Quinn's Library by Jasmine L
When Sully develops a mysterious illness, the entire family comes to his aid;
not only for his physical wellbeing but his spiritual as well.
“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
Chapter 8
After breakfast, Michaela went to saddle up Flash in the barn, where Sully followed her after a minute.
“Getting ready to leave?” He entered.
“In just minute,” she replied.
As he drew near, Michaela put the reigns aside and approached him.
“Sully,” she reached for his arms. “Are you sure you’ll be all right? I can stay home with you.”
Sully smiled at her generosity.
“I’m fine, Michaela,” he pulled her into an embrace. “Besides, we can’t just stop living our lives.”
“I know, but-” she stepped back to look at him, but stopped when he cupped her face in his strong hands.
“Michaela,” his eyes were soft. “If I’m gonna live with this…I gotta live.”
Michaela glanced downward and sighed. She knew he was right; but the thought of him enduring any kind of pain, broke her heart. However, if he was going to live with this, she couldn’t just rid him of any discomfort or pain, no matter how badly she wanted to.
“Just…promise me you’ll take things easy.”
He leaned in and tenderly kissed her lips.
“I promise,” he said. “But there is one thing I’d like to do.”
“What’s that?”
He reached for her hands.
“Take you to work.”
“Sully,” she sighed.
He knew she would reject, but he stopped her before she could go on.
“I’d like to…still be your husband, even if I’m not…well,” he didn’t know how else to say it.
Michaela’s heart broke and warmed, simultaneously.
“Oh, Sully,” she reached for another embrace. “You’ll always be my husband. Nothing’s changed between us.”
He held onto her just a little longer; he knew nothing would ever really change between them, but since his diagnosis, his mind was filled with irrational fears; some he was too embarrassed to share with his wife. Although, he couldn’t control what was happening to his body, Sully would do everything in his power, to keep his role as husband and father.
Michaela hadn’t thoroughly considered, Sully’s position. That is the mental and emotional affliction he was under; and she realized that him taking to her to work, was not an act of dominance, but a cry for help. He wouldn’t say it so forwardly, but just like always, she could read in between the lines.
“If you’re feeling well enough,” she looked at him.
Sully nodded.
“I’m all right,” he kissed her hands.
XXXXX
Sully slowed the wagon down in front of the clinic, where Brian bid his parents goodbye as he went off to school.
“I’ll be closing at four,” Michaela touched Sully’s knee.
He smiled and clasped her hand.
“I’ll be here,” he kissed her cheek.
“Michaela, Sully,” a voice was heard.
The couple turned to see Dorothy approaching.
“Good morning, Dorothy,” Michaela greeted.
“Good morning,” the older woman replied. “Sully, how are you?”
“I’m doing fine,” he smiled.
“The town’s been worried about ya.”
Sully felt somewhat uncomfortable; he didn’t want anyone to know about his condition yet.
“Is there anything we can do for you?”
“Oh, no, thank you,” he replied. “I’m…doing just fine.”
Dorothy had that sense again, that same feeling she had when she was at the homestead. Like they didn’t want to talk. Again, she respected their boundaries and politely excused herself.
“Michaela, would you like to have lunch together?” She inquired before going her own way.
“That would be nice, how’s noon?”
“See ya then,” Dorothy smiled.
As Dorothy went to the Gazette, Michaela turned her attention back to Sully.
“Now remember,” she said. “Take it easy, today.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Sully teased and kissed her again. “I’m gonna go talk to Preston,” he said.
“About what?” Michaela turned.
“Gotta tell him I won’t be finishing his homestead.”
Michaela sighed and clasped his hand.
“Don’t worry,” he kissed her hand. “Everything’s gonna be all right.”
After biding his wife goodbye, Sully went his own way. Not long after Michaela was settled into the clinic, Preston entered.
“Preston,” Michaela stood near the examination table. “Can I help you?”
“Well, I see that your husband drove you into town this morning,” he was short-spoken.
Michaela was taken aback by his words.
“I don’t see how that’s any business of yours,” her tone revealed irritation.
“Well, you see it is my business, considering he’s left my homestead half completed for the second time, without word; and he comes into town as if I am oblivious.”
