Chapter 7: You're Not Alone]
Wake up, Naomi. What's wrong, Uncle Mac? Jess is restless again. I can't calm him. Take me to him right away. Jess, I'm here now, Jess. It's alright. Please lie still for me, sweetheart. You're safe now. Nothing's going to hurt you, Jess. Naomi, Naomi? I'm right here with you, Jess. See, I've got your hand and I'm not going to let go. You're going to be okay, Jess. Please lie still for me so you don't start bleeding again. Check the bandage for me, Uncle Mac. Sure, Naomi. Is it alright? Yes, thank goodness. Would you ask Mrs. Brown to have someone put a cot in here for me? I don't want to be away from him now. Sure, Naomi. I'll go get Patches and we'll bring it up ourselves. Thanks, Uncle Mac. And I'll bring you something to eat, too. Thanks. Naomi? I'm here, Jess. I'm not going to let you go, not ever. You'll feel better soon, I promise. Sssh, rest now. You're not alone, Jess. I'm here. It hurts, Naomi. I know, Jess. Just try to sleep okay? You'll feel better soon, I promise. Sleep now. I'll be here with you. I love you, Jess. You're in my heart for always, kissing his cheek gently. I've brought the cot, Naomi. And Mrs. Brown sent up some sandwiches. Thank you, Uncle Mac. I'll eat them now if you can hand them to me. Push that cot over next to the bed. I want to be where I can hear him if he stirs. Sure, Naomi. You go and get some rest now, Uncle Mac. I'll stay with Jess now. Alright, Naomi. Goodnight. Sleep now, Jess. I won't leave you, I promise. ''Uncle Mac is right, he is calmer when I'm near him''. ''I'd best try to rest, too.'' ''But I'll still hold Jess's hand''. ''I said I would'nt let go and I'm not going to''. And before long they both fell asleep.
[The Next Morning]
Naomi, Naomi? I'm right here, Jess. You're awake. How do you feel? It still kinda hurts, Naomi. I know, Jess. Anything I can get you? I'm kinds hungry. Mrs. Brown has some soup on the stove. I'll go and get you some, Jess. I'll be right back, okay? How's Jess? He's awake, Uncle Mac. I'm going to get him some soup. I think he'd like it if you were to go and say hello to him. I was just thinkin' that myself, Naomi. I'll be up in a few minutes. Hey Jess, how are you feeling? Some better, Mac. It's good to see you awake, Jess. My niece takin' good care of you? She sure is, Mac. I'm glad she's here. So I've noticed, Jess. I could'nt think of anyone better for her than you, Jess. I know you care for her. I do, Mac. Get some rest now, Jess. Don't tire yourself out. I'm back now, Jess. Are you hungry? I sure am, Naomi. I'll let you two alone for now, Naomi. See you later, Jess. Come again, Mac. Bye, Uncle Mac. Now will you take some of this soup for me, Jess? I'll sure try, Naomi. I missed you, Jess. I missed you too, Naomi. Your fever's down a little this morning. The doctor will be coming by in awhile to see how you're doing. There, you finished it all, Jess. I knew you could. Is there anything else I can do for you, Jess? I think I'd like to go to sleep now, Naomi. Could you just sit here and hold my hand again? Sure, Jess. There's nothing I'd like better. You just rest now. And Jess, if you need comfort you don't need to ask me first, alright? I'm here for you, Jess. Always. Thanks, Naomi. If I did'nt know you for a human, I'd think you were an angel, Naomi. That's the sweetest thing anyone ever said to me, Jess. Now you just close those eyes, Jess Harper. I'll be right here. I love you, Naomi. I love you too, Jess. Sleep now. I'll be here with you, Jess. ''No matter how long you're asleep''. [Sometime Later]
How is he, Naomi? He's sleeping, Uncle Mac. I saw the doc. He said he'll be by to check on Jess this evening. That's good news. I'm going to go wire Jess's people in Laramie that he's alright, Naomi. That's a good idea, Uncle Mac. Just don't tell them how badly he was hurt. He's not completely better yet. I know, Naomi. But with your care he will be before we know it. I want to tell you, Naomi I'm real proud of the way you've been here for Jess. I'm glad to do it, Uncle Mac. And he's a good patient. Does'nt take much for him to settle. And he only ever wants what he needs or a smile or a friendly word. I'm happy to care for him. I'm glad, Naomi. I'll see you later. Please get better, Jess. With the possible exception of Uncle Mac, you're the kindest, gentlest man I ever knew. I'm sure I could'nt find words to say how much I love you, Jess. ''He squeezed my hand''. I'm here, Jess. Rest easy, now. I won't be letting go. Not ever. And so she sat there not caring about time or anything, just about being there for Jess. Can I come in, Naomi? Sure, Uncle Mac. Is he waking up? He started to a few minutes ago, He's starting to come around now. Open your eyes for me, Jess. Naomi? I'm right here, Jess. Glad to see you awake. You feel better, Jess? A little, Naomi. The doctor's outside, Branch. Thanks, Patches. Hello, Jess. Good to see you awake. Thanks, Patches. Come on in, doc. How's our patient, Naomi? He's a little better, Doctor. Let's take a look here, shall we? How's his fever? It's down some, Doctor. This should help bring the fever down. And this bandage needs to be changed, too. Would you gentlemen help me get him up? Sure, Doc. Be gentle with him, now. What can I do, Doctor? This may hurt Naomi, so try to keep him still. Of course, Doctor. Now Jess, this may hurt but I want you to stay still for me, alright? I'll try, Naomi. If it hurts just squeeze my hand, Jess. Are you ready now, Jess? Sure, doc. There, it's off. Someone help me with this new bandage. I'll help you, Doctor. Thank you, Mr. Patches. There, all done. The wound is healing well but be sure not to move around too much, Jess. Don't worry Doctor. I'll keep an eye on him. I know you will, Naomi. Alright, let's get him settled you two. Down you go, Jess. Branch and I will walk out with you, Doctor. How do you feel now, Jess? A little better, Naomi. Is there anything I can get you? A little water, please. Sure, Jess. Here you go. Tilt your head back for me, now. Thanks, Naomi. You're welcome, Jess. You tired, Jess? A little bit, Naomi. Think I'd like to sleep now, Naomi. Sure Jess. Will you stay? Yes, Jess. I'm staying right here with you. I know you will, Naomi. Goodnight, Naomi. Goodnight, Jess. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to wake me. Thanks, Naomi.