Please Don't Leave Me : Chapter 4 : [ Comforting A Friend ]
''Your father's got some stew on the stove if you'd like some , Betsy'' ,; The Virginian said. I'd like that , Virginian , ; Betsy replied. Alright , you go on downstairs and eat , ; The Virginian said. I'll sit with Randy for awhile , ; The Virginian said. Thanks , Virginian , ; Betsy said as she got up. I'll be back in awhile , ; Betsy said as she left. I'll be here , Betsy , ; The Virginian said. ''Thanks for keeping supper warm for me , Daddy'' , ; Betsy said when she came into the kitchen. You're welcome , dear , ; the Judge said as Betsy put stew on her plate. Is Randy any better ? ; the Judge asked. His fever's down somewhat , Daddy , ; Betsy said as she ate. Has he been conscious at all , dear ? ; the Judge asked. He was for a few minutes a little while ago , but he went to sleep again , Daddy , ; Betsy replied. I know Randy's aware of what I say to him , Daddy , ; Betsy added. That's a good thing , dear , ; the Judge said.
I just pray that he comes out of this , ; Betsy said as she continued eating. He will , Betsy , ; her father said compassionately. Randy's a strong , healthy young man , ; the Judge said. I have faith that he'll pull through , ; her father said next. I know it in my heart that he will , Daddy , ; Betsy said as she finished eating. I love Randy very much , and I know he knows that , ; Betsy said as she got up. I'm certain of that , dear , ; the Judge said fondly. Let me know when he wakes up , alright ? ; the Judge said as Betsy put her dish in the sink.
I will , Daddy , ; Betsy replied. And you get some rest yourself if you need to , Betsy , ; the Judge said as Betsy went to the door. I will , Daddy , ; Betsy said as she left. '' I hope he's doing better '' , ; Betsy thought as she went upstairs. How's he doing , Virginian ? ; Betsy asked when she was back in the guest room. He's cooler , somewhat , Betsy , ; The Virginian replied. Here , let me do that , ; Betsy said as she sat down. You've had a long day , why don't you go and get some sleep , ; Betsy said as she took the cloth from The Virginian. Alright , Betsy , I'll see you in a little while , ; The Virginian said as he got up.
Thanks for your help , Virginian , ; Betsy said. You're welcome , Betsy , ; The Virginian said as he left. ''I'm back now , Randy'' , ; Betsy said , taking hold of Randy's hand gently. '' Betsy , is that you ''? ; Randy said in a half-conscious voice. Yes , Randy , ; Betsy said as his eyes blinked open.
Do you feel any better ? ; Betsy asked softly. It still hurts , ; Randy said in a whisper. I know , Randy , ; Betsy said softly. You just go back to sleep now , ; Betsy said gently. That's it , close those eyes now , ; Betsy said , running her fingertips through his hair. My mama used to do that , Betsy , ; Randy said as he drifted off again. Ssh , rest now , ; Betsy said , continuing to run her fingers through Randy's hair until he finally fell asleep again. And Betsy ended up falling asleep a little while later , right next to her best friend in all the world.