“Preston,” Michaela sighed. “If you would have waited instead of barging in here, you would have seen Sully.”
A frown grew on Preston’s face.
“He was on his way to meet you,” she went on.
“Meet me?”
“Preston, after the accident at your homestead, Sully won’t be able to finish the building.”
“Why on earth not?”
Michaela knew Sully wouldn’t want Preston of all people to know, but she had to come up with something convincing enough that he would back off.
“Something’s unexpected has come up and he won’t be able to complete the process,” she tried her best.
“This is ridiculous,” Preston scoffed. “As long as he knows, I won’t be paying him for the work he’s done.”
“I’ll tell him,” Michaela began to clean her medical instruments.
With a sigh of annoyance, Preston departed from the clinic; leaving Michaela alone and worried. After cleaning the instrument, she began to pour over her medical books to find some way to help her husband. She did her best to keep her mind from wandering, keep her fears from getting the better of her. She wondered how Sully was doing and kept telling herself he was all right; but as long as they were apart, she felt she could never be certain.
XXXXX
Children poured from the schoolhouse as the recess bell rang. Some were met by parents, friends, and siblings; Brian had anticipated to walk home alone, so he was surprised when a familiar voice called his name.
“Brian,” Sully stood some distance off.
“Sully?” The boy ran up. “What are you doing here?
“School’s over, ain’t it?”
“Sure, it is,” Brian replied.
“You got a lot of homework?”
Brian shook his head.
“Just gotta study for a history test on Monday.”
“What do you say, you and me go fishing?”
“Now?” Brian was surprised.
“Well, ya got two days to study, don’t ya?”
“Well…yeah,” Brian said. “But what about my chores?”
Sully shrugged.
“One day ain’t gonna hurt, come on.”
Brian looked unsure; his expression hurt Sully, but it was understandable.
“It’s all right, Brian,” Sully put a hand on the boy’s shoulder.
“You sure?” Brian didn’t know how else to ask.
Sully nodded.
“Why don’t we talk about things?” He said.
They sat at the familiar pond where many conversations and memories were held. Sully had first taken Brian to this place when he was boy; he had grown up here, with Sully and their discussions.
“What’s on your mind, Brian?” Sully asked after a moment.
The boy felt different this time talking to his father, like there was some kind of distance between them. He knew there really wasn’t, but after all that happened, it felt like something changed, like Sully changed. So, his only response was a shrug of his shoulders.
Sully hadn’t expected him to open up at first and he pretty much already knew what Brian was thinking and feeling. However, he wanted him to express his feelings, to get a better understanding.
“It’s all right if you don’t wanna talk about it,” he said. “But if you do, I’m here to listen.”
Brian looked downward. This was going to be harder than Sully thought.
A moment of silence passed before Sully spoke again, “Brian, I guess there’s something I ought to tell ya.”
Brian looked at him.
“What’s that?” His brow furrowed.
“I uh…” Sully twisted the fishing pole in his hands. “I overheard you and your Ma talking the other night about…” his voice trailed off.
Brian pressed his lips together, he seemed to feel bad.
“I’m sorry, Pa,” he said.
Sully, placing his fishing pole aside, leaned back on his elbows, giving his full attention to his son.
“For what?”
“I didn’t tell ya because I don’t wanna worry ya. You got so much to deal with and I don’t wanna...bother ya.”
“Brian,” Sully tisked.
“I know you’re gonna say I don’t bother ya, but…” he stopped and looked away from Sully.
Sully drew in a deep breath. With everything going on he hadn’t paused to consider how the circumstances were affecting his children. The realization of their inner turmoil felt like a knife in his heart.
“Ya know, Brian,” he sat up straight. “I’m still trying to understand all this myself. I know I’m sick and all but this really ain’t just happening to me.”
Brian looked at him with uncertainty.
“What do you mean?”
“Well, I might be sick, but this is gonna…is affecting all of us. And I don’t want you to feel like you can’t come to me.”
Brian knew Sully truly meant those words, but he was still hesitant, Sully could see it in his eyes.
