CHAPTER 10:

"We've got no more medicine..." Olive spoke as she mopped Michaela's forehead with the help of Grace who had also brought food. Charlotte and Colleen tried to ventilate her as she sweated profusely, the flu paralyzing her entire body.

Sully sighed in concern, his eyes fixed on the young woman. He felt paralyzed. Paralyzed by the fear of losing her. Michaela had exhausted herself completely healing the city and he found it amazing. He had never seen her in action and yes… she was an excellent doctor.

But now she was sick… So, with a rush, Sully walked into the room and passed through the middle of the four chairs that had been set up for Colleen, Charlotte, Olive and Grace. He could see Loren's sister watching him with a frown as he crouched next to Michaela, beside the bed. He watched her as she kept her eyes closed, moaning in distress, lying on her back, a simple camisole covering her.

"Sully! Olive exclaimed as she rose from her chair, not understanding why her late niece's ex-husband was even present in the room.

The last time she had seen Sully was shortly after Abigail's death. Then, every time she came back to town, it seemed like he was always away. And now he was there, in the boarding house. She had noticed him today when he was arguing with Doctor Mike about the drugs. He too had come to help the young woman deal with the epidemic. She had been very surprised by his appearance as she had trouble recognizing him. He looked so different...

When she had returned to town with this sick man, she had not thought that it would be so serious and especially that it would create such a mess in the city. When she learned that Michaela Quinn was the new town doctor, she laughed. Although she largely regretted her reaction after seeing her save an entire town. She suspected that she was still not accepted by most Colorado Springs residents, but she had to admit that her rise was still impressive. She was a Boston woman with a strong character whose manners must have upset more than one where she came from.

She had also learned that Maud, Loren's wife and therefore her sister-in-law, had recently died. And she had been so sorry about that… She had understood that Loren had not wanted Maud to be examined by Michaela, and, deep down, she was angry with him. But she would never tell him.

But now Michaela was in danger. She was sick and she had used all the drugs to save the others… And, as she now looked at Sully squatting next to Michaela, she had risen to protest his presence, but Charlotte had put a hand on her arm to hold her.

"Michaela… Can you hear me? Honey…" Sully begged as he grabbed one of her shaking hands.

"Sully…" she moaned, her eyes still closed.

Sully lowered his head, his heart dropping in grief. Then, suddenly, an idea comes to his mind. He stood up, put his arms under his lover and lifted her off the bed, her hair flying around her. Immediately, he heard gasps and cries of protest coming from behind him. But he did not stop. He quickly left the room, Michaela still in his arms, her head resting on his chest.

And now, as he watched his friend Cloud Dancing prepare a lean-to with Michaela in the middle, he realized that he did not really remember what he did after dragging his lover out of the bedroom. He mostly remembered the women chasing him to the porch and yelling at him to take Michaela back to her room. But he had not listened to them, he had mounted his horse with Michaela in front of him and had gone to the Cheyenne.

Sully knelt by the lean-to and watched Cloud Dancing perform a healing ritual. He administered the famous plant infusion and Sully inhaled in fear. Everything would be fine. He knew it. Even when he asked his friend if she was going to live and he did not give him the answer he was hoping for.

He had then carried Michaela back to Colorado Springs, still moaning weakly in his arms. He had returned to the completely deserted city while everyone was resting at home after their harsh adventures that the epidemic had caused. Then he brought Michaela back to her room under the eyes of the three women and three children who were all waiting in the living room. He had the right to a "Hm. She doesn't look any worse." from Abigail's aunt.

Then he closed the door to Michaela's room behind him, not wanting anyone with him. He needed to be alone with her, he had things to tell her.

Note: Thank you for reading my story. Do not hesitate to let a review. Thank you for your feedback ! Really too happy that you like it and that you look forward to the sequel each time. And yes, of course I always continue and always finish the stories I post :)