Patriots: New York

Chapter Twenty: Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself

I got a bed in Danny's room so I could be close to him if he needed me. He slept lightly, awaking a few times during the night in pain, but going back to sleep. I needed to see an apothecary or midwife or anyone with pain killing medicine on hand to give him. It must have been unbearable. I was woken by him crying out a little before dawn.
"Danny! Danny, are you alright?" I asked frantically, feeling his forehead. He was definitely quite sick, probably from the wounds. "Calm down! Does your leg hurt terribly?"
He tossed a little but I put my hands on his shoulders to keep him from moving. He was groaning a lot and murmuring something but I could not make out what it was.
"Shh, Danny, it's alright. You're alright. Just wake up..."
He cried out again.
"Oh dear..." I whispered. "I'll go get you a glass of water..."
He opened his eyes and jumped a little.
"Oh, good morning, Danny," I said sweetly.
He stared at me, wide eyed, silent except for his heavy breathing.
"Are you alright?" I asked, very concerned.
"Yes," he said finally, collecting himself. "Yes, I'm...fine."
"Are you sure? You really had me scared there. Tossing and turning like that and crying out...was your leg paining you too badly?" I asked nervously.
"No, no, it's alright," he mumbled. "Will hasn't been in since he left, has he?"
"No, it's only been a few hours..."
"Right, of course." He sat up.
"Are you sure you're alright, Danny?" I asked.
"My leg's fine."
"But are you?" I touched his hand, "You're trembling..."
"Oh, just some...it was just some bad dreams, that's all...Jack always says they're unavoidable when you're part of an army..."
"Aww, Danny...I know how awful it can be, having dreams like that, but I'm not even a soldier. Would you like a glass of water or something?" I asked.
"Yeah, water would be good," he murmured.
"Alright, I'll be right back," I said, hurrying off to the kitchen. I came back as quickly as I could. "Here you are."
"Thank you." He took a sip of it. "Sorry for being all this trouble."
"It's no trouble at all," I said with a smile. "I might run to someone with pain killing medicine on hand for you today. How does that sound?"
"That'd be great, if you can," he replied brightly.
"Surely some doctor or midwife or apothecary has something I can get. Does your leg feel any better today? You certainly seem sicker but I don't know how exactly you are feeling..."
"It feels achey still...I feel a bit feverish, Will was probably right," Danny told me.
"A bit is an understatement, Danny. You are burning up like crazy. Are you cold?"
He nodded. "Yeah, really cold."
I felt his forehead again, "Oh dear...it may be because you are drenched in sweat and that makes you feel cold. If I give you any more blankets you may overheat..."
"Yeah, it's--" he shivered. "It's alright. I wish Will were still here. Hope he's back, though, safe, and telling Jack and Abe what happened, they were probably really worried."
"Definitely," I said, "Maybe they'll even come visit you soon. How 'bout I get you a new shirt? It might keep you a little warmer."
"Yeah, thank you," he said.
I went over to the closet and found one that had been left behind, "This alright?" I held it up.
"Yeah, whatever is fine, I'm not picky," he laughed.
"I'm glad," I smiled and handed it to him. "Here you are."
He pulled off his shirt and slipped the new one on. "This is very sweaty."
"I'll wash it," I offered, taking it from him.
"You don't have to do that."
"I will anyway," I laughed.
"Why are you helping us so much?" he asked softly. "Um, not that I'm complaining, I'd probably get really really sick if you didn't, but..."
"I'm helping you because you've helped me. I feel a lot better here when I'm helping people, and I've been through a lot. I know how to care for gunshot wounds and illnesses, and that's how I can show my appreciation for all you soldiers fighting so hard for our independence," I said.
"Well, thank you," Danny said. "Again."
"You're welcome," I said with a smile. "Do you feel well enough to eat this morning?"
"Just a little bit. Maybe some bread, or something...whatever costs the least," he laughed.
