OUR SON
No beta, all mistakes mine. Feel free to comment. Enjoy.
Sam looked into the sad, yet hopeful faces of the young man's family.
I'm sorry, I've done everything I can do. This is in God's hands and Johnny's. He's never been a quitter. He has faced a lot and was able to pull through. I truly hope that will to survive helps him through and brings him back to us.”
Sam once again listed Johnny's injuries. “With those broken ribs, shoulder and arm, as well as the badly broken leg, that is a lot to contend with. What bothers me most the is concussion. Right now he's deeply unconscious.”
Sam walked over and felt Johnny's brow. “As usual with this boy, the fever is starting. Teresa, I would like you and Maria to force fluids through the tube I've inserted. We'll also administer his medication this way.”
“He'll need watching around the clock, and I mean one person at a time. None of you will be any help if you are dead on your feet. You can make a schedule but keep to it. Jellifer, would you please take the first shift?”
“Why sure. I know our boy will make it; I feel it in my bones.” Teresa left to help Maria with a meal and fill her in on what Sam's instructions are. She found Maria sitting at the table with Cypriano. They were silently praying.
The other men left with Sam. All were in need of something stronger than coffee. Scott passed a drink to each man as they sat silently; each in his own thought of Johnny. Val was first to speak.
“Murdoch, mind if I stay over a few days to help in the rotation? My deputy can handle things in town and he knows where I'll be.”
Murdoch looked at the sheriff, thinking how much Johnny meant to him as well. “Of course Val. You're family and always welcome here.”
“I thank ya'.”
Sam was next; wanting to stay as well. “I can ask Mrs. Johansen to cover for me unless it is something she can't handle.”
“You too, Sam. Yours and Val's rooms are always here for you.”
Cold roast beef on thick bread slices were served along with a lot of strong coffee. Scott volunteered to bring Jelly his supper. Murdoch knew Scott wanted another look at his unconscious brother.
Murdoch and Val were sitting near the fire. Val spoke up. “That boy has had such a rough life. He turned all that around after coming home; and he was so happy to be at Lancer. That kid can't catch a break.”
“I know Val, this is so true, but we'll never give up on him. He has to come back to us.”
Scott made it back down and gave everyone Jelly's report. Johnny's fever had set in. Other than that there was nothing to tell. Everyone made it to their bed. The house was deathly quiet.
Teresa relieved Jelly. She brought willow bark tea for Johnny.
BENEATH THE TREE
'It's so hot; everything hurts. Oh, that feels nice. Someone is wiping my face with a cool cloth. Maybe I 'll try to sleep some more.'
Early the next morning Johnny found himself sleeping beneath a large tree. He sat up and took inventory of his body. He felt fine. He remembered the accident; falling down the side of the cliff after his footing gave way.
This seemed like a pretty place. The cool air was refreshing. He stood to explore more and saw a small brook; the waves gently moving. He heard a woman softly singing. It was a song he heard as a child.
Walking over he noticed the back of a petite woman with dark raven hair. She was softly singing a song of his childhood. Getting closer, he stopped and spoke to the lady.
“Mama? Is that you?” Tears began falling from Johnny's eyes. The figure turned; tears now streaming from her eyes.
“Juanito, mi hijo, come let me see how you have grown.” Johnny hurried to her and they held each other in a fierce embrace.
Johnny composed himself a bit before he dared to speak. “Mama, you're here and so pretty. I thought I'd never see you again. How is this possible? I saw you die that night. Does that mean I'm dead now too?”
“No,no hijo. You are very much alive. Come, let's sit by the brook and talk for a while. I have some things to tell you.”
Johnny helped his mother to a downed log then sat down as well. Maria thought of what she wanted, needed to say. Her beautiful small hands worried a rosary.
“This is pretty, Mama; yours?”
“Yes. Your father gave to me right after we were wed. I kept it in my keepsake box hidden under the satin lining. Now Nino, please time grows short and I have much to tell you.”
“I was not the woman I should have been. I was jealous; evil. I hurt people. Your father and you were hurt by me. I even hurt Val and all he wanted to do is love us.”
“Mama, no!”
“Let me continue. I suppose I could say I'd paid for my sins that night I died. You had to pay for my sins too; the way you had grow up and the choices you had to make to stay alive.” Tears again fell from Maria's eyes. Johnny reached up and wiped them away.
“All that's in the past, Mama. Can I ask you some questions?” Maria nodded her head. “Of course.” It was Johnny's turn to give thought to what he needed to ask. He took the rosary and turned it over in his hand; the wooden beads soothing.
