Please Don't Leave Me : Chapter 5 : [ The Break of Day ]
Daybreak finally came and it found Betsy and her patient still fast asleep. Betsy was asleep , or thought she was , when she became aware of something moving close to her hand. ''Could Randy be waking up '' , ; Betsy thought as she opened her eyes. '' Betsy , are you awake'' , ; Randy said drowsily. Yes , Randy , ; Betsy said as she opened her eyes and sat up. You been here all night ? ; Randy asked as he opened his eyes. Yes , Randy , I have , ; Betsy said , giving him a warm smile. Do you feel any better , Randy? ; Betsy asked. A little bit , Betsy , ; Randy replied quietly. You certainly feel cooler , ; Betsy said , putting her hand to Randy's forehead. But you're still a tad warm , so don't try to get out of bed until the doctor and I say it's alright , ; Betsy said firmly.
Don't worry , Betsy , ; Randy said. I know that if I tried to move , you'd hogtie me , ; Randy joked. I most certainly would , Randy , ; Betsy replied , giving Randy a teasing smile back. You must be feeling better , you've got your sense of humor back , ; Betsy joked. I guess so , Betsy , ; Randy joked. Are you hungry ? ; Betsy asked quickly. I'm hungry enough to eat a horse , tail and all , Betsy , ; Randy joked. Alright , I'll go to the kitchen and get you something , Randy , ; Betsy said as she straightened up. I'll be right back , Randy , ; Betsy said as she left the room. '' Thank heavens , he's on the mend'' , ; Betsy said as she went downstairs. Eating a horse , indeed ! ; Betsy laughed as she walked through the hall. Morning , Daddy , ; Betsy said when she came into the kitchen. Good morning , Betsy , ; the Judge said from the kitchen table. Is Randy any better , dear ? ; the Judge asked. Yes , thankfully , his fever's about gone , Daddy , ; Betsy replied. I came down to get Randy some breakfast , ; Betsy added. I'm glad to hear he's better , Betsy , ; the Judge said warmly. I'm just glad he's on the mend , ; Betsy replied.
Were you up all night with him ? ; the Judge asked. I was for awhile , and then I fell asleep , ; Betsy replied. I'd better take this up to Randy before it gets cold , Daddy , ; Betsy said as she put the broth on a tray. Take some breakfast for yourself , too , ; the Judge said as he handed Betsy a plate. Thanks , Daddy , ; Betsy said as she put the plate on the tray. You're welcome , dear , ; the Judge replied. Thanks for your help yesterday , Daddy , ; Betsy said as she picked up the tray. Glad I could help , Betsy , ; the Judge said as she left the room. ''I'm back now , Randy'' , ; Betsy said as she came in the guest room. I've brought you some broth , ; Betsy said as she picked up the bowl. Broth ? ; Randy said in surprise. It's good for you , Randy , ; Betsy said as she took the spoon in hand. Eat up , now , ; Betsy said firmly. Okay , Betsy , ; Randy said , swallowing the broth like an obedient child. Try to eat it all , Randy , ; Betsy said as she dipped the spoon in the broth again. Okay , ; Randy replied as he ate. You'd better eat yours before it gets cold , Betsy , ; Randy said.
Are you sure , Randy ? ; Betsy asked. I can manage with my good hand , Betsy , ; Randy said. Alright , Randy , ; Betsy said as she put the tray in front of him. Thanks , Betsy , ; Randy said. I'm glad you're doing better , Randy , ; Betsy said as she ate. You gave me quite scare , ; Betsy said , smiling at Randy gently. I'm sorry about that , Betsy , ; Randy said , giving her a small smile. It's not your fault , Randy , ; Betsy said softly. No one could've known that rustlers would come along , and that they'd decide to raid our herd , ; Betsy added. I reckon you're right about that , Betsy , ; Randy replied as they ate. I'm just glad you're alright , Randy , ; Betsy said , smiling at him. I'm glad you were here with me , Betsy , ; Randy said , smiling back at her gently.
There's nowhere I'd have rather been , Randy , ; Betsy replied.
I'll always be there for those I love , Randy , including you , ;
Betsy said , smiling at him. I know , Betsy , ; Randy replied ,
smiling back at her. But my ,
did you give me the scare of my life when The Virginian
and Trampas brought you in here , Randy ! ; Betsy exclaimed softly.
I'll try not to scare you like that again , Betsy , ; Randy said
as Betsy gathered up their dishes.
I know you'll try , Randy , ; Betsy said as she got up.
You get some rest now , Randy , ; Betsy said as she tucked
the covers around him. I'll try to , Betsy , ; Randy said as
he drifted off. I'll be back in a little while , Randy , ;
Betsy said as she left the room.