“How are they doing? You must be exhausted.” Frank grabbed his bag off the seat and together they started walking to the entrance.
“Not well. I did try to educate them on boiling water. A few agreed to try it, but others think it will kill the life in the water.”
“It’s supposed to. Any bacteria growing should be dead in the process so it doesn’t infect people.”
“I understand this, but they view water as sacred and as life itself. They don’t want to kill that.”
“Well, then, we have our work cut out for us, don’t we?”
Frank looked at Sister and she nodded back. It would be tough to convince them to trust his direction when it went against their beliefs. It would be like Frank or Sister being told to quit going to church because the building was haunted by death.
They walked through the opening and Frank blinked a few times as his eyes adjusted to the dim light. Then he nodded at a couple of people standing looking at him before making his way to the little boy who lay on the bed.
He was not looking good and Frank feared it was too late. He spoke to Sister as he examined the boy, and Sister relayed the information to the adults standing by. Unfortunately, it sounded as though this boy was not only suffering from typhoid, but pneumonia had set in as well. Based on the size of him, he had to be somewhere around five years of age. Watching a child die was one of the hardest parts of his job. He gave the boy what he could to ease his suffering and explained to Sister that they should focus on those who fared better.
Frank wasn’t sure what sister translated, but based on the crying and moans coming from the woman he knew she must have told them death was imminent. Frank looked at them feeling helpless. It was in such times as this that he hated his profession.
He stepped back out into the sun, shielding his eyes from the brightness. Sister came out shortly after he did, and they solemnly climbed into the wagon to head to the next house. The day was just beginning and already it was looking to be a long one.
They arrived at the next earth house and fortunately, this home seemed to be doing well and Frank would take that good news. He instructed sister to pass along the water boiling need and they continued to the next home.
After traveling for a while and seeing to the needs of a few here and there with minor ailments, they came to another house that had typhoid. This was a woman who looked to be a bit older than Frank, but still in her prime. A male appeared to be in the early stages of sickness as well. Frank quickly assessed the two and got to work.
Luckily this home took the need to boil water to heart and they already had some going. The woman was in bed and looked to be in as poor of shape as the first boy they saw. The man was up trying to fend for her.
Frank assumed they were a couple by the looks of things. He ordered the man to bed, and Sister took over what he was tending to. He administered what medication he could and started forcing water into them. Hydration was key to helping offset the fever and other messier portions of the disease. Once he had done all he could, he instructed Sister on how to keep the fevers down manually and decided to continue onward leaving Sister behind to care for their needs. He needed to get to more homes to make sure he was doing all he could for everyone.
Without his interpreter, Frank soon discovered not everyone was eager to welcome him in. Plus, not being able to communicate in any capacity was frustrating. He did what he could and assessed the homes of those who would allow him. He did find a few more people in the early typhoid stages and they were willing to let him treat them. It took longer than he liked trying to convey that it would be easier if they could all be together to be treated. A few of the kids helped with translating what they could since they were in school learning English. Frank included a silent thanks to God for that in his frequent prayers. It was something he now did as he entered and left each home.
Organization was needed for efficiency. Frank brought the patients by wagon to the largest of the homes where blankets were laid on the floor for padding for each. He could not convince the healthy to stay away so he could properly quarantine the area. No one trusted him enough to leave him alone with their sick. The white doctor was not their Medicine Man. He could understand that as a husband. He wouldn’t leave anyone alone with Allie if she was sick, certainly not an outsider he had just met. He supposed he couldn’t ask these people to do what he himself wouldn’t be comfortable with as well.
Once everyone was settled, he put water on to boil. It would be a while before he could start serving it as it needed to fully cool, so it wouldn’t burn them going down. Once that was set, he began showing those who stayed how to help keep them cool and comfortable. If they chose to stay, they might as well be useful, Frank thought. Teaching them would then allow him to travel between the two typhoid homes to keep up on the progress of both. The children proved to be a bigger asset than he first thought. They not only could help translate, but they were quick to learn.
Frank continued with his first day going back and forth teaching as he went. By nightfall he was exhausted but knew he couldn’t get sleep with his two sickest patients needing around the clock care. He decided to attempt to split up those who stayed at the second home to help with the first. This way they all could take turns sleeping. It was the same approach he took before. This time around there were many more hands making the work load lighter and the time to sleep longer. He wasn’t sure how long he would need to be here and hoped he could get back to Allie soon. He knew it would be several days at least with what he had so far. He prayed no one else fell ill to typhoid.
CHAPTER 37
Allie woke the next morning and began her chores. She was determined to get them all done while the weather was bearable. She also decided to start napping in the living room, as the bedroom heat was stifling on the second story of their home.
With the watering for the day behind her, she went back inside and began on the inside chores. Allie had packed all the bread she had made up for Frank. More would need baked, but she dreaded the thought of the added heat that would bring. Deciding to begin that later in the day so it would be ready for baking at the same time she was boiling water, she moved into Frank’s office.
