Hitch felt like hours and hours had passed since the coral snake had bitten him. Had it only been hours? Or had it been days already? That couldn't be possible. He would've been dead by then.

He had heard Troy, Moffitt, and Dietrich talk about the river. Some kind of crossing for the dead or dying. Moffitt had seen his brother on the other side. Troy had seen his father. Dietrich hadn't seen anyone, but he came the closest to actually crossing the river when he tried to kill himself nearly fourteen years ago.

Hitch hadn't seen the river yet. He was burning up. Submerging himself in cool water sounded good in that moment.

Don't think that. Don't give in. Just… hang on.

Tully's oldest daughter, Eleanor, was helping him stay on the bed. He couldn't hear her, or even see her very well, but could tell by her tone that she was in a panic. The feeling of his heart in his chest was no longer a steady, even throbbing, but a rapid, aggressive pounding. It began alternating between hard and fast, and weak and thready. His thoughts were incomprehensible and blurred together, but he was aware of one thing—at any moment, his heart could stop, or he would stop breathing.

Keep breathing.

It was becoming difficult to swallow. Breathing became more of a strenuous effort, like he was trying to do so with lead weights on his chest.

I can't feel my left hand.

It was easy to dwell on the pain and strange, stressful sensations he was feeling throughout his body. Hitch felt like his brain was steadily liquifying, but he managed, with forceful effort, to turn his thoughts to something else. To Molly. The shy, bookish girl he went to school with and didn't pay much attention to in his younger years. He recognized her in a drugstore years after returning home from the war, and struggled to work up the courage to talk to her. In a way, it was funny. He spent most of his life confidently walking up to women and sweeping them off their feet. Girls in college, and nurses while he was serving. He lost count of how many nurses he saw. The only one he didn't bother was Mabel Parker, because she quickly became Tully's. When he saw Molly Richmond—"Meek Mousy Molly" had been her nickname, bestowed upon her by her classmates—in the drugstore, it was the first time in his life that he didn't ignore her. Instead of thinking about whether or not she was pretty, he could see the years of torment on her face. He never personally picked on her for how shy she was. He just didn't notice her, didn't consider her whenever any school dances came up. When he saw Molly in that drugstore, he didn't feel confident. He knew his usual tactics wouldn't work on her. She was different.

He remembered returning home from Moffitt's wedding, thinking about how sweet and tender and loving Moffitt was with Vanora. The formality of the ceremony and reception with Moffitt's family and Vanora's meant they both had to be somewhat restrained in their affections, though Moffitt ceased caring when the music started during the reception. He completely ignored the cameras in order to pull his new wife close and whisper that he loved the song currently playing. During the less formal party, where it was just the Rats, Dietrich, and Anah, neither Moffitt or Vanora cared much about what was proper, and were oftentimes seen snuggled close together and kissing passionately. It was the happiest Hitch had ever seen Moffitt, and he couldn't help but feel he wanted the same thing.

He worked up the courage to talk to Molly, and this time, he didn't want it to just be a thing that would last maybe a week or two. It was in the spring of 1949, several months after he starting seeing Molly regularly, when he sought serious advice on how to progress, how to be truly romantic and have more than just his good looks in his favor. It was, surprisingly, the single and lonely Dietrich who answered the call and offered for Hitch to visit for a few days. The two had gotten close since Hitch and Tully stayed with Dietrich the previous summer to get to know him better and help him adjust to life after his suicide attempt. It was admittedly strange interacting with a much more confident Dietrich—genuine confidence, not a mask—but it was a welcome surprise, entering Dietrich's home and being greeted with warmth and friendliness instead of cold and depression. Granted, Dietrich was always going to be followed around by the specters of his depression, but when Hitch visited him, it seemed like those specters had quieted down for a time.

