Chapter 8: Trying to Turn a Corner]
Naomi, Naomi? I'm right here with you, Jess. It's alright. Please settle down for me, Jess. What's wrong? It hurts, Naomi. I know, Jess. Here, this will help. Just a little, now. There you go. Naomi? I'm here. I'm right here with you, Jess. Try to go to sleep now. I'll be here. Sssh, now, rest. And before Naomi knew it it was morning.
How is he, Naomi? He's resting, Uncle Mac. He woke up once during the night calling for me. Glad I was here instead of in there. I'll go get you some breakfast, Naomi. Thanks, Uncle Mac. He's a little cooler today then he was yesterday. That's a good sign. I'll be right back, Naomi. Uncle Mac, I just hope that the wound won't hurt him as much. I can hardly stand to see him hurting like this. I know, Naomi. Neither can I. I hope he wakes up soon. So do I, honey. I'll be right back with your breakfast. Thanks, Uncle Mac. If he wakes I'll try to get Jess to eat something, too. ''He's waking up now''. Naomi? I'm here, Jess. You're alright. How you feeling? A little better. Does'nt hurt as much now. That's good, Jess. You hungry, Jess? A little. When my uncle comes I'll have him bring you some soup. You've gotten so pretty since I saw you last, Naomi. Thanks, Jess. You don't look too bad yourself. I've missed you, Jess. I missed you too, honey. I'm glad you're here, Naomi. I'm glad to be with you, Jess. Uncle Mac's wired your people back in Laramie that you're alright. Don't worry, he did'nt give them all the details, Jess. Good, don't want Daisy or Mike to worry about me. You must miss them all. Sometimes in your sleep you called for them and someone called Slim. Did I, Naomi? Yes, you did. Are they your new family, Jess? You could say so, Naomi. They must miss you very much. But don't you worry, we'll have you back to them before you know it.
I know you will, Naomi. And Jess, if I can find a paying job, I'm thinking of staying in Laramie. What do you think of that? I think I'd like that a lot, Naomi. Have you told your uncle yet? Not yet, but I plan to, Jess. Here's your breakfast, Naomi. Thanks, Uncle Mac. Now that you're here, would you go downstairs and get Jess some soup? Sure, Naomi. I'll be right back. I think you and Daisy'll get along just fine, Naomi. I'm sure we will, Jess. Now, you really should'nt talk anymore. You need to rest and save your strength, Jess. When your breakfast comes I'll give it to you and then I want you to try to rest, alright? Sure, Naomi. Here's the soup, Naomi. If you're done, I'll take this tray down. Thanks, Uncle Mac. Now Jess, try and take some of this for me. There you go. Try to finish it all, alright? I'll try, Naomi. That's my Jess. There, you finished it all. Now try to get some rest, alright. Uncle Mac, would you stay a few minutes? I need to go freshen up. Sure, Naomi. I won't be gone long, Jess. See you later, Naomi. How is your friend doing, Naomi? He's better, thank you, Mrs. Brown. I'm glad to hear that, dear. I've noticed how often you've been with him. You have? You must care for him a great deal. I love him, Mrs. Brown. Then my advice to you dear is not to let him get away. I certainly won't, Mrs. Brown. I'll see you later. Goodbye, dear. I'm back now, Uncle Mac. I'll stay now. Alright, Naomi. He's fallen asleep now. Let me know when he wakes up, Naomi.
I will, Uncle Mac. Uncle Mac, when we take Jess home I'm going to stay in Laramie if I can find a job. I want to be near Jess. Just wanted you to know. Thanks for telling me, Naomi. Just be sure you think it over. I will, Uncle Mac. I'll miss you, honey. But I understand. Jess needs you more than we do. I'll see you later, honey. Sure, Uncle Mac. Naomi? I'm here, Jess. I just told my uncle I'm going to be staying in Laramie. What did he say? He understood, Jess. And he's happy for me. That's good, Naomi. And I'll be happy to have you close by. I know, Jess. Daisy will like you. I'm sure she will, Jess. You get some sleep now, okay? I'll be here. I know you will be, Naomi. I'm glad you are. So am I, Jess. Go to sleep now. Uncle Mac will be back later to see you. Glad you came back to us, Jess. I love you. I love you too, Naomi; Jess whispered as he drifted off to sleep.