“This morning, I was talking to your Ma,” Sully went on. “About takin’ her to work. She wanted to stay home me.”
“But you did take her to work,” Brian was confused.
“You know what I told her?” The older man looked at him.
Brian shook his head.
“I told her that if I’m gonna live with this…I gotta live.”
He wondered if Brian fully comprehended his meaning so he continued, “Brian, bad things happen, but we can’t just stop living life cause it’s not the way we planned. We can’t just deal with things, we gotta live with them. I can’t live around this cancer…and neither can you.”
Brian pondered on his father’s words momentarily before responding, “So it’s all right if I’m… afraid.”
Sully nodded, slowly.
“So am I,” he said.
“But I don’t know how to help ya,” the boy went on.
“You just being here helps me,” Sully replied. “Knowing that I ain’t alone. Having you, your siblings, your Ma, my brothers, that more than I could ever ask for.”
Brian looked out towards the waters, no longer was he focused on catching fish. The far off look in his eyes did not go unnoticed by Sully. Without a word, he put an arm around the boy’s shoulder.
After a moment, Brian sank into his arms. It was such a familiar embrace; Sully’s strong arms were the safest place he’d ever know. Brian couldn’t understand how something so secure, could not be wholesome; but truly no matter what state Sully was in, his hold was the most wholesome things Brian ever felt.
Chapter 9
That evening Sully had excused himself from the dinner table and retired early, an action the rest of the family was growing accustom to. Sully’s disposition seemed to be slowing down and as everyone did their best to support him, they couldn’t help but feel that they were just watching him waste away.
“Michaela,” Andrew’s voice broke the heavy silence.
“Yes?” She turned her attention from her plate to her son-in-law.
“I hope you don’t mind but I reached out to some well-known physicians, inquiring for the latest medical research about Sully’s condition.”
Michaela raised a brow in slight surprise.
“Anonymously,” the younger doctor added.
“Did you receive a reply?” Michaela inquired.
Reaching into his vest pocket, Andrew pulled out a telegram and handed it over to her.
Silently, Michaela read its contents.
“What’s it say?” Matthew who was seated beside her asked.
“There is still a lot we don’t know about leukemia,” Michaela read. “But new discoveries have been made which use arsenic salts?” She looked at Andrew.
“He sent me the documents proving the research and others,” Andrew said.
“I’d like to read that,” she said.
“Do you think this is something that could help Sully?” Colleen inquired.
“I’m not sure,” Michaela replied. “I’ll have to read the case studies. Cloud Dancing has also been showing herbal remedies that may be effective.”
The silent question, but what if it’s not, went through everyone’s mind; but they were each too fearful to verbalize it.
Michaela sighed and began to rise from the table.
“Thank you, Andrew,” she smiled. “I’m going to join Sully now.”
As Michaela opened the bedroom door, there was a small fire burning. Sully sat in the rocking chair with a blanket laid across his lap.
Michaela felt a pain in her heart as she watched him. He seemed so tired and weak.
“Sully,” she drew near.
The glowing embers shone in his deep blue eyes and he blinked as if awakening from sleep. Without a word, he reached for her hand and she knelt at his side. Michaela couldn’t help but notice that his hands were cold to the touch.
“Are you alright?”
Even though he remained quiet, his silence was a loud enough response for Michaela.
“Why don’t you come to bed?”
He looked at her for a moment and then down at their hands. Stroking her fingers across his knuckles, Michaela could feel a distant within him that deeply concerned her.
“What is it?” She inquired after a moment.
Sully rocked slightly and sighed.
“I don’t feel well,” his voice was lower than a whisper.
Michaela’s heart went out to him.
“What’s wrong?” She touched his cheek.
“I’m hurting,” he gazed in her eyes.
His expression nearly broke her.
“Michaela,” he held her hand closer. “I…I’m getting worse.”
“Oh Sully,” she pulled him into an embrace.
Sully closed his eyes as he rested his head on her shoulder. He tried his best to conceal, rather control his pain over the last few days, but truth was, he couldn’t.
“Would you like to lie down?” Michaela after a moment.
A nod was his only response. Lifting the blanket from his lap, Sully slowly rose to feet. His steps were slow and heavy as he leaned on his wife.