Hitch was given a cup of tea, and Dietrich listened as he laid out what was going on with his relationship with Molly. Afterward, Dietrich paced the kitchen for a bit before telling Hitch to take a long walk—there would be a surprise when he returned. Confused, Hitch finished his tea and took that walk. He couldn't remember how long the walk was, only that he saw a lot of the town of Hammelburg. The surprise turned out to be Dietrich composing a piano piece, and Hitch remembered telling him, "I thought I was supposed to be the one making stuff like this."

"I seem to recall you telling me that you were not much into music growing up," Dietrich had said. "There is no harm in me doing this for you."

"You think it'll feel genuine, though?"

"Take a listen and tell me."

Somehow, Dietrich had managed to take Hitch's words about Molly and turn them into something that went beyond the limitations of any human language. Hitch was still uncertain of whether or not it would feel like it was coming from him if he managed to share this with Molly, but Dietrich assured him that it would. "You gave me the inspiration," Dietrich explained, "to tell a tale of a shy young woman, broken by her peers because they could not see what she had to offer, unable to appreciate what silence can do for a person. A tranquil island paradise in a rough sea. A quiet little dove in a flock of squawking parrots. One who judges another by the qualities in their heart, rather than by how physically attractive they are. At the end of the day, yes, this did come from you."

"And it would just take too much time for me to learn how to play anyway," Hitch replied.

"It does take years to become proficient, and I get the impression that you are just not interested in learning it."

"No, sir."

Dietrich smirked a little. "I am also happy to do this for you. You deserve happiness and true love in your life."

There was another surprise that came well over a month afterward—a record of that song, along with a note wishing him luck in his journey with Molly. Hitch still had that record, and the note, tucked away with all their other records back home. He and Molly requested Dietrich play it at their wedding reception. It was the song of their first dance, and every year on their anniversary, they would play that record and slow-dance in the living room.

His heart started beating fast again, but it was much weaker in strength. His throat felt like someone had tied a noose around the top of his neck, and was slowly tightening it. The spinning sensation from earlier had turned into a rocking one, like he was on a rowboat in the middle of a stormy sea. He had nothing in his stomach, but still wanted to vomit anyway. The only problem was that he couldn't turn to get the trashcan. He couldn't tell if Eleanor was still in the room.

He tried to force his mind back to pleasant memories with Molly, but it felt more like he was trying to get control of a jeep on an icy road. Nothing he did made it stop. The pounding heat flowing through his body, the vicious nausea squeezing his empty stomach, and the alternating heavy and weak beating of his heart all had control now.

I want to breathe. Why can't I breathe?

He could hear running water, smell blooming flowers, feel a gentle breeze against his face—

He became dimly aware of someone lifting him upright, and faintly heard Troy's voice shouting, "Get that potion in him, now!"

"Hold his mouth open," Moffitt said. "Make sure he actually swallows it."

"I am not sure he is supposed to be that color," Dietrich said.

"He stopped breathing! Give him the potion!" Troy hollered.

They were all right there, and yet they sounded so far away. Hitch felt Troy grabbing his jaw and forcing his mouth open.

"Easy, easy," Moffitt said. He put a glass to Hitch's lips. "Alright, Troy, carefully and slowly tilt his head back."

A warm, spiced concoction was filling Hitch's mouth. He tasted pumpkin and ginger. It certainly wasn't what he was expecting when he heard "potion." It reminded him more of pies and pastries that only appeared in autumn. The thoughts of food made his stomach clench, unsure of whether to accept what it was given, or throw it back up.

"Make sure he swallows," Moffitt said.

Troy clamped Hitch's mouth shut, and kept his head up. "I really don't want to do this…"

A long and blurry black shape appeared on Troy's shoulder. "You must, though. You know better than anyone how this is done. Focus," Anah said. "You are not torturing him."

"We don't have another option," Moffitt said.

Troy sighed. "Alright."

What's Sarge worried about? Hitch thought. His mind was still a feverish mess. Do what you have to! That's how it's always been!

The noose disappeared, and Hitch managed to swallow the liquid in his mouth.

"Don't let go yet, Troy," Moffitt instructed.

"Why? He swallowed it!" Troy snapped.

