling. Now, you get some good rest. I'll just be out patroling the city, so don't you worry none at all."
Jack nodded contently as Mary wrapped him up in the blankets. She was so kind, sweet and beautiful. A more wonderful wife he could never hope to have.