Although he did struggle to lift his legs, his heart broke as Michaela put her hands beneath him to help him lie down. He wasn’t ready for things to be this bad, just yet.
“I’ll be right back,” she touched his cheek. “Will you be alright?”
Again, he nodded before closing his eyes. Laying in the dark, quiet room Sully began to feel worse as Michaela went downstairs, not only physically, but emotionally. He hated having Michaela help in such ways, simply lying down.
They had been married for five years, which felt so much longer, and Sully wasn’t ready to be so dependent on his wife. Of course, he was grateful for her help and knew she not only gave without thought, but wouldn’t allow anyone else to assist him. Yet, something didn’t sit right with him. He wasn’t prideful, but he had his dignity and with the way he was feeling, Sully couldn’t help but wonder how much longer he could hold on to even that. He was doing his best not to let on, but his condition of growing worse.
His mind went back to just a few weeks ago, when he first began experiencing symptoms. He wondered if there was something he could’ve done to prevent or did he do something to deserve this. It seemed this illness was taking a toll of his emotions, especially; though he tried his hardest to remain strong, for Michaela and the children.
However, now that he was alone, in the silence and darkness of the atmosphere, his feelings were becoming ever more profound. Sully had experienced much pain in his life, physical, emotional; he had been shot, beat up, even paralyzed, but nothing felt quite as immobilizing as this. He couldn’t refrain from the fear that over took his heart. He didn’t have cancer; cancer had him.
XXXXX
Michaela returned with a steaming cup of tea, a remedy she learned from Cloud Dancing. Weakly, Sully accepted and drank a generous amount.
“How are you feeling?” Michaela inquired after a few moments.
“All right,” he replied in a low voice.
“Are you still having pain?” She reached out to feel his pulse.
“Some,” Sully placed the mug on the nightstand beside their bed.
“Sully,” she clasped his hand. “There’s something I want to talk to you about, if you’re feeling up to it.”
He settled back on the pillows, still sitting up and nodded.
“Andrew reached out to some physicians in Denver about your condition.”
Sully blinked in surprise.
“There is new research being done about your condition and these doctors seem confident in the treatment.”
“What do you think?” Sully inquired.
“Well, I have to read the case studies, but Andrew said they have proven studies that use arsenic salts as a treatment.”
Sully nodded, slowly taking in her words.
“Like I said I still have to read the case studies and do some research,” Michaela added.
“Whatever you think is best,” he replied.
Michaela couldn’t help but feel a strong responsibility at his words. He trusted her so much that she felt she had to find the right treatment.
“Why don’t you get some rest?” She perceived he was growing tired.
Sully laid back onto the pillow and after changing into her nightgown, Michaela joined him under the warm covers.
She scooped him into her arms and Sully could feel the tightness in his chest fade at her embrace. It wasn’t long before sleep overtook Sully and Michaela felt relieved. She combed her fingers through the thick hair that framed his face and gazed at him, lovingly.
He looked so peaceful and beautiful. She couldn’t understand how this could be happening to him. So much uncertainty was before them. There was so much out of her control, so much she couldn’t do for her husband; but she couldn’t just watch him fade away.
A sudden, strong sense came over her, one she had never felt before. It was stronger than fear and more certain than her anxiety. In that moment all she could do was pray and hold Sully close to her. She prayed for his healing. Michaela, although relied on science for much of her life, was a praying woman and believed in the presence of God. Yet, suddenly, she felt as if she had never truly believed and she needed to, for her husband’s sake.
Chapter 10
After Michaela had reviewed the case studies and done her own research, Sully’s treatments had begun. He remained at home through it, still wanting privacy from the town. Although, Michaela wondered just how much longer they could go on without the town discovering their news. The children made the effort to be home for Sully’s first treatment; as did Cloud Dancing and Daniel. Sully insisted that it was unnecessary, but inside was extremely grateful for their presence.
Michaela prepared their bedroom to be a comfortable as she could. A small fire burned to keep the Autumn chill out. Once everything was settled, she sat at her husband’s bedside.
“Are you ready?”