"It has to stay down. You're doing well. Keep it up." Moffitt reached over to squeeze Troy's shoulder.

I've got something to vomit now. No, no, no, this is medicine. It's gotta stay in. It'll get rid of the venom. Hold it in. The rocking motion was gradually slowing down, like a ride coming to a stop at an amusement park.

Another face appeared above him. Dietrich. "You will be alright, Hitch. Keep holding on," the German said. "Focus on our voices."

Hitch tried. Another clenching sensation gripped his stomach. Involuntarily, he tried to heave.

"Don't throw it up!" Troy hissed. "Come on! How long do I have to hold him like this?"

"At least five minutes," Anah said.

Dietrich looked at his watch. "Should be simple enough."

"Five minutes can feel like a damn eternity," Troy said. "Especially in situations like this."

Hitch already felt like an eternity had passed. What's one more?

He heard Tully's voice. "How's he doing?"

"We got the potion in," Moffitt said. "Now we have to make sure it stays in. How's Eleanor?"

"Really shaken up," Tully replied. "I've been trying to tell her that she did the best she could, but she's convinced she did something to make this worse."

"She didn't. Hitch is going to survive."

The blurry outline of Tully's face appeared next to Dietrich. A comforting feeling spread through Hitch, knowing his teammates were there. Even Dietrich's presence was comforting.

His vision began sharpening. The nausea slowly began to dull. A more normal feeling returned throughout his body. He moved his left hand. It's working. It's actually working.

"You can let go, Troy," Anah said.

Troy let go of Hitch's head, and took a step back. He returned to Hitch's side a second later.

"Are you alright?" Dietrich asked.

"Worry about me later," Troy said.

The next ten minutes or so passed by slowly. Hitch felt like he could breathe again, and his heart no longer beat wildly.

"Can you hear us, Hitch?" Moffitt asked.

Answer him. It took effort, but Hitch nodded.

"Thank goodness." Moffitt suddenly looked dizzy with relief.

"Seconded," Dietrich said.

Tully smiled, as did Troy.

Their voices no longer sounded so far away, and Hitch could no longer hear the running water of the river. Several more minutes passed by before he felt like he could sit up on his own. Even then, Troy and Dietrich were helping.

"Good to have you back, Hitch," Troy said.

"Thanks, Sarge." Hitch's throat was dry.

"Don't push yourself," Moffitt said. "You're out of the woods, but not quite home yet. Can you remember what happened?"

"I was bitten by a coral snake. I remember that. Beyond that… everything's all melted together. I still kinda feel like I want to puke, though."

"It will be a little while before you can eat anyway," Anah explained. "Your body is still in shock. Give it time."

"What about tea? Tea would help," Moffitt said.

Troy rolled his eyes.

Anah struck him with her tail. "He is being serious."

"I am not sure anything other than water should be introduced into his system at this point," Dietrich said.

"I never actually threw up," Hitch said. "We went to find Carolyn before I had a chance to eat breakfast."

"Oh, poor dear." Anah gave him a sympathetic look. "Water is a good idea. Maybe a weakened tea?" She looked at Moffitt.

"I usually say weakened tea is repulsive, but Hitch needs more than just water and we don't want to be too rough on his stomach right now. Caffeine is the last thing he needs," Moffitt said.

"Are you going to sacrifice one of the teas you brought?" Troy asked.

"No. Dietrich's chamomile would be our best bet. We just won't add any vanilla or honey. Maybe a half-dash of sugar to make it bearable."

"I will go make it," Anah said. She turned to Hitch before leaving the room. "Get some rest, dear."

"Thanks, Anah. I think I owe you one now," Hitch replied, trying to sit up.

"No. This is my way of repaying all of you for letting me stay in your lives." With that, she disappeared downstairs.

After another hour had passed, Hitch was helped downstairs, where he was immediately grabbed into a tight hug by both of his kids. He still felt a bit weak, and despite Moffitt and Anah telling him not to strain himself, he squeezed Zach and Carolyn, vowing not to let go for a while. "You two okay?" he asked.