Normally, it was in use during the day and Allie couldn’t get in to give it a good cleaning. Since Frank was gone, this was her opportunity to do just that. She wasn’t in there all of five minutes when a knock sounded on the front door. Allie was glad it wasn’t an office door knock. She wasn’t sure what she would do if a true emergency came in when he was gone.
She made her way to the front door as the second knock came. Pulling the door open her eyes grew round with surprise.
“Oh, Emma, Roger, kids… what a lovely surprise.”
“Hi, Allie,” Roger spoke first, and Emma gave Allie a hug.
“Come in, come in,” Allie moved aside so they could file in. She tousled Alex’s hair. “Well, get a look at you. You look all healed and mighty strong. I’m so glad.”
Alex grew sheepish and wrapped an arm around his father’s leg.
“Since when did you become afraid of me?” Allie turned to look at Emma who had grown rounder since she had seen her last.
Emma put her hand on her stomach in acknowledgment.
“He just started doing that. He has never been shy, but now he won’t talk to anyone.”
“Well, that’s okay,” she looked down at Alex who was now peeking out behind Roger’s leg.
“I don’t have anything here to serve you. Frank headed to the reservation and he took all my baked goods with him,” Allie put her knuckles on her mouth mentally going through what she had on hand to see if anything would be suitable.
“Oh, not to worry Allie, we aren’t staying. I’m just dropping off Roger and supplies. Then I’ll drive the wagon and children back home for the day.” Emma and Roger smiled at each other.
“Roger and supplies?” Allie was confused.
Roger picked up Alex. “Yes ma’am, I will never be
able to repay your husband for what he did for us, but I can build you a chicken coop and start your flock.”
Allie was silent processing what he just said. “You don’t need to do all that. That’s his job.”
Roger passed Alex to Emma.
“Yes, it is his job and being a job, it comes with a fee. He went above and beyond to save my little boy and I wanted to do something above and beyond for him. Now, I’ll go unload the wagon and it will be ready for you,” he looked at Emma and added, “in a couple of minutes.” Roger stepped outside and unloaded all the wood and nails. The ladies and children stepped out onto the porch and waited.
Emma set Alex down and grabbed Allie’s hand.
“I’m going to come pick Roger up later today and when I do, I will bring the birds.”
Allie smiled. “It’s going to be wonderful having eggs right here that I don’t need to regularly purchase. I can’t thank you both enough.”
“No thanks needed,” Emma grabbed Alex’s hand and led him off the porch as Katie followed behind her. Roger lifted his children up into the wagon and then helped Emma climb up. They all waved as they drove off, leaving Allie and Roger on the front lawn.
“Now, where would you like this to go?” Roger turned to Allie and waited.
Allie put her hands on her hips. “Well now, I’m not sure.” She scanned around thinking. “I know I’ll want it in the back. Maybe the far side away from the office?”
Roger thought that was a good idea. They walked around back and quickly found a suitable spot. He moved his supplies and got to work. Allie watched for a little while before she made her way back inside to finish her chores.
Allie went back out in the middle of the day with a tall glass of boiled water. She handed it to Roger and checked on the progress. “I can find something to eat for you if you’re hungry.”
Roger took the glass and downed half of it. “No, thanks. Emma packed me a lunch, but this water is hitting the spot. Thanks, though.”
Allie walked over to the structure. Roger had all four sides already on and was working on the roof.
“I’m going to have a chicken ladder with the opening in the floor. That way in the winter time, the cold winds won’t blow through the side.”
Allie looked back at Roger. “That sounds like a great idea. You’ve made great progress already.”
Roger wiped his brow. “I’ll be done here in the next couple of hours. Once this is done I’m going to walk over to the livery and pick up some of their hay for the bedding.”
“Well, do you need anything else?” Allie took the glass Roger handed back to her.
“I could use some more of this water in a bit. It’s a warm one today.”
“Will do,” Allie turned to leave and swayed on her feet for a moment. Roger grabbed her waist and steadied her.
“Are you all right?”
Allie blinked. “I think I’m fine now. I was a little dizzy for a moment, but I already feel better.”
Roger looked at her. “Let me help you inside. Maybe you just are too warm.”
Together they made their way in and Roger helped her sit. “I’m going to go get you a glass of water. Then if you’re still feeling fine I’ll head back out to work.”
“Water sounds lovely. It is miserably hot.”
Allie took the water from Roger and drank several gulps. “That is exactly what I needed. Thank you. I’m feeling much better now.”
“Good. I’ll head back out. You stay in here away from the sun. Let me know if you need anything. You know where I’ll be, and I will let you know before I go get that hay.”
Allie nodded. She wasn’t sure what that dizzy spell was about but decided she should stay in and rest a bit. After Roger headed back out, she went upstairs to grab the journal and back down to the living room to read. Before she settled in, she made sure her water was filled up and sitting on the little table next to her. She opened the journal and began reading her ma’s words and she listened to the pounding of hammer on nails outside.
CHAPTER 38
Allie woke each morning to the sound of a rooster. Roger had finished the coop a few days back and Emma brought three young red hens and a proud red rooster with green tail feathers with her when she returned for him. That noise was something she would need to get used to. He was loud.