His eyes expressed the nervousness he felt, but he trusted his wife and gave a nod.
He did his best to relax back onto the pillows and was comforted by Daniel, who reached out for his hand. Sully looked at him and smiled slightly.
Michaela began to roll up his sleeve and prepare his arm for the injection.
“Just lie still,” she gently instructed.
Closing his eyes, Sully completely entrusted himself to her care. The sting of the needle made him groan slightly. He turned his face from the direction of the pain.
“It’s almost over,” Daniel rubbed his other arm.
The pain only lasted for a few more minutes and his arm only throbbed slightly when the injection was out.
“You may feel fatigued and a bit of nausea,” Michaela brushed the hair from his face. “Just rest.”
Sully nodded.
“Thank you,” he said in a low voice.
Sully was a bit surprised at how quickly fatigue overtook him. Within minutes, his eyes were closed and he had fallen asleep.
“Thank you for being here,” Michaela turned to the children.
“Nothing to thank us for,” Matthew said.
“Do you think this is gonna work?” Brian inquired.
“I hope so,” Michaela replied. “Come on, let’s let him rest.”
She looked at Daniel.
“I’ll sit with him for a while,” he said.
Michaela smiled in thanks.
Sitting alone with his brother, Daniel pulled a blanket over him. Sully stirred slightly.
“Shh,” Daniel sat back down. “You’re all right,” he said as Sully looked about the room.
“Where’s Michaela?” He inquired.
“She went downstair with the kids,” he informed. “Want me to get her?”
Sully shook his head.
“How ya feeling?” Daniel touched his arm.
There was a pause before his response.
“Not so good,” he admitted.
It hurt Daniel to hear and see his brother’s pain, knowing there was nothing he could do about it.
“You need to rest,” he said.
“How’s Michaela?” Sully asked.
“She’s doing all right,” Daniel nodded, slowly.
“I’m worried about her.”
“Why?” Daniel’s brow furrowed.
“I know she’s tryin’ to be strong for me and the kids,” Sully looked downward. “But she’s scared.”
“So are you,” Daniel knew.
Sully glanced at him momentarily and looked away.
“Daniel,” he said.
“Yeah?”
“Can I…ask you…a favor?”
It took Sully a moment to gather his thoughts.
“I don’t know what’s gonna happen,” he began. “If…I’m gonna make it.”
“Sully,” Daniel tisked.
Sully raised hand.
“Please just… would you…look after Michaela and the children, if I…” he fell silent.
Daniel sighed and lowered his head. Sully knew it was painful thing to ask, but he had to make sure his family was looked after.
Again, Daniel took his hand in his.
“I promise,” their eyes met.
Sully gave a quiet sigh of relief.
“You get some rest,” Daniel said.
He closed his eyes and fell asleep fairly quickly and Daniel remained at his brother’s side as he slept.
XXXXX
When Sully awoke, he was feeling worse. Daniel was gone and the room was dark and quiet. Sitting up, he perceived moisture to be soaking the sheets. Quickly he realized he was drenched in perspiration. Feeling a sensation drip down his face, he realized his nose was bleeding again. With weak steps, he made his way to the basin to clean up. His tiredness had increased in a way he never felt before; it was beyond exhaustion and his entire body felt tender and achy.
His nose continued to bleed for quite a while, until finally it seized. When it did, Sully’s pain had escalated. He knew he should probably change the sheets before lying back down, but he couldn’t muster the strength.
At that moment, the door opened and Michaela entered.
“Sully,” she rushed to his side.
She noticed the water in the basin discolored from his blood.
“Are you alright?” She brushed the hair from his face.
He nodded, wiping his nose with a towel. Michaela reached out a hand and touched his forehead.
“You’re burning up,” she said. “Come on, let’s get you back in bed.”
Sully leaned on his wife quite heavily and his weight hurt Michaela’s heart more than her shoulder. Without a word, she noticed how soaked the blankets were and went to change them.
She returned to his side with a fresh blanket, a basin of cold water and a cloth to cool him off.
Soaking the cloth in cold water, Michaela laid it across his forehead.
“I’m…cold,” his breathing was slightly hitched.
