It was about noon when Doc Hart returned. She came in the door and looked around. "Oh, the old man decided that you wouldn't melt into oblivion if he left your side."
I had to laugh because I knew that very likely was what he was thinking.
She looked around a bit more then. "It's kinda slow in here." I could tell She wanted to say more, but she didn't.
"Yeah." I said there was nothing to it but to agree. After all It was the truth. "Pretty much like this all the time. Sometimes I can make a sale. I honestly don't know why Ambrose keeps it going. Or how he continues to pay me… But I know we are so grateful for each other."
As I was speaking, Doc Hart had moved over to the register, and I followed her. She opened her bag and pulled out a small amber vile and handed it to me.
"There must be some reason." She said, adding. "This is your medicine. It will help to prevent infection and help with the pain."
I nodded, taking it from her, and set it on the counter with a quiet thank you.
"Anna…" She said it softly, like she was afraid to break me with the sound. "Do you mind if I ask… What exactly happened?... Are you in trouble?... Do you need help?..."
I didn't answer right away. I placed the bottle gently on the counter before looking away from her, making myself busy behind the register again. My fingers moved like they had purpose, folding a rag, straightening a receipt. But they were just hiding my thoughts.
"I remember when you first got here," she said quietly. "You used to smile constantly, with your whole heart. You have a beautiful smile. Now you don't, like something drastic has changed."
That hit deeper than I expected. I looked up, met her eyes. "I promise I'm alright. I know it might not look like it right now, but I'm managing. You don't need to worry, June. You or Ambrose."
Her eyes searched mine like she was looking for the truth I wouldn't say.
Then she nodded. "Two drops on the affected area…" She closed up her bag once more and started for the door. "If you experience any side effects, or have any questions, you know where to find me."
I nod. "Thank you June. If I need anything I'll be in touch."
She lingered a moment longer before leaving through the front door.
I sighed, and went to the back, standing in front of the mirror over the sink. I turned my head to the side making it easier for the medication to land on the wound… Instead of everywhere else. I applied the medication to my wound. And… Wished everyone wouldn't worry about me so… But. Maybe it's my fault for giving them a reason to worry.
Night came quickly. Before I knew it, it was time to go home. I'd wanted nothing more all day. Now that the moment had come, I moved slowly. I swept the floors like I was erasing the day, each stroke of the broom pushing away more than dust. I counted the register twice. Straightened chairs no one had touched. There was comfort in the silence here… and strangely, that made it harder to leave.
If I stayed, if I didn't move, it felt like time might freeze, and I'd be safe. But that's not the way the world works. So I willed myself forward. Locked the front doors behind me. Took a deep breath. Closed my eyes. Held it just a moment longer, before letting go. I opened my eyes and looked up toward the moon.
This walk home… The moon was beautiful and full… Peace… For the first time since morning, I felt true peace. I felt I could breath.
I always enjoyed my walks home. Tonight was even more pleasant than I expected. Despite the unnatural way things went. The peace and quiet of the night elsewhere, however, was healing.... The light from the moon, radiating into my skin, healing the cells of my body... Was relaxing. The wind whispered along the eaves of the buildings, carrying the scent of night-blooming jasmine, and stale beer.
I passed Mrs. Whitcomb's porch, where her rocking chair swayed gently, empty. It always swayed, even when there was no wind. I didn't look toward the saloon. I never did. But I heard a man shout something—then a woman's laughter, sharp as broken glass.
Mama would've clucked her tongue and said, "That place eats souls. Stay away. It's no place for proper girls." I kept walking. The moon kept watching. And for once, I didn't feel like I was walking alone.