She had restocked the baking since Frank’s departure. Today was quilting day and she was happy to be able to sit with some friends. Being alone gave her lots of reading time and she was sad to learn that her parents suffered more loss.
Allie had read of the loss of another four children, leaving only two squares unaccounted for. She knew by the pattern that they would be claimed when she read more. She was getting closer to her birth, so she wasn’t sure if all the loss came before her or if there was at least one between her and Drew. She wasn’t sure she wanted to know the answer to that question.
Allie also discovered how her pa became a farmer and she loved him all the more for it. They had both suffered so much loss and her ma was struggling with depression. Pa decided that his life of being gone for days and sometimes weeks at a time was more than Ma could deal with, so he up and quit.
Time was shaky for a bit. He took what he had saved up and bought the farm. Money was a struggle from then on, but they managed, and the depression seemed to ease based on her writing. Allie had mixed feelings about learning all this information. She loved feeling like she still had a connection to her ma, but she hated knowing what they went though.
Allie entered and saw that some of the other women had already begun working on their current blanket. Emma and Belle looked up at her. Both stood and greeted her before they all took their seats. Everyone made small talk. They would finish this blanket today. Some of the ladies had brought treats and she could see a pitcher of what looked like apple cider.
Allie joined in working after she settled in. Both Emma and Belle were awfully quiet. Too quiet. Normally the three of them carried on their own conversation, but today the silent air hung over Allie and it made her nervous. Something was going on with them and Allie had not a clue what it could be. One of the women spoke up, breaking the silence that hung at one end of the table.
“I heard Dr. Hubbard was helping the Indians.”
All eyes looked at Allie which only made her uneasiness worsen. “Yes, he has been there for several days now. He told me there were a few typhoid cases.”
That started mini conversations all around the table. Some women were mentioning praying for them, others were talking about the Indians as savages and Dr. Hubbard shouldn’t waste his time on them.
Belle’s voice rose above the others. “I, for one, am happy to hear he is helping. Doc Hubbard and Allie have been a wonderful addition to our community and I thank them for all their hard work.” She looked at Allie and if Allie could have had the floor open up and swallow her whole she would have welcomed that.
“Thank you, Belle,” Allie whispered the words and stared down at her work.
The rest of the women carried on with their small group conversations around the table and Allie silently worked. Some of the women had finished their portions and were now up mingling and enjoying the refreshments. Allie felt a tap on her shoulder and Emma was there holding a glass of cider out for her.
“Roger told me you had a dizzy spell the other day. How are you feeling now?”
Allie stood and took the glass from her. She stepped away from the table so if any cider spilt it wouldn’t get on the quilt. “I did, but I’m feeling fine now.”
“Really? No other symptoms?” Emma was looking her over.
Allie started fidgeting. “Well, I’ve been tired. Frank says it’s all normal for the grieving process. And I think the dizzy was from being in the direct sun in the middle of the day.” Allie felt someone behind her and turned to see Belle there.
Both women looked at each other. Emma spoke, “Yes, well, if Frank said that, I’m sure he is right.”
“Rig
ht, my ear,” Belle all but shouted out. She lowered her voice for the next part. “Allie dear, I believe you may be pregnant.”
Allie was shocked and too stunned to speak. She set her cider down and looked around the room.
“Thank you all for the wonderful treats. I’m sorry I can’t stay to finish.” She fled the room and once outside began running. Emma and Belle followed after her.
“Allie, wait. Come back,” they both insisted.
Allie headed to the creek and didn’t slow until she was standing on the banks edge. Belle and Emma were a bit slower given one was much older and the other increasing in size. They stopped, both a bit out of breath when they caught up with her.
“I’m sorry to have upset you, Allie, I was just concerned. After Roger…”
Allie interrupted Emma. “You have no idea.” She looked at Emma first and then turned to Belle. “When you said that, I panicked. I haven’t let much of my past known in these regards. It can’t be, and it’s just got me so confused. First, my long-time doctor had to do a procedure to help my body with a miscarriage from my first husband, then he said my chances of getting pregnant again were slim to none. Now, I am married to a doctor who knows about everything, but the dizziness and he says I’m just grieving.”
Allie wasn’t going to add the fact she now knew her ma’s history of miscarriages. If Allie did somehow manage to get pregnant, the likelihood of keeping it to term was dismal. She didn’t even want to think about losing another and tears sprang to her eyes thinking of how many times her ma went through it.
“Oh, Allie, I’m sorry,” Emma put her hand on Allie’s back. “I’m sure Frank is right. I’m no doctor and shouldn’t act at all like one.”
Belle crossed her arms over her chest. “Well, I’m not. You are pregnant, and I know it for a fact. I can see it on you.”
Both Emma and Allie stared agape at Belle who was now storming off in the direction from which they came. “I’m sorry she said that. I don’t know why she would after what you said to us.” Emma was trying to comfort her.
In His Time (Carried Through Chaos Book 2) Page 17