Page 14 of Wagon Train Promises
Her answer was a shrug as she returned to Hazel, who still appeared to be sleeping.
“Hazel, wake up. It’s time to eat.” Louise shook her friend. When there was no response, she shook her harder and called her name louder.
Cecil reached for Hazel’s arm. She had to get up. She had to eat and drink. They weren’t going to stand by and let her fade away.
“Wake up.” He tugged on her arm until she was in a sitting position and held her as she swayed and moaned. “Louise made soup. It smells wonderful. Petey is ready to eat.” He eased her forward until her legs hung over the end. He gave her a few minutes to steady herself, then nodded to Louise. “Let’s help her over to the fire.”
Louise grasped Hazel’s arm on one side, and with Cecil on the other, they helped her down and held her between them as they walked to the fire. He pushed a log in place beside Petey, and they lowered her to it.
Petey pressed to her knee. “Mama.”
The way Hazel’s shoulders rose and fell suggested she was filling her lungs.
Cecil hauled a log close to Hazel and sat guarding her. He glanced up at Louise. “I’ll watch her,” he murmured.
She nodded. “The food is ready. Would you ask the blessing?”
He rose but kept a hand on Hazel’s shoulder as he gave one of the quickest prayers ever. “Lord God, thanks for the food and Your care. Amen.”
When Louise brought bowls of soup, Hazel stared at the contents without a sign of interest.
“You must eat,” Louise said.
“Eat!” Petey reached for the bowl.
“Very well.” Louise gave the boy a spoonful, then held one to Hazel’s mouth. “Please try it.”
Hazel opened her mouth to accept the warm liquid, her swallow audible.
Cecil ate his portion without paying attention to the taste as Louise alternately continued to spoon soup to the other two. He would offer to feed one of them, but would Hazel stop eating if anything changed? Best he not take the chance.
His bowl was empty. He set it aside.
Louise began a second bowlful for Hazel and Petey. It was almost cleaned out when both refused more.
“That’s good.” Louise leaned back on her heels.
“I’ll get fresh water.” He trotted to the river and sloshed water into two pots. Back at the fire, he set one to heat for washing the dishes. From the other, he scooped a cup and offered it to Hazel.
She lifted her gaze to him. Ah. She focused better than earlier.
“Good to see you improving.”
“Thanks.” She took the cup and drank several mouthfuls. “I’m sorry for being a nuisance.” Her weak voice barely reached his ears.
Louise sat close to her friend. “You’re never a nuisance.”
Another audible swallow as Hazel drank more water.
He left Louise with Hazel and the baby and gathered all the used dishes together to wash.
“I can do that.” Louise half rose.
“I don’t mind.” The warm water felt good while he cleaned each dish. The towel squeaked over a bowl as he dried it. “Remember, I said I took care of my grandmother when she was failing? That meant cooking for her and washing the dishes.” He put the clean bowl on a tray. “There’s something satisfying about keeping things clean and orderly.”
Laughter trickled from her.
“What?”