"Alright," I smiled and retrieved a few slices of bread for him. "Here you go."
"Thanks."
"I have a question for you, Danny," I said hesitantly.
"Sure, what do you want to know?" he asked.
"Your actual age?"
He smiled uneasily. "Um....yeah, no, that's not really a thing I'd like to talk about."
"Danny, I know it's quite common for boys under the age of sixteen to sneak in and lie about their age, but it's so terrible what can happen! I've now seen it twice! Why do you all do it?" I sighed.
"Same reason you're working here, I guess," he said quietly. "Got to help out somehow."
"Danny, I came here to run away," I said quietly.
"Yeah, and now you're helping, like you said, with soldiers."
"I guess," I said slowly. "Can I have a look at your leg?"
He nodded and pulled up the leg of his breeches. I carefully unwrapped the bandages. The wounds were looking even worse and still bleeding.
"My goodness, Danny..."
"What is it? Am I dying?"
"No! No, it's not that..." I whispered slowly.
He swallowed nervously. "What, then?"
"It's just...Danny...this is bad...quite bad...It's a miracle you've been so calm."
"Oh...great..."
"You'll live though, if we keep you safe and warm," I said uneasily.
"Great," he repeated.
"I'm so sorry this has happened to you. Do you want anything else?" I asked.
"No, I'm fine. And it's alright. Not your fault, just mine, for not running fast enough." He laughed, a bit bitterly. "Should work on that."
"Your speed wouldn't matter," I sighed, "A musket fires faster than anyone can run."
"Yeah. Might be nice, though. To be really good at running." He glanced at his leg. "There...there won't be any lasting problems, will there? I'll walk just fine once I'm better?"
"I...I don't know. Your leg is broken, you know that? It may take a long time," I said as gently as I could.
"Well, 'course it's broken, but it won't be broken forever, right?" he asked apprehensively.
"No, it will heal in time, if it keeps being set right..."
"Oh, good."
"It may not be absolutely back to normal, but you should be able to walk eventually," I said hesitantly.
"You don't sound so sure," he said slowly.
"Well, there is a lot that can happen, but everything will be alright however it works out," I said.
"It had better be," Danny mumbled. "I didn't run away so I could be a useless soldier."
"I know," I said, "And you'll never be useless, Danny. I can get you back to fighting strength after a while."
"There's plenty of ways I could be useless. That's what makes me nervous."
"It's alright, everything will be alright...however it works out," I said, trying to seem confident.
"I can only hope."
I could hear customers start to bustle in for breakfast. "I ought to see if they need me. Otherwise I'll go for your medicine. Will you be alright alone or should I send someone in to watch you?"
"Oh, I'll be fine," Danny assured me. "You can get back to your work."
"Just holler if you need anything," I said.
I strolled into the dining room where Mr. Walden had already begun to take orders with Art. "Do you need me this morning, sir?"
"Oh no, you go ahead and take care of the fellow back in the bedroom. I saw him earlier this morning. He did not look well at all," Mr. Walden said.
"He's not. I'll be back in a while then. I have to find some medicine for him somewhere," I said.
"Alright. Try that midwife a few blocks north of here. She might have something," he suggested.
"Alright. Thank you, Mr. Walden," I said.
I fetched my knitted shawl and ran out the door. I hurried along to the midwife's place. As I passed Audrey's house I saw her waving from the window at me and she hurried out.
"Good Morning, Liza," She said cheerfully.
"Morning, Audrey," I said politely.
"Where are you headed?" She asked. "You seem to be in a hurry. I don't mean to keep you..."
"Oh no, you aren't keeping me. I'm just headed to pick up some medicine."
She looked concerned, "I hope it's not for you, Liza."
"It's not. It's for a friend of mine who I'm taking care of. He was wounded while scouting the other night."
"My goodness! The poor thing!"
"It is very sad. He's in quite a lot of pain right now," I sighed.