“Why did you take me away from Lancer? If you wanted to, you could've left me with Papa”
“I know; he loved you more than me. I took you because I loved you too and I wanted to hurt your Papa in the worst way.”
Johnny continued. “When I got a little older, why did you tell me my papa threw us out because you were Mexican, and I was mestizo?”
Maria stared down at her hands. “I knew your father was trying to find us. That is why we moved so often. Later he had those detectives looking as well. I knew he would not want me back, and I did not want to lose you to him.”
“He might'a took you back.”
“I could not chance that so I ran. I'm so sorry for what I did to you.”
Johnny wondered if he should continue his questions. “Those men you brought home used to beat me and you never stopped them; never protected me. The only man who was good to us was Val. He really loved both of us, and you even left him.”
Maria bowed her head as the tears once again flowed. Johnny reached and took her hand. “Don't cry. I have Val back in my life again.”
The two sat quietly for a while; Johnny thinking of more unanswered questions.
“Mama, why didn't you tell me I had a big brother? I always wanted one to protect me and fight for me.”
Oh Juanito, I told you I was a jealous woman. Your father always talked of the day he would bring Scott home to Lancer. I was afraid that he would love me even less with both of his sons home.”
“After we left Val, I tried to take care of you. I know I made trouble for you with my blue eyes. If I were not with you, maybe you could've found a good man to love and care for you. I'm so sorry, Mama.”
Johnny thought back to that horrible night. “When Ramon was with you that night, he didn't see me in the shadows. I knew I couldn't stop him from hurting you. When he threw you to the ground, he left. I went to you and tried to wake you, but you were already dead. I made a promise to you that night; I would find and kill Ramon.”
Unshed tears were in Johnny's eyes as he continued. “I did kill him after I got good with a gun. I started my life with the gun after that. People no longer looked down on me. I was the best of my trade. But I never killed someone who didn't call me out. There was one thing that burned inside me. I swore I would kill the man who threw us out.”
“Maybe I could have gone home instead of honing my skill.”
“Now that I'm home, it seems like trouble from my past keeps showing up. I don't want anyone at Lancer hurt because of me.”
Johnny stood, gazing at the little brook. “Sure is peaceful here; thinking about staying. I could look after you and keep danger away from Lancer. I get so tired of my past. Maybe here the ghosts of my past will not come to to haunt me in my dreams.”
“No, no mi hijo. It's not your time. You have much life to experience. I cannot be hurt anymore. This place gives me peace. The lord has forgiven me, but I have not yet forgiven myself. You belong at Lancer with your father and brother. You must go back. Your family loves you. I love you.”
“Why should I? I'll never be completely free of my past.” Maria reached and grabbed Johnny's hand, turning him toward her. “Why should I go back? They are better off without me. Maybe I can get some peace here.”
Juanito, listen to me; I'm your mother. I did not do enough to keep you safe and cared for. The people you are leaving love you and their world would not be the same without you. And what of Val and your brother? Your time on earth is not over.”
“But Mama, what about you?”
“I am at peace now. Nothing can hurt me other than for you not to return to where you belong.”
Johnny was still trying to make Maria understand it would be better if he didn't return to Lancer. He started pacing again. He felt “raindrops” starting to fall. A drop lingered on his lip. “Hey, this rain is salty.”
“That's not rain. It's the tears of those you left. They shed tears as they pray for your return.”Johnny paused, giving Maria's words time to register. “But if I stay I will be able to keep you and Lancer safe.”
Maria was not getting through to Johnny. She was now sitting quietly before resuming the argument with her son. “Please Juanito, do as I say. Yes, this place is beautiful and calming, but this is not where you belong.”
“Okay Mama. I'll go,but I want to kiss you goodbye. Mother and son, hugged and kissed.
LANCER
Sam checked Johnny's heart rate. The concussion and fever were still worrisome. His other injuries were showing some signs of healing.
Maria helped administer broth and medication through the tube. Sam left to face the family and give updates, if any. Scott, again, filled glasses and passed them. He was first to speak.
“Please Sam, has there been any change?”
Sam, weary, pinched the bridge of his nose “I'm sorry, there has been no change.”
“But it has been five days!”
“I know Scott, but with concussions this bad it takes time.”
Val watched the interaction between Scott and Sam. He spoke up. “Well, I ain't giving up on the boy. He's been in tough spots before. He's a fighter, I know that.”
Jelly, who is usually very vocal just sat and looked into his drink.
