Amy’s lips quirked into a faint smile at the memory.
“Seems I’m always taking care of all of you,” she whispered, her voice hoarse but tinged with warmth.
“Hey, it’s our turn now. Don’t you worry,” Brenda reassured her. “Just focus on getting better. Imagine all those hungry mouths waiting for your food.”
“Can’t disappoint the children,” Amy agreed.
“That’s the spirit,” Brenda said with a grin. “Now, let’s get you fixed up so you can go back to bossing everyone around.”
Tim returned with a steaming mug. “Here we go,” he said, handing the remedy to Amy.
Amy’s hands shook slightly as she took the mug. She sipped carefully, the sweet and minty concoction soothing her raw throat and warming her from the inside out. A sigh escaped her lips.
“Thank you, Tim,” Amy said. “And Brenda, for being here.”
“Family looks after family,” Brenda chimed in, brushing a comforting hand across Amy’s forehead. “It’s no more than what you’d do for us.”
“Very true,” Tim added, pulling up a chair beside the bed. “You rest now. We’re right here.”
The night stretched on, a silent sentinel over the isolated ranch. Tim and Brenda settled into a rhythm, one watching Amy while the other (it’s June in Texas so I doubt they needed a fire) fetched fresh water for her to drink. They spoke in hushed tones, snippets of stories from their childhood together spilling into the quiet room.
“Remember when we tried to bake that apple pie?” Brenda asked. “I thought for sure we’d burnt down the kitchen.”
“And yet,” Amy rasped, a faint chuckle accompanying her words, “it was the best-tasting charcoal we ever did eat.”
“Your pies are much better now,” Tim said, enjoying the story immensely. “Children’ll be missing those if you don’t get well soon.”
“I can’t let them down,” said Amy, determination threading through her weakening voice. They’d already lost their mother. They didn’t need to lose a second person in their lives.
“Of course not,” Brenda reassured her. “You’re too stubborn to let a little fever keep you from your duties.”
“Stubborn and caring,” Tim added, his tone affectionate. “A mighty combination.”
As dawn broke, Amy’s fever seemed to wane, the cool touch of Brenda’s hand on her brow confirming it. The three of them were all relieved, but they needed the doctor to determine what was truly wrong.
“Looks like you’re turning the corner,” Tim observed, pouring Amy another cup of water.
“Thanks to you both,” Amy said, her voice stronger now. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Let’s not find out,” Brenda replied, her bluntness softened by the warmth in her eyes. “Now, how about trying to get some more sleep?”
“Best idea I’ve heard all night,” Amy agreed, closing her eyes and sinking deeper into her pillows, surrounded by the love and care of her dearest companions.
The latch clicked and the door creaked open, letting in a sliver of daylight that cut through the dimness of the room. Dr. Stanton stepped inside, his bag of instruments in hand, his face etched with concern. Tim hovered in the background as the doctor approached Amy’s bedside.
“Morning, Amy,” the doctor greeted, his voice a low rumble. He leaned over her, his hands practiced and efficient as he checked her pulse and listened to her breathing.
“Feels like fire’s been burning through my bones,” Amy said weakly.
“Let’s have a look then,” Dr. Stanton murmured, peering into her eyes, then down her throat. After a few moments,he straightened up, his brows knitted together. “Symptoms are worrisome. Could be Tuberculosis.”
Tim’s heart clenched at the word, and he exchanged a worried glance with Brenda who stood rigid, her hands clasped tightly.
“Is it...?” Brenda began, but her voice trailed off.
“Can’t say for certain,” the doctor continued. “For now, rest and take these medicines.” He laid out bottles on the nightstand. “Keep her hydrated and isolated from the children.”
“Of course, Doctor,” Tim assured him, determination setting his jaw. “We’ll do whatever it takes.” He wasn’t sure what they would do if she didn’t get better. Beatrice was just warming up to Amy, and he was sure the girl would lose her mind if they lost her.
