My brother Daniel had gone into town to fetch the doc. When they came back, Travis was behind them on his horse. He’d run into Daniel at the doc’s office and decided to hurry back with them.
Travis sat with me as I waited for the doc. When he came out of Pa’s room, I stood up.
“I’m sorry, Annie. He passed away,” the doc confirmed.
I stood there, holding Travis’s hand as tight as I could. There were no tears. I didn’t really believe he was gone. Not my papa. He’d been just fine that morning.
“What happened to him?” I asked.
“To tell you the truth, I can’t figure it out. I can only guess he was poisoned somehow. It’s the only thing that would spread through the system so fast.”
I looked at the doc. “Poisoned? Who would poison Papa?”
The bedroom door opened, and slowly, Mama came out. Her face betrayed no emotion, but all the color was drained from her complexion. She had no tears, but I’d heard her crying behind the door while I waited.
I wanted to run to her, but Travis, who was still holding my hand, held me back. I turned to look at him, but he just shook his head. Mama walked up to the three of us. She had gathered all the composure she had in order to say her next words.
“Your father has passed. I need one of you to go into town to send wires to your sisters and Aunt Mary. Also, get Mr. Loring to come out. I want him to come out today. I’ll make the arrangements when your sisters and Aunt get here.’’
She looked at Travis. “Mr. Sullivan, I thank you for your kindness and help. Ryan thought a lot of you. I’m sure you being here today eased his mind as he went on his new journey.”
“Ma’am, if you don’t mind,” Travis said, “if there is anything I can do for you and Miss Annie, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“You are most kind.” She thought for a moment. “Oh my, where are my manners? Can I offer you something? Annie, go get something for Mr. Sullivan. He’s been sitting here all day. He must be thirsty.”
Travis stopped her. “Ma’am, I’m fine. Can we get you anything?”
Mama looked at him, and then she simply went back into the room.
“I can give her a sedative,” the doc said. “That should keep her calm.”
“That would be fine, Doc.”
I went inside to sit beside Ma, who was still staring at Pa’s lifeless body. “I want you to take a pill the doc is going to give you. It will make you feel better.”
Mama looked at me and then at the doctor, who was standing at the door. “I don’t need anything, Doctor. I am perfectly calm.”
“Right now, you are giving the impression that all is well, but you will crash. Please take the pill, Abby.”
He handed the small pill to her. Reluctantly, Mama took it and put it in her mouth.
The doc watched her. “Abby, swallow the pill.”
She swallowed the pill and turned to me. “Don’t you have something to do?”
“If you want, I can go help Daniel in town.” I looked out the window and saw that Pa’s horse was still saddled.
“Okay.”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can, Mama.”
As I headed out, Ma spoke to Travis. “Mr. Sullivan, would you be so kind as to escort my daughter into town?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
He had his horse and would follow me. Before we left, I could hear Mama speaking to the doc. “That young man is going to marry my Annie. I can feel it in my bones.”