He had no idea how long it had taken to get to town. Sleep deprivation had blurred everything together. He was no longer sure where he was, but he knew what he needed to do. The burning desire to save her life had given him the strength he needed to get her here. Now, he just had to find the doctor.
Pulling the reins to stop Annie in front of the Doctor's office, he looked back to his love. She seemed the same as before, warm to the touch, and pale. He knew that she needed to see the doctor right away, he hitched Annie to the railing, and hurried as fast as he could to the door.
Thrusting it open, he peered inside to see women's dresses. This wasn't the doctor's office. As he was gathering his wits, and they were scattered, a large woman came towards him, angrily yelling and waving her arms. Not sure if he was dreaming, or if this was really happening, he peered at the woman, confused as to what she was saying. Finally, her words sank through his sleep-addled mind, she was yelling at him to "shut the door to keep the flies out."
Shaking his head in bewilderment, he struggled to get a word in with the loud large woman yelling at him. The woman paused for breath, and before she could continue, he asked her where the doctor was. The woman stared at him for a minute, as if not quite sure he was playing with a full deck, and told him that the doctor had passed away 2 years ago. She had just bought this building a few months ago. She then started going on about the state the building was in.
Inside he was reeling. The doctor was dead? This couldn't be. He had to have help for his love. And NOW!
"Shut Up!!!" he screamed at the woman. Every head turned towards him, the room was deathly silent. He had crossed the line of decency, but he no longer cared. She was going to die if he didn't get help.
Explaining that his love was really sick, and needed help, he asked where he could find help. As he told his story, the large woman's face softened and she took pity on him. She told him about the wise woman who lived three streets over. She told him how to find this medicine woman, and how to ask for her help - as she was reclusive.
Then, she ushered him to the door, to help him out and point him in the right direction. Peering into his wagon, she asked him again about his love. "She's right there," he replied frantically, "I need to get her to this medicine woman." The large woman gave him a sharp look as he replied and stared at him for a long second. Finally, she nodded her head, and said simply, "Go." He left in a hurry, quickly untying Annie and heading away, guiding Annie. There wasn't much room where he was going. It would be better this way.
The large woman watched him lead away his horse and the cart. Then she turned around and shut the door. Looking at the other ladies in the room, she said, "I really hope Sadie can help him. There wasn't anyone in the back of that cart. There was nothing but old rags bundled together." The rest of the ladies looked at her in shock. The large woman just nodded her head in agreement.
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