"Then medicine may help him," she said, concerned. "Say, would he like a pie? I could make him one. Surely he's bored lying there in a bed all day in that tavern. My pies have been useful in cheering people up."
"That might be nice, but he's very sick right now. He probably shouldn't be eating pies right now," I explained, "But maybe when he gets a little better."
"Alright. I'll make one and bring it over and maybe you can save it until he can eat it," she offered.
"That would be very kind, Audrey. Thank you."
"Well, I shouldn't keep you. I'll set to work on that pie. See you later!" She said, hurrying back inside.
"Bye, Audrey!"
"Bye, Liza!"
She was so nice. I hurried along to the midwife's and was greeted by a stout little woman with an endless supply of medicines. She sold me a great amount of pain killing drug for a fair price and sent me on my way back.
"Danny! I'm back!" I called down the hallway after I hung up my shawl. "I have your medicine!"
"Hope it didn't cost too much," he said.
"It was not a bad price," I promised. "You've been alright while I was gone?"
He nodded. "Fine. Bit bored."
"You can always call for Conall and he'll get you a book or something else to read," I laughed, "But I won't leave for the rest of the day, so you can just tell me."
"A book would be nice," he agreed. "Thank you."
"Any preference?" I asked.
He shook his head. "Anything's fine."
I nodded and ran into my bedroom. Conall was sitting in bed, staring at a page of the King Arthur book.
"What are you doing, Conall?" I asked.
He shut the book quickly, "Nothin'."
"Were you trying to read?" I asked.
"No," he lied, turning red.
"Are you sure?" I laughed.
"Yes. I'd be no good at reading," He said sadly.
"Conall, someday when I have the time I'll teach you. That won't be true," I said sweetly.
"Are you sure?" He asked, wide eyed.
"Absolutely," I said, finding a copy of Common Sense and Farmer Refuted. "I have to get back to Danny now."
"Alright. I'm gonna play outside," He said, jumping up.
"You bundle up," I warned, grabbing his coat and muffler that were hanging on the wall. "And don't be long. We wouldn't want you getting sick now, would we?"
"No, Ma'am," he said, not really listening but bundling up like I said.
He ran out past me and I returned to Danny. "I found some pamphlets that Captain Hamilton so kindly gave me."
"Oh...." Danny picked up one. "'Common Sense?' Is this some sort of insult?"
"No! Didn't you get a copy back in January? I thought they distributed them to the armies. It's just a very wonderful piece about why we are justified in rebelling against the crown," I explained.
"Oh. Never got a copy, they were probably running a bit low," he shrugged, and opened it.
"Would you like your medicine now? You look quite pale..."
"Sure," he said.
I took out the laudanum, that's what the drug was called, and carefully dosed it to him. I didn't like the effects of it on anyone, and hopefully it would not be that bad or quickly reacting.
"Thank you." He sighed and kicked his leg. "I really hope I'm better soon."
"I hope so too, and this doesn't make you too sick," I said gravely. "It usually gives you a high fever and makes you delirious, but it keeps the pain in check."
"Oh, wonderful," he mumbled.
"And too much of this can kill you so we'll take it in small doses, alright?"
"Oh, that's even better. This sounds really safe," he said flatly.
"Well, you're suffering. Would you rather be in terrible pain of deal with the less painful side effects or the drug?"
"As long as it doesn't kill me, Liza," he said.
"It shouldn't kill you. It may make your mouth dry, or make you extra happy or sad, or make you sleep a lot, or change your breathing pattern, or make you not want me to leave you, it may mess with your mind...but you'll be alright. I'm just warning you so hopefully you'll be less scared."
"Fantastic."
"Do you think you'll want to eat anything? My friend may come by with some pie. Would you like some when she comes?" I asked.
Danny nodded enthusiastically. "Can't remember the last time I had pie! That'd be great!"
"Alright. I'll bring her back here when she comes. She's very sweet. Do you feel too awful right now?"
