Kid picked up the book on the table beside the bed, "Stories of the Wild West?"

Mary smiled a far-away smile, "Louise liked to read me stories from that book." She turned to look at the handsome young man standing before her, "Do you know how to read Kid?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Would you read to me.... Louise was just in the middle of a story about these young boys..."

Kid opened the book to the page that was marked by a single blue ribbon, "The Pony Express?"

Mary lay back into the pillows, "Yes, that's the story."

Kid began where Mary instructed and found himself drawn into the story as he read it. Young men riding across the territories delivering mail. Through rivers, over mountains, and they've been attacked by indians!

When he finished the second chapter he looked up. The question on his lips faded as he saw Mary's frail face turned to the pillow, her face showed none of the pain that had been heaped upon her in the last year. She lay there in peace, her breath gone from her body.

Kid was humbled as he lay down the book in his hands. He leaned forward and closed her eyes. He took one of her hands in his and touched it to his cheek. He silently said a prayer for her soul as he knew Louise would have. Thoughts of her brought tears to his eyes. She should be here. He felt the warm tears of his grief wet her hand and he laid it down on the bed.

A scant moment later, Kid was on his feet. He paused at the door looking back at Mary. He moved back to the table and picked up the book. It belonged to Louise and he'd see that she got it back.

On to Chapter Seven

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