Chapter 10: Doctor's Visit
I'm going to have the doctor come and take a look at you today, Jess. Sure, Naomi. After we eat I'm going to ask Uncle Mac to go and get him. Good idea, Naomi. Are you finished, Jess? Had all I can eat, Naomi. It was good. That's good, Jess. I'll take these plates down to the kitchen. I'll be right back, Jess. Good morning, Naomi. How is Jess? Good morning, Mrs. Brown. He's better, thank you. That's good to hear, dear. I think he's finally turned a corner. I'm glad for you both, Naomi. Thank you, Mrs. Brown. Are you going down to the kitchen, dear? Why yes, I am. Then let me take those plates for you so you can get back to Jess, Naomi. Thank you, Mrs. Brown. Think nothing of it, dear. I'm back now, Jess. That was awful fast, Naomi. I know. Turns out I did'nt have to go to the kitchen. Mrs. Brown offered out of the blue to take the dishes for me. I could'nt turn her down of course. It would'nt have been good manners. What's so funny, Jess? How come you're laughing? That's exactly what Daisy would say, Naomi. You and her are a lot alike in some ways, Naomi. Are we, Jess? You'll see when you meet her, Naomi. I hope the doc will say I can go on home soon. We'll just have to see what he says, Jess. I know , Naomi. I'm sure it'll be soon, though. You're a lot better than you were, Jess. Knock, knock. Come in, Uncle Mac. The doc'll be here in a while, Naomi. Thanks, Uncle Mac. In that case, can you two keep each other company for a bit? Sure, Naomi. I need to go and freshen up before the doctor gets here. I'm a sight, I'm sure. See you two in a while. See you later, Naomi. I'll be back soon, Jess.
How are you doing, Jess? I'm somewhat better, Mac. Naomi's taken good care of me. I told her one night that I was proud of the way she's been here for you, Jess. I'll miss her when she settles in Laramie. But I understand and I'm happy for her. I know she wants to be near you, Jess. And she needs to be near other girls her age. She and Daisy will get along just fine, Mac. I'm back, you two. You look pretty, Naomi. Thanks, Jess. You don't look too bad yourself. I'll stay here, Uncle Mac. You go on now. I'm sure you must have things to do. As a matter of fact I do, Naomi. May I come in, everyone? Yes, please, Doctor. How's our patient, Naomi? He's much better, Doctor. The medicine is really working on the fever. Let's check you over, Jess. Help him sit up please, Naomi. The wound is healing well and there's no sign of infection. That's good, Doctor. And Naomi is right, your fever is almost gone. You're just slightly warm now. And once the wound heals, the scar should'nt give you any trouble. When can I go home, Doc? I'd say about another week would be alright, Jess. We don't want you to have any trouble. Good enough for me, Doc.
Keep giving him that medicine, Naomi. I will, Doctor. And Jess, try not to move anymore than necessary. Don't worry, Doctor. I'll make sure he stays in bed even if I have to tie him down to keep him there. I'm sure you will, Naomi. This world could use more young women like you, my dear. Maybe one day there will be, Doctor. Goodbye, now. And take care. I'll walk out with you, Doc. Thank you, Marshal. Can you get me some water, Naomi? Sure, Jess. Here you go. Would you like me to help you lie down? I'm sure that would be best, Jess. You're right, Naomi. Down you go, Jess. Do you want to stay awake or fall back to sleep again? I can stay awake for a bit. Let me know when you get tired, alright? What kind of a job will you try to get, Naomi? I think maybe as a cook or seamstress. Or a doctor's apprentice. That sounds just fine, Naomi. I bet you'll do well at any of those jobs. Thanks Jess, I hope so. I can't wait to meet your family when we get to Laramie. I hope they'll like me. They'll more than like you, Naomi. They'll love you. If they're anything like you, Jess I know I'll love them. I'm so glad we found you again, Jess. I hope we'll never again have occasion to separate. So do I, Naomi. I'm glad you're getting better, Jess. You're almost completely well again. But, you still have a long ways to go and you need your rest. So try to get some more rest, alright? I'll try, Naomi. You still look a little tired, Jess. So try to go to sleep now, alright? I'll be right here. Thanks for being here for me, Naomi. I would'nt be anywhere else, Jess. I love you. I always have. Sssh, go to sleep now. I'll be right here with you, Jess.