It was going on 9 o'clock at night, and as sure as the sun came up in the morning, the summer storm broke with mighty furry. The rain was driving hard and the winds were high causing trees to bend and whip around. The lightening and thunder were constant.
Kitty and Doc sat with Walter and the owners of the stage stop, by the fireplace. The wind blowing across the chimney caused the fire to swirl and the long shadows cast on the walls behind them to dance.
"This will likely be the last storm this season." Walter drawled.
"Oh?" The comment caught Doc's attention.
"Yup. Normally we get two er three and then that's it til next year." Walter cut a piece of chewing tobacco off his plug and offered it to anyone who wanted it. There were no takers so he stuck the chunk into his own mouth and began to chew. "Ya gets to know these things when yer in the weather all the time. Wouldn't be a good driver if you got folks stuck out in the middle of nowhere."
Doc brushed his moustache with his left hand and returned his gaze to the fire. "Guess not."
Another crash of thunder hit close and the small building shook. The lightening was equally intense, so much so, one could almost read by the light.
"Anyone like more coffee?" Molly Williams, the stage stop's wife asked.
Walter stood and nodded and she obliged and poured some into the cup he held. "Any one else?"
"Not for me, Mrs Williams. It was fine coffee, though." Doc stood and stretched his back again.
"I bet this damp weather is bothering you, isn't it?" Kitty eyed the doctor.
"Sure is. Spent too much time on cold floors with no blankets. Miserable place..." he muttered and turned to the fire stretching his strong hands to the heat. Under his breath he continued, "I pray to God that no one else has to endure that kind of treatment..."
Kitty stood next to her old friend. "And what was that?"
"Huh? Doc look her in the eyes.
"What where you saying just now?" She wrapped her arm around his.
Doc shrugged. "I've told you already and I don't want to mention it again..."
Kitty sighed and tightened her hug. "No more cold floors, Doc. You know that." She leaned her head on his shoulder. "Thanks, honey. A reminder isn't such a bad thing from time to time." He pat her shoulder in reassurance. "Come on, let's try and get some sleep. If Matt sees us looking haggard and worn out, he'll never let us leave Dodge again!" Doc joked.
Kitty smiled. "I bet you're right. Night, Doc." She let him go and headed to the room off to the back of the cabin. "Night Kitty."
Doc turned and stared at the day bed. He scratched his temple and sighed. At least it looked less lumpy. He pulled at his string tie and unbuttoned the first button on his shirt before sitting on the bed. "Hum..." was all he could say at the moment. He slowly rolled back and pulled a wool blanket up over himself. "So much for a real bed..." He sighed again and his eye lids slid closed, despite the noise outside caused by the never ending storm. He longed for his bed in Dodge.