"No, I'm alright. That's very kind of her."
"Are you still cold?"
"No, the blanket helps," he replied.
"Alright...if you're sure," I said feeling his forehead. "Are you hot at all? You're burning up."
"A little bit. But there's not much to do about that."
"I can take away a few blankets, if you'd like," I offered.
He shook his head. "I'll only grow cold again. That's the thing about fevers, you're hot and cold all at once..."
I sighed, "I'm so sorry. It's going to get worse with your medicine."
"That's alright."
There was a knock at the door. I opened it and Audrey stood there.
"Oh! Come on in. I see you brought pie," I said excitedly.
"I certainly did," she looked at Danny, "Oh, hello there."
"Hi," Danny said, and sat up a little. "Thank you so much."
"For the pie? Oh it's nothing. I just like to bake. Normally I do not have to do a thing but I do like to make pies on my own. This one is raspberry. I hope you like it. Are there plates anywhere?" She asked.
"I'll get some," I offered and hurried out to retrieve plates, forks, and a knife. When I came back Audrey and Danny had struck up a conversation.
"What is your name?" Audrey asked him.
"It's Danny," he replied. "And yours?"
"Audrey. Are you alright? You don't look so well..."
Danny laughed a little. "Gee, thanks. And yeah, apart from being, you know, shot in the leg, I'm fine."
"Oh goodness," she gasped. "Well, I am glad you survived. You must be very brave to go into the army so young."
"You really think so?" Danny cleared his throat. "I mean, definitely, I'm very brave."
"It's such a shame you got hurt. You will be better though, right?" She asked.
"Certainly," he said brightly. "I mean, it may take some time, but all things do."
I walked in with the plates and silverware. "Here you are. Just give Danny a small piece. I don't want his stomach getting upset," I said.
"Alright, Liza. You really do have a great one back here," She smiled, flashing a look at Danny.
Danny grinned. "For the record, pie isn't going to upset my stomach. I'm starving."
She smiled and cut him a rather large piece. I did not want to have to clean up when he would get sick later but I let it go for now. I cut myself a small piece and Audrey cut herself a piece as well. "How is it?"
"It's amazing," Danny said, his mouth still full. He swallowed the pie. "Sorry. It's the best pie I've ever had." He took another bite. "You know, you said it's nothing, but it's not nothing to me."
She blushed happily, "Well, I'm glad you like it, Danny."
"I'm glad you made it. Thank you."
"You are so welcome," She laughed. "I'm glad someone likes it."
I took a little bite, "It is quite good, Audrey."
"Thank you!"
"So you've gotten back into your house smoothly?" I asked.
"Oh yes, most things have been recovered from the fire. It's almost as clean as it was and things are returning to normal." She said.
"That's wonderful."
"Fire?" Danny repeated. "Was your house damaged from it?"
"Yes, the roof at least, but it was put out and rebuilt quickly. It's alright now," she said.
"Oh, wow. That's good."
"Certainly is. You were lucky to be in camp that night. It was very scary..."
"I can imagine. It's a good thing you got out alright, I heard there was a lot of damage done."
"There was. Lower Manhattan was ravaged by it. Quite a few buildings were burned to the ground!" Audrey recalled.
"It was terrible," I said quietly, then hesitated, "People were saying the army set fire to it as they were retreating. You...you wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you, Danny?"
Danny shook his head. "I'm sorry, I don't. Wish I could help."
"Oh it's quite alright," Audrey said quickly, "We were lucky. My whole family survived, we have a roof over our heads, our slaves were all alright-"
"Slaves?" I asked, trying not to sound too tense.
"Yes," she said slowly, "My mother can not run a large household on her own now, can she?"
"Of-of course not..." I stuttered. "I understand... they do earn wages though?"
"Yes, small ones. If they do good work, not sloppy work..."
