Some of it’s magic; some of it’s tragic, but I had a good life all the way.
He Went to Paris by Jimmy Buffet
Paul scrubbed a hand across his face and felt the itchy stubble. It had been at least three days since he’d had the luxury of sharpening up his razor and cleaning up his face. He hated the unclean feel, but now and again it was simply too time-consuming.
He had silently considered more than once that it was nothing short of crazy how far he was expected to travel to tend the sick and injured. The wilds of the Nevada territory had held some kind of magical allure when he had first set out from civilisation. Somehow it didn’t quite fit the picture he had built up in his mind. Not that he would trade it for anything, he reminded himself as he pulled on his shirt and buttoned it up. He pushed aside the vague nagging thought of returning to where he had started out from and headed out to check on his current houseguest. The tiny building he called a clinic had only two cots in the outer room. They usually housed temporary patients, but Jake had nowhere else to go and Paul currently had no need of the bed.
Old Jake Watson looked as if he may have been born old and Paul had been unable to pry his age from the old trapper. His best guess was somewhere in his sixties, based on the man’s recollections, but they weren’t exactly reliable. Jake had fallen asleep the night before, telling him about the time he met the king. Of France! The mind was something that still held so many mysteries and he often had no idea which of the man’s ramblings were true and which were imagined. Instead of worrying about something he couldn’t fix, he’d played along with whatever Jake had to say.
“Mornin’, Doc.”
The good cheer in the man’s voice never ceased to amaze him. He knew that Jake was dying and he knew that he’d made it clear to him too. Still, each morning he’d been greeted by the same comment and the same attitude. Alongside a deep hacking cough and a few minutes of gasping for breath. A lifetime spent living outdoors was taking its toll.
“Morning, Jake. How are you doing today?”
“Oh, just dandy. Slept like a baby!”
Paul smothered a smile as he had tried to imagine what the grizzled old face would have looked like as a baby. Before either of them could say anything further, heavy boots could be heard thumping up onto the porch. A fist pounded on the door and Paul hurried to wrench it open.
“Doc! The boss sent me to get ya. Says the baby’s comin’!”
Paul frowned at the words. It was far too early for the newest Cartwright baby. He glanced back at Jake as he quickly gathered his things.
“Don’t you worry ’bout me, Doc. Some of it’s magic; some of it’s tragic, but I had a good life all the way. And I ain’t done livin’ it today.”
I enjoyed all of these in the forum, but it’s nice to have them together in one place where library readers can also enjoy. Every bit is a testament to your word skills and character insights which makes it really hard to pick a favorite, but you know I have great fondness for the way you write Roy Coffee, and I especially loved the conversation with his old friend Ben Cartwright. 🙂
I think that’s one of my favourites too as Roy is such a great character to write. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed reading them all again.
This gives a glimpse of what Paul really goes through. I love Jake’s relaxed manner about life.
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment on each one. These are such fun to write and some of them are bubbling away as possible extended stories. I’m glad you have enjoyed them.
I enjoyed this…Adam doing what he has to for his little brother, ignoring his own need for sleep. But then keeping Joe sleeping would bring a bit of peace.
Happy to see these here! Remembered most of them as I was reading through — fun stuff! I still want to know about Hoss’s broken arm … ??
Thanks as always for writing and posting!
I’m still waiting for him to tell me the story. He’s been very sheepish about it! As soon as I get the scoop, I will write the rest of the story.
Love how Roy’s calm eventually gets to the root of the problem with Morgan. A dangerous situation diffused.
Sad existence for a man but maybe now he’ll get some help to find himself again.
Adam is blessed to have two paths to follow, but that doesn’t make it any easier to choose.
Oh I do love this one. Ben and Roy sharing crazy and insane memories. Perfect use of the quote.
Oh, so funny. That’s Joe. All his lies are always wishes. No wonder he never saw lying as wrong.
Candy and Joe are a dangerous combination. They get each other into trouble or get each other out of it. The problem…it could go either way. *smirk*
Great use of the prompt. Marie certainly was balancing on that wire until Ben tipped her life to the side of love.
Love the sentimentality here. “Like running into an old friend.” Warm memories fill the heart.