Val took his turn to sit with Johnny. He felt his head and brushed back the black hair. “Amigo, you and me go way back. You were just a little bit of a boy when I met you and your mama. When she left with you, it 'bout killed me. Funny how we're back in each other's lives now. You gotta wake up boy.” Val wiped tears from his eyes, relieved no one saw them.
Teresa came in to administer Johnny's medicine and some willow bark tea. She was sniffling and picked up Johnny's hand. “Oh Johnny, I miss you; we all do.” She quickly left the room.
Jelly came to sit with Johnny. “Come on boy. Open those peepers for your old friend Jelly. You sure have a lot of people praying for you to come back to us.”
Scott relieved Jelly. Sitting in the chair by the bed he spoke to Johnny. “Well, little brother, here we are. When I first met you I couldn't believe this rough looking young man with the pink shirt was my brother. We had our problems at first. I don't know when it happened, but you became my best friend. We are truly brothers. I know it's selfish, but what am I to do without you? I need you Johnny; we all do.”
Two more days passed. Sam decided to pack Johnny in ice from the ice house. He could not submerge him a tub due to his injuries, so the ice was placed in towels around him in bed.
It was Murdoch's turn to sit with his son. He sat by the bed, holding Johnny's hand; silently praying. He suddenly felt a slight movement in Johnny's hand, but not sure. He began talking to his son. “Johnny, I love you so much. You changed my life from the moment you were born. Now we're together again and I don't want to lose you.”
Murdoch noticed a change in Johnny's face as if he were in distress; tossing his head side to side. He called for Sam. The doctor entered the room followed by Val, Scott and Jelly.
“Mama? Please Mama, let me stay.” Head tossing, he spoke again. At first the words could not be understood. “Okay Mama I'll go back.” There were tears streaming from Johnny's eyes. Murdoch and Val stole glances at each other.
“Alright, alright. Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Murdoch, let me get in there so I can check my patient. He's not fully awake but he is showing signs of it. We need to keep an eye on him so he doesn't move too much. Those wounds are beginning to heal, and I don't want him tearing those stitches.”
Murdoch resumed his seat. He wiped the tears from Johnny's eyes. He was rewarded by the sight of those blue eyes even for a brief few seconds.
“Now, let's let him sleep; that's best for him.”
The men returned to the great room; their spirits somewhat lifted. Sam and Jelly played a game of chess. Scott left to give Barranca a run. Murdoch and Val sat neat the fire; each one waiting for the other to speak.
Val spoke first. “The boy mentioned his mama and not wanting to leave her. Do ya' think there's anything to that?”
“I really don't know, Val. We may never know the answer to that.”
Scott returned and the men were called to supper; the mood lighter.
Two more days passed; the rotation continued. Val and Sam had to occasionally leave to check in at town. When Val returned, it was his time to sit with the young man.
“Aw, come on, kid. You been laying around long enough. You got your brother doing all your chores along with his. That flashy horse of yours is getting crabbier by the day. I went to see him and he near 'bout bit me! You always were a stubborn little cuss.” Val grew tired of talking and settled down in the chair by the bed; soon falling asleep.
“Boy Val, you sure do snore loud.” Val jerked awake to see blue eyes staring at him. He grabbed Johnny's hand and placed his other hand on Johnny's head.
“Hey everybody, get up here! He's back.” Murdoch raced up the stairs two at a time. He was followed closely by Scott, Jelly, Teresa and Sam who had just arrived to check his patient. Murdoch was crying as he kissed Johnny's forehead as he held his hand; mindful of his injuries.
ach person took a turn welcoming Johnny back.
“Well young man, you certainly gave us a scare. Now, let me see how you are healing. Everyone, please wait downstairs while I examine my patient.” The rest of the room cleared out, letting the hands know Johnny is awake. The men once again accepted a glass from Scott and toasted to Johnny.
Johnny was growing tired of Sam's poking. He was still in considerable pain, and changing the bandages was rough. He pointed to the tube in his nose. “Take it out please” he rasped.
“I'm sorry son, but it will have to stay a while longer.” Johnny glared at Sam. “Don't give me that look. It stays until you can drink properly.”
Sam gave Johnny another dose of medicine, telling him he needs to sleep. Johnny was ready to complain but the medicine worked quickly. He drifted off again.
Johnny slowly regained his strength; his wounds healing. However his mind and heart were still troubling him. Still not able to get out of bed, he welcomed the visits from his family.
Murdoch entered with a book, hoping to read to his son. “Well John, do you feel like hearing your old man read to you?”
