Page 34 of Longest Ride

Bobby Prescott was given first priority when they got to the trauma unit. His vital signs barely existed, and his life hung by a thread.

“This is all my fault,” mumbled Tammy. “I never should’ve moved him. Mama will be so mad at me for being stupid. She was right and I was wrong.”

“Mama’s are usually right, Tammy. They have experience that you don’t have and that makes them smarter.”

“Right. I see that now.”

“Sit down in the waiting area and we’ll wait for the doctors to come and tell us how Bobby is doing. If Annie left when we talked to her, she’ll be here soon.”

“I’m grateful to have a Mama who loves me, even when I’m doing stupid things, Fletcher. I never had one of those before.”

Fletch came back with two coffees and met Annie and Mick coming in the door of the waiting room.

Tammy jumped up and ran towards her crying. “I’m so sorry, Mama. I did a stupid thing, just like you said, and I’m sorry.”

“It’s over now, Tammy, and you have to live with what you’ve done. Just like we all do. Has the doctor said anything about Bobby yet?”

“Not yet,” said Fletch. “I think it will be a very long night.”

Chapter Eight

Thursday, September 26th.

Huntsville Trauma Unit.

Annie had to admit that Fletcher was right about it being a long night. They should’ve opted for a motel room and slept in beds instead of trying to rest in cramped vinyl chairs in a public waiting area.

The doctor ambled into the waiting area half asleep himself, and said, “We’re doing our best to keep him alive. His chances of regaining consciousness are slim at this point. I don’t think it’s possible, but I’ve been wrong before. The will to survive is stronger in some humans than in others.”

Tammy sobbed and said, “When will Eldon wake up?”

“Tammy,” said Annie, “the doctor just told you, he may never wake up.”

“I don’t understand.”

“We’re going home to the ranch to eat and sleep. We’ll come back to visit Eldon tomorrow when he’s had more recovery time.”

“No, Mama. I can’t leave him.”

“We are leaving him here in this hospital, Tammy, where people can look after him, and you are coming with me. This is not the time to put up a fuss.”

Tammy heard Annie’s tone and didn’t argue any further.

Wild Stallion Ranch. Montana.

Before running into the barn for morning chores, Virge stomped around the side of the building past the woodpile looking fortracks and found them. The mama bear had left some huge paw prints in the snow.

“Look at how big her paws are, Harlan,” he hollered from behind the woodpile. The dogs ran to Virgil and sniffed the tracks.

“You don’t want her swatting at you with paws and claws that size, bro. Best stay out of her way.”

“You think she’s looking for food?”

“Bears are always looking for food. They probably have stomachs as big as a fifty-pound feed sack.”

Virge made a face. “Jeeze, Harlan. Let’s get the chores done. I’m hungry as a bear.”

“Hilarious.”

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