Chapter 9: Changes]
Time for you to get some rest now, Naomi. I'll stay with Jess for awhile. Alright, Uncle Mac. Take care of him. His fever's really starting to come down. That stuff the doctor gave us is working. Good, Naomi. You go and rest now. See you later, Uncle Mac. Hey Jess, good to see you awake. Hi, Mac. Where's Naomi? She went to take a rest, Jess. She'll be back in awhile. Good to see you, Mac. You too, Jess. And we're gonna get you home. That's a nice word, home. Do you think you'll ever settle down, Mac? Oh, I don't know, Jess. Maybe. Maybe when I'm older and can't do this kinda work anymore. Maybe when I have little great-nieces and nephews runnin' around. And maybe you'll have a lot to do with that, Jess. Maybe, Mac. I know you love Naomi and I know she loves you, Jess. Yes, I do love her, Mac. Will you come and visit us sometime? I sure will, Jess. You get some rest now, hear? Sure, Mac. I'll try
[Later That Evening]
It's suppertime, Uncle Mac. You go on and eat now. Alright, Naomi. Have you had yours, Naomi? Yes, Uncle Mac. You go on now. I'll stay with Jess. And you get yourself some rest , too. I will, Naomi. Right after supper. See you in the morning. You too, Uncle Mac. Naomi? I'm right here, Jess. Good to see you awake again. How long have you been here, Naomi? A few minutes, Jess. I just came from supper. You hungry, Jess? A little bit. Alright, more than a little, Naomi. Mrs. Brown has some soup on the stove. I'll go and get you some, Jess. I'll be right back. How's Jess, Naomi? He's better, Patches. He's hungry now! That must be a good sign, Naomi. I'll see you later, Patches. You as well, Naomi. I'm back now, Jess. I hope you're hungry. I sure am, Naomi. Careful now, it's hot. There you go. Is it good, Jess? You could say that, Naomi. She's a good cook, that Mrs. Brown. If her soup's any example. She's a fine lady, Jess. I'm sure she must be, Naomi. She told me she's been praying for you to get better, Jess. That was real kind of her, Naomi. You thank her for me sometime, alright? I will, Jess. But you'll be thanking her yourself when we leave here, Jess. You're getting better, Jess. Slowly, but you're getting there. That was good soup, Naomi. If you're done I'll take this dish back down stairs. I'll be right back, Jess. Hurry back, Naomi. I will, Jess. I'm back now, Jess. Can you stay awake or do you want to fall back to sleep? Can we talk a few minutes, Naomi? Sure, Jess, I'd like that. Let me know when you get tired, alright? I will, Naomi. I'm so glad we found you again, Jess. How's life been for you since we last saw each other?
Oh, I drifted, had some hard times. And then I found out where home was. Slim Sherman's about the best friend I ever had. And having Daisy around is like having a ma again. And Mike, he's a real nice little fella. I could'nt have asked for a better little brother. You must love him very much, Jess. Oh, we all do. I call him Tiger for short. I like that, Jess. What about you, Naomi? What have you been doing since then? I've just been with Uncle Mac wherever we've traveled, Jess. Seen a lot of different places and towns. Some nice, some not so nice. I'll be glad to settle down in Laramie near you all. I can't wait for you to meet them all, Naomi. I know, Jess. We'll be there before you know it. I'm glad I found you again, Naomi. So am I, Jess. You're getting sleepy. You should rest now. I'll try, Naomi. Goodnight, Naomi. Goodnight, Jess. I love you. I love you too, Naomi. Go to sleep now, Jess. Naomi? What is it, Jess? Would you mind holding my hand for awhile, Naomi? There's nothing I'd like better, Jess. You go to sleep now. I'll be right here. Goodnight, Naomi. Goodnight, Jess. And then Naomi lay down beside Jess and they both fell sound asleep. And before Naomi knew it morning had come.
Naomi? Morning, Jess. So good to see you awake. You did'nt wake once during the night. How are you feeling? A little better, Naomi. It does'nt hurt as much as it did. That's good, Jess. Hmm, your fever's down almost, too. Won't be long until it's gone, Jess. Knock knock, you two. Come in, Uncle Mac. I've brought you two breakfast. Thanks, Uncle Mac. Dig in, before it gets cold. Jess did'nt wake up once in the night, Uncle Mac. And his fever's almost gone, too. That's good news, Jess. You're gettin better and you're gonna be alright. Thanks to both of you I will be, Mac. Enjoy your breakfast, you two. See you later, Uncle Mac.