High Time: The High Sierra Sequel

Chapter Three: A Diagnosis

In High Sierra, Eliza's heart pounded as she hurriedly made her way to the hospital. It had been six long and agonizing months since Arthur went missing. And now, she had received a call saying that they found an unidentified man who fit Arthur's description. Her mind raced with both fear and hope as she climbed into her car and sped towards the hospital. 

"Dear God. Please let it be him," she whispered through bated breath. "Please let it be him."

Once she arrived, Eliza quickly made her way to the front desk. The nurse behind it recognized her from the visit two years ago when Arthur had been injured. "Mrs. Morgan...!"

"Hello, is he...?? Is it really...?"

With a sympathetic smile, the nurse motioned for Eliza to follow her. They entered a room, and Eliza's breath caught in her throat, her heart skipping a beat as she saw a solitary figure lying in the bed. It was Arthur. But he didn't look like himself. His once vibrant, ruggedly handsome features seemed worn and weathered, his skin leathery and sunburnt. He was asleep, unaware of Eliza's presence.

Eliza felt a sense of bittersweet relief. He was alive, but to see him like that only brought back awful memories. She stepped further into the room and pulled up a chair to sit next to him.

"Arthur?" she calmly called to him.

"He's been asleep for a while," the nurse explained. "Let me go tell the doctor you're here." The nurse quietly left the room. Eliza didn't turn to look but watched her beloved carefully. 

After a few minutes, The doctor entered the room, breaking Eliza out of her trance.

"Oh, Doctor," she breathed. "Do you know what happened?"

"It's difficult to say. He was found unconscious at the end of town and he hasn't been awake. He was coughing profusely."

"His lungs? Was it because of the smoke inhalation?"

"Well, no. We first examined his body for injuries and found an interesting patched-up wound on his left shoulder. He might have done it himself." He paused. "But Mrs. Morgan, that isn't what we're concerned about..."

She looked up at him, worried.

The doctor continued, "He has tuberculosis."

Eliza's eyes widened in shock and concern. "Tuberculosis? How could he have contracted such a disease?"

"Rest assured, we've already begun treatment, but he will need further tests to ensure that he will be safe to return home. until then, he will have to remain here at the hospital to prevent it from spreading."

As the doctor spoke, Eliza's mind raced. She couldn't help but wonder where Arthur had been all this time and what he had gone through. She felt a mixture of relief and worry. Relief that he was found, but worry for his health and well-being.

She took Arthur's limp hand in hers. She whispered words of encouragement and love, hoping that somewhere in his unconscious state, he could feel her presence. 

The doctor attempted to reassure her. "He is stable right now. Stay with him as long as you need."

"Will he wake up?"

"I cannot say. His body is depleted. Whatever happened to him, it took a toll on his body."

"I understand, thank you, Doctor." 

The doctor smiled empathetically, and he left her to watch over her husband. Tears welled up in her eyes as she searched through her handbag. Pulling out her phone, she made a phone call to Hosea, her father-in-law, to deliver the news.

"Hoesa?" She paused. "Yes, it's him, he's safe," she said, her voice breaking with emotion. "But he's gravely ill. Please, come to the hospital."

Hosea assured her that he would be there as soon as possible. Eliza ended the call and turned her attention back to Arthur. She knew the road to recovery wouldn't be easy, but she would stand by his side every step of the way.

As Eliza sat there, holding onto Arthur's hand, she couldn't help but think about their children, Isaac and his younger sister. She would have to let them know about their father's condition, but for now, she focused on the present and on the man she loved.

Arthur Morgan, the strong and resilient man she's always loved, lay before her, battling not only the physical wounds but the demons that plagued his soul. 

"I will never leave you, Arthur Morgan, do you hear me? Whatever lies ahead, I won't ever leave you. Please fight, my love. Fight for your family."

Little did she know that this was only the beginning of their journey.