"Auntie Anah cured you?" Carolyn said.

"Yes. Everyone did." Part of Hitch was tempted to tell her that this was a lesson in not running off without telling anyone, but she had already been through a lot in one day. He would save it for later. "I love you two so much."

The front door opened, and Shauna was the first of the women to walk in, holding a few shopping bags. "Alright, where's Sam?"

"Not even a 'hello?'" Moffitt made a face of mock disappointment.

Vanora set her bags down to hug Moffitt and give him a kiss. "Hello, Jack."

"Hello, my darling." Moffitt kissed her. "How was your day?"

"Oh, we had a wonderful time. There are so many cute shops around here. We should go together someday, just the two of us."

"I'd love that."

"Jack," Shauna said. "Where is Sam?"

"Out in the backyard, with Dietrich," Moffitt replied. "Why?"

"I want to know why the wagons are chained together, why there's a burned-out torch in one of them, and a witch's broom in the other." Shauna sniffed the air. "Why does it smell like pumpkin in here?"

"Uh…" Moffitt exchanged a nervous glanced with Anah. "We… can explain."

"Oh, no, I want to hear what Sam's excuse is. I know he had something to do with this."

Moffitt's expression sobered. "Troy's having a bit of a moment right now."

"Hitch got bit by a coral snake," Tully said.

"What?!" Molly shouted. She set her things down before running over to her husband.

"Gentle, sweetie," Hitch grunted.

"He's alright, though," Moffitt said. "We cured him with a potion."

Shauna glanced out the back window, seeing her husband sitting in the grass with Dietrich next to him. "Let's start from the beginning."

Moffitt, Anah, and Tully recounted the last few hours, starting with Carolyn taking off, and ending with the Rats and Dietrich giving Hitch the potion. Shauna nodded a little while listening. When they finished, she looked out the window again. "At least know I know why Sam is upset."

"I didn't fully understand what was going on when he was forcing the potion into me," Hitch said.

"Those animals masquerading as guards in Colonel Beckmann's camp force-fed him," Shauna replied. "Did he not tell you?"

"He told me. I was just so out of it that I couldn't remember." Guilt weighed on Hitch's shoulders. "He shouldn't have done it if—"

"Don't," Moffitt interrupted. "This is why he kept things like that to himself back during the war. He didn't want anyone feeling bad or having pity on him."

"It's been nearly twenty years, and it still haunts him." Shauna let out a sigh. "I should apologize for assuming he'd been up to no good today."

"Well, in a way, he was up to no good, but in a similar manner to all those years ago. He's willing to do what it takes to help us. We're fortunate he didn't have to actually do anything, but you can bet that if we needed his… crazy wagon contraption, he would've used it to the best of his ability." Moffitt's grin returned. "The important thing is that Hitch is alright."

"So, what happened to the coral snake?" Shauna asked. "You said you had to use it for the potion."

"I released it. After Hitch started recovering, I brought the snake back to the place we caught it, and let it go."

"The coral snake did apologize for the trouble he put us through," Anah said. "I had a chat after we released him. No hard feelings. I wished him well on his travels. Hopefully, we can meet him again under better circumstances."

"Hopefully, we can enjoy our vacation here now," Vanora said. "We just arrived here yesterday, and already, you boys are off getting yourselves hurt."

Moffitt shrugged. "We're all a bit accident-prone. Nothing we can do to help it." He smirked at her. "Still love me?"

"Of course I do."

Hitch thought back to the memories he had tried focusing on while in the throes of the coral snake's venom. He shifted Carolyn in order to kiss Molly's forehead and ask, "Do I say 'I love you' enough?"

"I hear it from you every day," Molly replied.

"Good." He nuzzled her, and whispered, "When the venom was really bad, I was thinking of you, and how hard I tried to impress you when we started dating. If… something had happened, my last thoughts would've been of you."

"That's nice to hear, but I'm glad they weren't your last thoughts."

"Yeah. I'm glad, too."