I stared at the floor in silence. I really liked Audrey, truly I did, but I was not ready for that sort of information. It all made sense of course. Most well to do families had a staff in their house to keep things running. I had witnessed that first hand. I had worked as a housekeeper and hand maid alongside Amaka back in Boston. Still, I was very uneased by this.
"I-I see..." I said after a long while. "Danny, you seem to be finished with your pie. May I take your plate?"
"Sure. You alright, Liza?"
"Yes yes, of course," I said quickly, taking his plate and fork. "Audrey? May I take your plate as well?"
"If it is not too much trouble," She said, giving me a hard look, obviously trying to read why I was so tense.
I took their dishes and walked briskly to the kitchen. I dumped the dishes in the sink and returned to the bedroom.
"Are you feeling alright, Danny?" I asked.
"Yeah, much better than before." He smiled. "I think the pie helped."
Audrey blushed again, "I'm glad."
"You haven't been experiencing the side effects of the laudanum yet?" I asked him seriously.
"Don't think so."
"Alright. Hopefully it will take effect soon and you'll have a good sleep through the fever and other things," I said, feeling his forehead for what must have felt like the hundredth time.
"Hopefully," he echoed.
"You'll be alright, won't you?" Audrey asked, concerned.
"Oh, definitely. Like I said, though, might take time..."
She nodded and looked out the window of the big clock outside. "Oh my! Look at the time! I ought to get home! It was very nice meeting you, Danny, and I am so glad you enjoyed the pie. Get well soon, alright?"
"I'll do my best," he promised. "Thank you so much for the pie and coming to visit. It's been a bit boring just lying here, so it was nice to have some more company."
"Well, I am so glad. Goodbye, Liza. See you soon hopefully," She said, tying on her nice wool cloak and hood.
"Certainly. Goodbye, Audrey," I said.
She left quickly and hurried down the street to her house.
"Being in a war can make you forget there's still people like you and her," Danny said quietly. "Kind people."
I smiled, "She's lovely, isn't she? I only met her a few weeks ago."
"She's very nice," Danny agreed.
"And beautiful, and sweet, and healthy looking, and put together, and classy...I can't believe she gives me the time of day," I sighed.
"Well, you're great too, Liza."
"Oh stop it, you're just being nice," I laughed.
"I'm not, it's true!"
"If you like poor barmaids who have to be tough and walk around in clothes that make them look like they belong in alleys instead of serving soldiers. If 'great' to you means messy, shifty, clumsy, bruised, sick, and exercising poor judgement then yes I am pretty great," I sighed.
Danny was silent for a long moment. "You've heard the phrase 'love your neighbor as yourself,' haven't you?"
I wasn't sure what to say. "Umm...yes, of course..."
"Yeah, thought so. You're pretty good at that. Now, how about you try treating yourself as you do your neighbor? You wouldn't say those awful things about anyone else, would you? So why yourself?"
"Because they're true?" I muttered flatly.
"Yeah, well, most of those things are true about me, too, but I don't hear you insulting me."
"Danny, none of those things could be true about you," I sighed.
"Messy, shifty, clumsy, bruised, sick, exercising poor judgement."
I sighed. "Danny...that's not...no..."
"You can try to make up as many excuses and you want, but it won't make them true. You've just got to face the fact that sometimes you must be kind to yourself, too."
"Maybe...maybe someday when I'm not drinking myself to sleep and fearing strangers climbing into bed with me..." I muttered.
"So why make it harder on yourself?" Danny sighed. "Never mind. I'm not going to argue with you. But you can at least think about what I said. Anyway, I should probably get some rest now before this medicine half kills me."
I nodded, "Yes, you get your rest. I'll be right here if you need anything. Just tell me."
"Will do." He pulled his blankets tight and turned to the side, his back to me.
