*Just a note: I've researched this extensively before I wrote it so that it would be as realistic as possible. I'm not the type of writer that writes about things that are implausible*

Early the next morning, Matt left to make rounds as Kitty put on a fresh pot of coffee. Doc and Newly kept a silent vigil over Festus, who had shown some improvement though out the night.

As Doc checked Festus pulse against his watch, he yawned.

"Why don't you get some rest Doc," Kitty said worriedly. "Newly's here, he can keep an eye on Festus."

"No," Doc said swiping at his mustache. "I think I'll just get some fresh air."

Kitty nodded as the old doctor stepped out onto the porch.

The sun was just beginning to rise and Doc realized this was a moment that was to few and far between.

A bright light caught his attention as a shooting star streaked across the predawn sky and the old doctor closed his eyes and made a silent wish.

But his silent reflection was interrupted by a scream Kitty.

"Doc!" Kitty yelled from inside Doc's office.

Doc turned and went back inside, what he saw made his heart drop.

Newly standing at Festus side holding his head back as the hill man struggled for air. "I can't keep the airway open," Newly said looking at the doctor. "His lungs have filled back up!"

This was the moment Doc dreaded, his next decision could mean life or death for his most dearest friend.

But Doc didn't hesitate, he wasn't going to let Festus go without a fight. "Newly," he said reaching into his black bag. "Get some either."

"Either?" Newly questioned at a loss as to what Doc had planned.

"Yes hurry," Doc said taking out a scalpel from his bag. Looking around his office, his trained medical eyes settled on an old stethoscope that he no longer had a need for.

Taking it apart, he took the tubing and returned to the table. "Just a little Newly," Doc said watching the younger man place the mask over Festus nose and mouth. "You just want to give him enough to slow his respiration."

Newly nodded in understanding as he tipped the bottle up and released a few drops into the mask.

"What are you going to do Doc?" Kitty asked looking more worried now then she had throughout the entire ordeal.

"Something I've only seen done in the big hospitals Kitty," Doc replied intently cleaning his scalpel with alcohol.

"Alright Newly," Doc said watching Festus respiration for a moment. "I think that's enough for now."

Kitty's eyes made contact with Doc's, and she smiled encouragingly.

"I'm going to make an incision between the ribs," Doc said pouring the antiseptic over Festus torso. "Then I'm going to insert this tube directly into the lung."

"Which will keep the fluid draining constantly," Newly finished as Doc nodded in agreement.

"Kitty," Doc said looking over at the red headed beauty. "I'll need to suture this in place."

Kitty nodded as she retrieved a needle and thread from Doc's bag.

"This is our last resort," Doc said making the cut. "If this doesn't work..."

"It'll work Doc," Kitty replied eagerly! "It just has to!"

Doc nodded at Kitty as he started the incision, he had to push any thoughts of apprehension to the back of his mind. Nothing would stop him from trying to save the simple man that they had all come to respect and call friend.

After making the incision as deep as he needed, Doc clamped off the end of the tube that would drain into the basin. Feeding the other end into the incision, he worked deftly to open, attach and suture the tube into Festus lung. Once he was satisfied it was in place, he sutured the incision around the tube that now protruded from Festus side.

"How's he doing?" Doc asked making eye contact with Newly.

"Heart rate's rapid, breathing is shallow," Newly replied taking the stethoscope away from his ears.

Doc didn't need to hear what Newly was thinking, the thought was already in his mind, if this didn't work to help Festus recover, it wouldn't be much longer before the hill man succumbed to the pneumonia.

Saying a silent prayer, Doc unclamped the tube and watch as a tiny trickle of fluid started to appear in the basin.

"That did it," Doc said quietly wiping quickly at his eyes as moisture threatened to cloud his sight.

"Now I'll do the other side," he said looking at Newly's broad smile. "Just keep an eye on his respiration for me."

"Yes sir," Newly replied taking up the stethoscope.

"He's got a real chance now Kitty," Doc said with a wiry smile.

"I knew you could do it Doc," Kitty replied returning the smile.