He Heard My Cry
"I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy."
Psalms 116:1
"The great art of life is sensation to feel that we exist, even in pain."
~ Lord Byron
When Sully develops a mysterious illness, the entire family comes to his aid;
not only for his physical wellbeing but his spiritual as well.
Chapter 1
A change was coming over Colorado Springs; there was a chill in the air, a sense of comfort as the colors changed. Layers of coats, shawls and gloves were being worn as the days were darkening earlier. Indeed, Autumn had arrived. The season brought busyness to the town; Loren with receiving merchandise to prepare his customers for the cold. Grace had constant demands for hot soup and Dr. Mike was taken over with patience experiencing symptoms of the change of weather. The season also put pressure on Sully's shoulders, for he was met with the deadline of completing Preston's homestead. The banker had his mind set on moving in before the first snowfall.
Daniel, although occupied with his new job as sheriff, helped when he could with the building; but most of the work was up to Sully. The effects of the weather and extreme work load were weighing heavy on him. Something Preston couldn't sympathize with when he rode out to critique the process.
"Not as far along as we planned, are we, Sully?" He descended his horse.
Beads of perspiration rolled down Sully's face as he hammered the floor boards.
"This ain't buildin' weather, Preston," he breathed heavy.
"Even so," he slipped off his leather gloves. "This is your week's pay."
Tossing the hammer to the ground, Sully accepted the envelope.
"This ain't right," he counted.
"I told you I'd be deducting wages each day you run late."
"I ain't been late," Sully defended.
"Sully," Preston spoke up. "I expanded your completion deadline to eight months; it has now been ten. You are late."
Sully wiped the sweat from his face.
"Preston, you know how bad these storms have been," he reasoned.
Lifting the hammer, Preston handed it to Sully.
"Then those walls better be sturdy."
Sully could feel an anger brewing in him as the banker rode off. Sitting on the ground, he observed the work done so far. There wasn't enough time and with Preston's deductions, it wasn't worth much to Sully.
XXXXX
"Hey Daniel," Brian ran up to his uncle.
"Hey there Brian," he saddled his horse. "How was school today?
"Good," he replied. "Got a new history project, gonna ask Ma for help. Hey, wanna go fishing with me?"
"Aw, I'd love to, Brian, except I was on my way to Preston's. Gonna help your Pa."
"All right. Will you two be home for supper?'
"Sure thing," Daniel mounted his horse. "You tell your Ma we'll be home."
As Daniel rode out of town, Preston was returning. He rode quickly passed the sheriff but not quick enough. Daniel noticed his uneasy expression and noted to ask Sully about it.
XXXXX
Upon arrival, Daniel noticed how hard his brother was working. Hard working wasn't an unusual attribute for Sully, but there was something, a tension he could feel off of him.
"What's got you on fire?" He approached.
Sully's head shot up; he hadn't heard him arrive.
"What?" He breathed heavy.
"You doin' all right?" Daniel rolled up his sleeves.
"Yeah," Sully frowned. "What are you doin' here?"
"I came to give ya a hand, unless you reject good Christian conduct."
Sully blew out a laugh.
"No," he reached for his canteen.
"Saw Preston on my out here," Daniel said.
Sully huffed.
"What'd he do?"
Reaching into the pocket of his buckskin coat, Sully handed him the envelope.
"Sully," Daniel sighed.
"Selling my soul to the devil," he sat down.
"That bad?" Daniel frowned.
"Just about."
"Come on, I'll help ya," he said. "We'll get this thing done together."
There was no argument from Sully, to Daniel's surprise. Time was of the essence and he needed the help.
Daniel began taking on a load of work as Sully rose to finish his part. Daniel couldn't help but notice his brother sway slightly and, in a moment, he was at his side.
"Sully, you alright?"
Sully gripped tightly to his forearm to steady himself.
"Yeah, I just…got up too fast."
"You're working too hard," he said. "Come here, sit down."
Guiding Sully to a small stump, Daniel reached for his canteen. Pouring a small amount onto his hands, he moistened Sully's neck.
"Drink some," he handed over the canteen.
Accepting it, Sully consumed a generous amount. His hands trembled slightly as he brought it to his lips.
"I think you've had enough for today," Daniel said.
"I'm all right," Sully shook his head. "Just need-"
"To rest," Daniel cut in.
Sully glanced at him.
"Daniel, I'm all right."
The older man paused, deciding whether or not to believe him.
"All right, you sit here for a few more minutes though."
Daniel went on to do some work and after a moment, Sully joined him. Although, he did his best not to lead on, there was something different in his movements. Something that deeply concerned Daniel.