When I was pretty sure he was asleep I turned and faced the wall. I felt my lip begin to quiver and a lump form in my throat. Tears welled up in my eyes and I successfully muffled a sob. I was not exactly sure why I was crying, but here I was. I fell to the floor and hugged my knees as I leaned against the bed. I did not have time for this. I had to go work in the dining room or clean this bedroom or something. Loving myself and feeling like I mattered were not issues that were very pressing at the moment, especially when Will burst into the room. I almost didn't look up from my crying, but he was loud enough coming in my head jerked up as a reflex.
"Oh, hello, L--" he stopped short. "Hey, are you alright?!"
"Yes...yes...I'm just fine," I said quickly, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand.
"You're not. What happened? Did someone hurt you?!"
"No! No! Not at all!" I struggled to say.
"What, then?" He paled. "It's not Danny, is it?! Is he going to die?!"
"No!" I nearly shouted. "No, he'll be alright. He's asleep now, and I gave him medicine to help him with the pain."
"Forgive me if I can't believe that. You're crying, Liza, what is it?"
"I-I'm not even sure...it's just...I'm so sad...all the time...I totally deserve to be...I landed myself here...but I used to be so happy...I could always see the bright side of everything...but not anymore. It's like I've become a different person," I sobbed, then said quickly, "But that's no matter to you. Can I get you a drink?"
"I'm sorry, Liza. War and worry can do that to a person," he said quietly, completely disregarding my offer. "It's going to be better someday. Perhaps it may take a while, but it will be."
"If I live...if everyone I love lives...I could lose everyone...at anytime...I'm sorry, these aren't things you need to hear right now," I sniffed, turning and leaning on the window sill.
"I know. But all we can do is pray. We can't put a stop to it, even if we tried."
I looked down a the floor and began to feel faint. There lying on the floor was Conall's mother's rosary. "Oh my goodness," I whispered, picking it up and hiding it in my pocket, "Poor kid's gonna get himself killed one of these days! Can't even pray in this damned country!"
"That'll change once we win," Will said quietly.
"That's not even a British problem," I sobbed.
"Exactly. This won't be Britain, it'll be a new country. With new laws and new freedoms."
"I-I don't know. The colonist self governments wouldn't even let him pray his rosary!" I burst out, then shrank back with fear. "Not that...not that that is what this is..."
"It's alright, Liza, do you think I care? It'll be better, I know it will be. And if it's still not right, there will always be people willing to fight to make it so."
I couldn't stop crying no matter how hard I tried."I'm sorry. I-I shouldn't be such a downer. You're going through a lot with your brother...I feel bad he might be delirious or sick in other ways because of the medicine..."
He sighed. "Then why the hell did you give him it? That doesn't sound like any good."
I cried harder, "I...I...it helps with pain...that's about all it's good for..."
Will took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, that just...doesn't sound worth it..."
"I've seen it plenty," I sobbed. "I used to help the best doctor Boston ever saw before he..."
"Sorry for bothering you," Will muttered. "I should go."
"It's alright," I breathed. "You can spend some time with Danny. I'll go..."
"He's asleep. I'll come back later, or something. Tell him I was here."
"I will," I sniffed.
"Goodbye. Don't worry too much, Liza," he called as he walked out.
He probably thought I was weak and ridiculously dramatic. I was so tired of bawling my eyes out whenever there was a quiet moment. Once I got myself contained enough to stand up I worked in the dining room for hours. Abe and Jack even paid a visit that night for a meal.
"Evening, gents. What'll it be tonight?" I asked.
"What's the least expensive?" Abe laughed.
"Bread and cheese?" I suggested.
"Sure," he said. "Thank you."
"Your usual beers as well?" I asked.
He nodded. "How's Danny?"
"Sleepy. It's totally normal for someone on laudanum. That's what I gave him," I said.
"Is he awake at all?" Jack asked. "I'd love to say hello, but if he's sleeping we shouldn't bother him."
"He may be awake. I'll go and check just as soon as I get your food," I said.
"Thanks."
