Chapter 6: Concerned Community

Elizabeth put her face mask back on before she walked to the pharmacy. She hated the thing with a passion, but to be safe around others, Faith had highly recommended it for the next couple of weeks at least. Elizabeth took a deep breath and headed to the pharmacy to get her prescription filled.

Elizabeth straightened her skirt and pushed open the door. At the counter was Mei Sou, and even though she too wore a mask, Elizabeth could tell she was smiling underneath because that smile shone through her warm chocolate eyes as she greeted her. Elizabeth returned the smile even though it could not be seen. Just then, Mei tilted her head to the side with a questioning look in her eyes. Elizabeth pulled the first prescription that Faith had given her out of her purse and handed it to Mei Sou. Mei told Elizabeth that she'd be back in just a few moments. As she waited, Elizabeth walked around the small building. Mei came out with a small bag in hand. She instructed Elizabeth about the medication for her insomnia and the other for her headaches. As she passed the bag over to Elizabeth, before she took her own hands away, Mei took hold of Elizabeth's hands and looked into her eyes. They stood that way for a few moments before Mei spoke. "Elizabeth, I know that you have been through a horrible ordeal. Take time for yourself and allow yourself to feel every emotion as you go through it. This will get better," she spoke in a soft voice and squeezed Elizabeth's hands before she released them. Elizabeth simply nodded as she felt tears forming. She exited quickly before they started to flow.

When Elizabeth stepped out of the pharmacy, she walked around the corner to the side of the pharmacy and took down her mask and took in a few quick breaths as she brushed back tears that had escaped down her cheek. To calm herself, Elizabeth took a few big breaths, exhaled slowly and wiped her eyes with her handkerchief. When her breathing returned to normal, Elizabeth placed her mask back in place and started to make her way towards the cafe to fill her thermos of tea. Little did she know that Allie had seen her whole reaction from a distance. Allie stood for a moment from her spot at a distance, watching her teacher with a concerned look in her eyes.

Elizabeth walked into the cafe and straight to the counter. Minnie greeted her cheerfully. Elizabeth ordered some chamomile tea for her thermos and a cranberry-orange scone for her ride. "Breakfast for the road?" Minnie sweetly asked. Elizabeth nodded her head and shared that it was such a nice day that she was going to take Sargeant out and enjoy it. Minnie took Elizabeth's empty thermos to fill it. A few moments later, she returned with the thermos and the scone in a small bag. Not unlike Mei Sou, as Minnie handed the items over to Elizabeth, she grabbed Elizabeth's hands and gave them a little squeeze. "I'm glad to see you out and about and taking advantage of the beautiful day. Sunshine and fresh air are the best kinds of medicine! You have a beautiful day, Elizabeth, and take care!", she spoke, looking at her friend with utmost sincerity. Elizabeth squeezed her friend's hand back and thanked her, and then exited the cafe and let out a deep breath. Although she loved her community and friends dearly, she was so thankful that the social part of the day was over. Now, onto the livery to get Sargent and then the cemetery. On the way to the livery, Elizabeth took off the mask and put it away in her purse.

Elizabeth prepped Sergeant for the ride and then rode off, solely focused on what she was doing next. She wasn't aware that, as she rode away, Nathan was riding Newton into town on his morning rounds. He tried to wave at Elizabeth, but she wasn't aware of anyone or anything around her. Nathan shrugged and made his way to the livery. When he exited and was making his way towards the Mountie office, he saw Allie getting ready for the mail delivery on her bike. Allie not only waved, but motioned him over to where she was.

"Dad, have you seen Mrs. Thornton today? She just doesn't seem like she is doing OK. I saw her earlier after she left the pharmacy, and she seemed to be struggling to breathe and crying. I've never seen her like this before," Allie asked her father with an anxious tone in her voice. Even though Allie was wearing her mask, Nathan could see the look of concern that showed in her eyes.

Nathan looked right back at her and placed his hands on her shoulders. "I did see her as she left on Sergeant just now, but she didn't see me. Allie, remember, the Thorntons just suffered a terrible loss, one that possibly reminds Mrs. Thornton of when she lost her husband as well. That can't be easy on anyone. The best thing that we can do for them is to be there for them and love them in the little things that we can do for them," Nathan pulled Allie into a bear hug as she hugged back tightly. "I love you, Dad, and I'm so grateful for you in my life," Allie said softly as she clung to Nathan's serge for a brief moment. Nathan rested his chin on Allie's head and smiled, saying, "I love you too, Allie girl!". After a few minutes, Allie pulled back and smiled. Nathan wiped the tears that had strayed down her cheek with his thumb. They said their goodbyes and promised to see one another at home after work. Both placed their facial masks back on and went their separate ways.

On his way towards the Mountie office, he ran into Mei, who was just coming back from a run to the merchantile. She waved hello and then made her way over to him. They casually spoke for a few moments there on the boardwalk about their day. It was then that Mei brought up Elizabeth and how she was concerned about what she had seen in her eyes earlier. Nathan looked intently at Mei, asking her what she meant. Mei went on to explain that Elizabeth seemed to be somewhere else. Mei simply mentioned that she hoped that Elizabeth was allowing herself to deal with the grief that she may be experiencing. Nathan shook his head at the comment, and once the conversation ended, the two friends said goodbye.

As he was about to walk into the Mountie office, Faith came walking by. Nathan could tell that even though his friend looked well rested, there was more going on in those eyes behind the mask. He asked Faith how she was doing and if she was enjoying her day away from the makeshift hospital. She sighed and smiled, and he noticed a momentary sparkle returning to his friend's eyes. "It's been a good day for the most part. I got some rest, and I've seen some patients outside of the hospital. But... I am concerned, "she paused in her comment and looked intently at Nathan. "Nathan, normally I wouldn't share this at all, but I'm concerned about Elizabeth. I know you two are pretty close friends. Just keep checking in on her. I think she truly needs people right now, but I'm not sure if she will reach out or not. " Nathan nodded and touched her arm briefly, thanking her for informing him and for being not only a good doctor but also a good friend.

Nathan walked into the Mountie office, hung his hat, and took a seat. He needed to complete some paperwork first, and he resolved that he would ride out to the cemetery himself to check on his friend afterwards. That way, he could get this blasted paperwork done and Elizabeth would have some time to be alone in her own thoughts before he invaded that time.