Red Dead Revelation II: Unshaken Legacy (Jack MarstonXOC)

Chapter Sixteen: To Believe in Something

Author's note: This chapter, similar to Bringing In the Sheaves, alludes to religious themes. The intent is to establish open-mindedness and understanding between people who believe differently, without being preachy or rude. It also adds more characterization and meaning to the story, as Alice shares how she has overcome hardships and her trauma from the war.

CRASH! Alice and Gwen quickly turn around. Doctor Tate stands still, hands shaking, as shattered glass surrounds his feet. He tries to say something, but his mouth only opens and closes. Alice and Gwen go to him, gently taking an arm.

    "Let's go sit down, Dr. Tate," Alice coaxes and they escort him to a nearby chair. He plops down with a loud sigh, his hands still trembling. "Dr. Tate, are you alright? Dr. Tate?" Alice places a gentle hand on his shoulder.

    He tries to speak but doesn't. Dr. Williams approaches and studies the old doctor. Turning away, he reaches for a large book on one of the shelves. "Would you ladies please leave us? I'd like to examine him."

    Alice and Gwen glance at each other, then quietly leave the room.

    Dr. Williams closes the door behind them. They both enter the waiting room and sit in empty chairs. Alice was relieved that they were on call, as it was the evening and they'd be leaving for home before too long. But Alice's curiosity is becoming stronger than her exhaustion.

    "What do you suppose it is?" Alice turns to Gwen. "Epilepsy? He was shaking and appeared disoriented."

    Gwen shook her head. "I'm not so sure. It could be a stroke. He is losing motor function and cannot speak. That's more common in stroke patients."

    Alice nodded. "That could be it, too."

    "Or something else. We can both be wrong."

    "I hope we are. Maybe he's just tired."

    Gwen doesn't reply. Deep down they both know that something has been going on.

    After thirty minutes, both Dr. Tate and Dr. Williams enter the waiting room. Alice and Gwen immediately rise to their feet. Dr. Williams regards them. "Dr. Tate needs to go home. Will one of you see that he gets there safely?"

    Alice speaks up. "I will."

    "Thank you, Ms. Morgan. I will need to run some tests before I can make a diagnosis. Until then, Dr. Tate will be taking it easy in the office."

    "Yes, Doctor."

    Alice says goodbye to Gwen and helps Dr. Tate into his coat. She watches him as he shakingly secures the buttons on his coat, but doesn't offer to aide him. Taking him gently by the arm, they both step out. Helping him down the steps, she walks him to her buckboard where she will give him a ride home.

***

It's been a week since the shattered glass. Dr. Williams has been keeping his consultations with Dr. Tate very private, perhaps out of respect and to protect the old doctor's pride. Regardless, Alice has been hoping that Dr. Williams will share his findings with her and Gwen.

    As the day ends, Alice and Gwen go through the inventory. They hear steps behind them and turn to see Dr. Williams in the entryway. "Ladies?" He gestures for them to follow as he turns around to leave. Without question, they follow him as he leads them to one of the examination rooms. Dr. Tate is sitting on the table, hands clasped together. "Now, Alfred, do you want to tell them?"

    Alice looks at Dr. Tate, expectantly. He opens his mouth but after a moment, closes it and shakes his head.

    Dr. Williams sighs and looks at the young nurses. "Dr. Tate has Alzheimer's Disease."