I flew around getting their food and drinks and then to the bedroom. Danny was muttering something. I couldn't tell what, but he was obviously awake. I stood over him and his eyes tried to focus on me but it did not seem like he could. "Danny, dear, are you alright?"
He just kind of stared at me best he could.
"You can hear me, can't you?"
He nodded.
"Abe and Jack are here. Should I send them in?" I asked.
"Yes," he said quietly and weakly.
"Alright," I said, feeling his forehead once again. It somehow was hotter than earlier. This could be dangerous, so I went to get some water and rags. "Abe, Jack," I began, "He's awake. He'd like if you saw him."
"Oh, great!" Abe said brightly. "Is he well?"
I bit my lip, "Well...not really, but he can be eventually."
"Oh, great," Abe said, less brightly.
"Do you two want to go now?" I asked. "He may go to sleep again soon, but he's awake now."
"Yes, of course," Jack said, and they followed me back to his room.
"Danny, they're here," I said softly. I approached his bedside and began wiping his forehead with a cold, wet rag.
"Jack? Abe?" he asked softly. "Hello."
"Hey, Danny," Jack said quietly. "Glad you're alive."
"Yeah." Danny smiled a little. "Me too."
"Get well soon," Abe said. "We miss you a lot."
"I've missed you too. I'll be back as soon as I possibly can, but...I don't know how soon that'll be..."
"Make it very soon," Jack said.
"Danny, let's take off your jacket," I said quietly.
"Alright," he mumbled.
I helped him sit up and took off his jacket. His shirt below was drenched in sweat but I could tell he was so exhausted and did not want to waste time changing clothes. "Are you hot?"
"I'm....fine...a little..."
"You have a high fever," I said softly.
"Sorry."
Abe laughed a little, but he looked worried. "Alright. Sorry to bother you. Get your rest, Danny. Glad we could see you."
"Please visit again," he said quietly. "And tell Will to, as well."
"Sure thing," Jack said. "We'll see you soon."
"It was very nice of you two to stop in," I said, dabbing at his forehead.
"Of course," Abe said. "We'd best hurry and finish our meal. We've got to get back soon as we can. Thank you for taking care of him."
"No problem," I smiled. "I ought to return to work, Danny. Just call for me if you need anything."
He nodded. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," I said with a gentle smile, "Goodnight, Danny."
"Goodnight, Liza," he murmured.
The three of us left the room and returned to the dining room.
"You two look nearly as pale as he did," I commented.
Jack smiled warily. "Well...we're worried."
"I understand," I said, "but I'll take good care of him. No need to worry."
"I know. But...getting shot is quite worrisome."
"I know. I don't really know why we all tell each other not to worry when we know it's inevitable," I sighed.
"Well, thanks anyway."
"You are very welcome. I know Danny doesn't look good now but he will get better eventually," I said.
"Of course," Abe said. "And we'll pay you back eventually."
"Thank you, but don't feel any pressure too. I don't really need payment. Your gratitude is payment enough," I said.
"It's not," Abe laughed.
"Really?" I asked with a puzzled look. "Really, it's alright..."
"No, the least we can do to repay you for your kindness is pay the fair expenses."
"I don't know how much a doctor charges." I said plainly. "Whatever it is, it's probably way too expensive."
"We'll pay you back eventually," Abe said again, like that made it final.
"If you really want to," I surrendered.
"Of course, it's only right."
"Is there anything you need before you go?" I asked. "It's cold out there..."
"No, we'll just hurry back," Jack said. "But thank you."
"You're welcome. Have a safe trip back to camp," I said quietly.
"We will," Abe promised. "Have a good night, Liza."
"Goodnight, Abe. Goodnight, Jack," I said, giving each of them a hug.
They echoed my goodnights before they left.
"Thank you," Abe called again before he shut the door to the tavern.
I sighed and finished up my shift. Once everyone was gone I gave Danny another dose of medicine and went to sleep myself. It had been a long day, and many more would follow like it.

Squimba helped with this chapter too.