A PIRATE'S TREASURE

Chapter 13

James never did ride home after his chat with Smee. He rode off to the cliffs staring at the ocean as if it held all the answers to his problems.

He remembered his time at sea with all the chaos that followed. Fond memories but his family was better. No amount of treasure could replace the love and happiness he held with his wife and daughter. He made the right choice by giving up his old lifestyle.

But now his past is finding him again to follow a story that could save a life. It seems crazy but that is why no one looks because it's too crazy to believe.

    "James?"

He didn't hear her at all until she touched his shoulder.

    "Jenny? What are you doing here?"

    "I got worried when you left. Plus, this is our spot when we need to think."

He was about to scold her for the risks she's taken coming out.

    "I'm fine James, I'm not some glass doll."

    "But you are sick, what would happen if our horse bucked you off? Or you've fallen in the woods."

     "You'd come find me and be my knight in shining armor."

    "Jenny-"

     "I'm here now James, stop fretting over what could've happened."

They sat in silence watching the water and some boats coming in late.

    "Smee came with some news."
 
    "James-"

     "There's a story going around of a cure-"

     "I'm done with all the tests, James! There is no cure and the sooner you accept that the easier this gets."

James was stunned to hear Jenny lash out.

     "This will never be easy Jenny, how can you be so accepting of this?"

    "Because I hate having hope just for it to be untrue. The longer we waste looking, the less time we have together and I don't want to waste any more time I have left."

James kissed her head just holding her tight. She's slipping away and all he could do was watch.

     "One last time Jenny, one month and I'll be back home. Whatever I find, I'll accept and no longer fight for answers we can't find."

    "But James-

     "If I don't do this I'll always wonder if there was something out there to save you. I have to try Jenny."

She took one look and knew he was going with or without her permission.

    "One month James."

He just nodded acknowledging he heard her. James went through it all on why he should stay and always came back to the possibility of a cure. He just wanted more time.

The next day he started to pack with his little girl beside him. He told her he was going away for business and will be back for her birthday.

     "Should only be gone a month my darling."

    "What about momma?"

    "The place I'm going has more doctors so I'll ask around. But promise me you'll look after her while I'm away."

    "I promise daddy, but I'm scared."

James hugged his little girl living in the moment.

    "I am too love, but your momma is strong and she'll pull through."