“I know, sweetheart,” her fingers caressed his beard. “But we need to bring your fever down. I think it’s time for another injection.”
A nod was his only response.
After preparing the medicine, Michaela returned to her husband’s side. The expression on his face revealed his increase in pain. She noticed he was holding his side and moved about quickly to administer the medicine.
“Are you ready?”
Sully nodded and looked away. The needle seemed to hurt more than before and he wondered if was his fear or physical weakness.
“This should make you feel better,” she said after it was over.
Sitting beside him, Michaela scooped her husband into her arms, his head on her lap.
Running her fingers through his hair, she made her way down to his neck and shoulders. Sully usually had tension in his muscles, from the constant and heavy work he did; but this time he seemed much stiffer. He moaned and shifted from time to time, but ultimately found realization in his wife’s touch.
Thankfully, Sully rested throughout the night. Michaela stayed with him and eventually dosed off as well. Not before silently praying and pleading for her husband.
XXXXX
Colleen and Andrew continued to watch over the clinic in Michaela’s absence. Michaela only came in a couple of days a week and only for a few hours. Sully had continued to insist that she should go to work, but she was too anxious when apart from him/
This day was like many others and she stayed home with him and Katie, while the children went out to work. Sully didn’t like having the children go out and work when he was stuck at home, but his present condition was limiting him and he knew he was blessed to have such a generous family.
“Colleen,” Andrew caught his on the stairs. “I received a response from a doctor in Denver.”
“About Pa?” She rushed down.
“They have new treatments at the hospital,” he said.
“Hospital,” she frowned.
He nodded with a sigh.
“I don’t know if Ma would want to take Sully to a hospital,” she said.
“Well, maybe he doesn’t have to stay there,” Andrew thought. “We’ll talk about it later,” he touched her arm.
Andrew noticed a saddened expression rise in his wife’s eyes and he drew near.
“Colleen,” his brow furrowed. “What is it?”
“Nothing, I just…” she lowered her head.
“Hey,” Andrew touched her chin. “Tell me.”
“It’s just…for this to be happening to Sully of all people. I mean…he’s never been sick and…” her voice cracked with emotion.
Andrew put an arm her in comfort.
“Everything’s gonna be all right,” he said.
“But what if it’s not,” she looked up. “I don’t know what would happen if something happened to Pa.”
Andrew pulled her into an embrace.
“Don’t worry, Sully’s strong. The cancer is still at an early stage. He’s gonna beat this.”
At that moment, they heard the clinic door shut. Stepping out they found Loren standing with a box in his hand.
“Mr. Bray,” Colleen greeted.
“I just come to drop off these supplies for Dr. Mike,” the storekeeper said.
“I can take that,” Andrew stepped forward. “Thanks, Loren. What do we owe you?’
“Oh, don’t worry about it. Tell Dr. Mike it’s no trouble.”
Quickly the old man departed, leaving Colleen and Andrew slightly confused by his demeanor; not realizing or considering that he overheard them.
XXXXX
Michaela rose to open the front door as a gentle knock was heard.
“Dorothy,” she was a bit surprised to see her friend. “What a pleasant surprise. What are you doing here?”
“Hello Michaela,” the older woman smiled warmly. “I brought you all some stew.”
“Oh, thank you. You didn’t have to do that.”
“Well, it’s been a while since you’ve been in town and I…that is…I…” she paused.
“Is everything all right?”
“Michaela, we all heard,” she said. “The town…about Sully.”
“Oh no,” the doctor said under her breath.
“Having gone through the same thing…I thought maybe…I could help.”
Michaela paused considering the suggestion.
It was a kind thing for Dorothy to do. She knew Sully would be upset about the whole town knowing, but perhaps Dorothy could help.
“He’s in the barn,” Michaela said.
“Thank you, Michaela,” Dorothy held her friend’s and then turned to descend the stairs.
Sully stood in barn beside his horse, brushing the animal down with slow, gentle strokes. Gentle because that was Sully’s natural touch, slow because it pained him to move any faster.
He hadn’t heard anyone come in.
“Sully,” Dorothy cleared her throat.
He turned, somewhat startled by the unexpected voice.