“Can we just talk?”
“Certainly son. Anything special you'd like to talk about?” Murdoch straightened the pillows and tried to make Johnny more comfortable.
“Did you ever dream, and thought it was too real to be a dream?”
“Yes John, I think everyone has dreams like that from time to time. Did you have a dream?”
“No. What I saw was real. It wasn't a dream.”
“Can you tell me about it?
“Well, I don't know. It might make you mad.” Johnny gauged his father's reaction.
“Son, I won't be mad whatever say. Let's just talk about it.”
“I saw Mama! She was near a brook when I heard her singing one of the songs she used to sing to me.”
“Oh?” Murdoch not quite ready for that.
“She was so beautiful, even though she was dead. I asked her if I was dead too. She said no.”
Johnny looked at his father's face. “You don't believe me! It is true.”
“Son I do believe what you are telling me. Do you want to continue?”
“Okay. We talked a long time, about a lot of stuff. She said she took me from you because you loved me more than her. She did say she was jealous and wanted to hurt you in the worse way. I asked her why she said you threw us out because we were Mexican and mestizo. She was afraid you or the detectives would find us.” Johnny noticed his story was affecting Murdoch. “I'm sorry if I'm hurting you. I don't mean to Pa.”
“No you're not hurting me. You can continue if you want to. I am not forcing you.” Murdoch reached for Johnny's hand, and Johnny continued.
“I asked her why she didn't tell me I had a big brother. I always wanted one. Mama said if you brought Scott home, you would have both sons and would have no love left for her.”
“Please don't feel bad but I told her I wanted to stay with her. I would be able to protect her and keep Lancer safe from my past. She wouldn't let me. She said I had to go back to my family. She made me come back.”
“Well son that was some dream you had.”
“No, it wasn't a dream. It was real. I knew you wouldn't believe me. If it was a dream, how did I know about the rosary you bought her. I never saw it before. She said she kept in the bottom of her keepsake box.”
Murdoch could see the conversation was upsetting Johnny and he was becoming agitated. “Alright, just settle down. We can talk again tomorrow.” He helped Johnny to a comfortable position. Reaching for the medication left by Sam, he was able to administer the entire dose putting Johnny to sleep.
Val peeked into the room. “What was the boy yelling about?” He noticed Murdoch staring at something on the bed. “What'cha got there?”
Picking up the rosary, he showed it to Val. “Have you ever seen this before?
“It's a nice one but I never saw that one. Most Catholics carry them.”
“Val this is just like the one I bought for Maria when we married. I didn't see it after she left; I assumed she took it with her.”
“I don't recall seeing it when we were together. Sorry Murdoch.”
“He said Maria had it when he spoke to her. I don't know how he got it. It's just not possible.”
Val stopped at Murdoch's words. “He thinks he spoke to Maria? Maybe in a dream? We heard him calling her name and not wanting to leave her.”
“Well, John got angry when I said it must have been a dream. He insists it was real. Being that as it may, it still does not explain Maria's rosary.”
“Well, I got to get back to town. I'll stop by tomorrow to see the kid.”
“Of course Val. Grab something to eat before you go.”
“Thank ya, I will.”
Murdoch sat in Johnny's room until dusk was settling in. He was fingering the rosary as he thought about the conversation with his son. There was a breeze coming through the open drapes. The breeze took on a much colder feel, and Murdoch was thinking he should shut the window and drapes.
Suddenly there was a cold mist flowing into the room. It now took the shape of a woman. It slowly advanced toward Murdoch and his sleeping son. The figure stopped at Johnny's bed and touched his forehead. The sleeping young man stirred a but but did not wake. The figure bent down, kissing Johnny's lips.
Murdoch could not believe what he was seeing, but called to the figure. “Maria?” The figure turned and gently touch his cheek. “Our son is home now, Maria. Thank you so much for sending him back to us.”
The figure placed a hand over Murdoch's heart as if it could feel his love for Johnny. Murdoch held the rosary out to Maria. She took it and placed it on Johnny's pillow. What happened next surprised Murdoch. The figure bent down and kissed his forehead.
As quickly as the figure entered the room, it left, leaving Murdoch to think about what just happened. Johnny seemed restless, yet still asleep. Murdoch ran his hand through his son's hair then covered him with an additional blanket.
“Well, my son. It seems like I will have a story for you in the morning.”
Johnny slept through the night. Murdoch felt the need to be near his son. He stayed at Johnny's bedside all night.
End
10/31/25
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