“Ms. Dorothy,” he frowned.
“I brought you all some stew,” she said.
“Oh,” Sully blinked in confusion. “Well, thank you.”
“I thought I’d give Michaela a break from cooking, seeing as she hasn’t been in town for a while.”
“Thank you. She’s in the house if you wanna see her.”
“Well, actually I already saw Michaela. I came here to talk to you.”
He turned to her slowly.
She approached shyly.
“Well…everyone in town has been asking about you and Michaela, worried and wondering where you’ve been.”
Michaela, not me, Sully thought to himself.
“We’ve been just fine, thanks,” he said.
With that response, Dorothy didn’t know how to proceed. Sully noticed her uneasiness.
“Something I can help ya with?’
“Oh well, I’m not exactly sure how to start.”
Sully remained silent, waiting for her to continue.
“To tell you the truth, Sully…the town heard about you.”
He stared at her for a moment and then turned his attention back to his horse.
“Oh,” he mumbled under his breath.
“Oh, Sully I’m so sorry,” Dorothy took a step forward.
A nod was his only response.
Dorothy could tell he didn’t want to discuss not hear about the matter further.
“Is there anything we can do?”
“No,” his voice was lower than a whisper. “Thank you.”
“Sully, I didn’t mean to disturb you. It’s just we all want you to know that…we’re here. And having gone through the same thing. I hope you know, you have the town’s support.”
“That you or the town talking?” Sully said.
Dorothy didn’t respond.
With a slump of his shoulders and a sigh, Sully turned to her.
“I appreciate you coming out here, Dorothy. But I don’t see how after all this time the town would wanna help now.”
“But Sully, we care-”
He raised a hand.
“The town doesn’t care. If you’re speaking for yourself, then thank you.”
Dorothy didn’t know what to say. Over the last year, the town hadn’t exactly treated Sully the fairest.
Sully had been in Colorado Springs for a long time, long before Michaela’s arrival. Almost everybody knew him, but now that Dorothy thought about it, they didn’t know him well.
“Thank you for coming out here, Ms. Dorothy,” he turned his back, continuing to tend to his horse.
Without a word, Dorothy departed from the barn. Sully waited until he heard her ride off, before he exhaled loudly and seized brushing the animal. Leaning back on the wall, he clutched his side where the pain was the worse.
He was uncertain if he’d be able to make it back inside on his own.
“Pa,” Brian rode into the barn. “Are you alright?” He noticed his father.
“Yeah,” his voice was strained.
“You in pain?” He descended his horse.
All Sully could do was nod.
“I’ll help ya,” Brian approached.
“No…” Sully held his breath. “I’m alright.”
“Pa,” Brian knew better. “You should come inside.”
Sully knew he wouldn’t be able to conceal his pain any further. Without further rejection, he nodded and allowed Brian to assist him.
Seeing her son and husband from the window, Michaela rushed to open the front door.
“Sully, what’s wrong?” She drew near.
“Nothing,” Sully fought to keep his strength. “Just a little pain, is all.”
Michaela noticed him clutching his side.
“Come on,” she put her arm around him.
Sully couldn’t help the loud groan that escaped as he climbed the steps.
Brian looked to his mother, worriedly.
“That’s it,” Michaela encouraged.
Drawing near the couch, Michaela assisted her husband in sitting.
“I’m alright,” he said.
“When did the pain start?” Michaela held his hand.
“I’m alright,” Sully insisted.
“Sully, please,” Michaela said.
He sighed, knowing he couldn’t go on without her help.
“Just a second ago,” he said.
“Is it just your side?”
He nodded.
“I’ll brew you some tea, that should ease the pain,” she said.
Michaela went to rise, but stopped when she felt Sully clasp her hand.
“Sorry,” he said in a low voice.
“Sweetheart,” she brought his hand to her lips. “You have nothing to be sorry for. Just rest now.”
As she went about brewing the tea, Brian helped her. Sully sat in silence, trying to rest; but he hated pulling his family away to tend to him. He hated just sitting there, resting; but he knew he wouldn’t be able to go on without their help; and he wondered how much longer he could go on despite their help.
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