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“Nope”

“Loreda,” Elsa said “Take the truck to the company store Buy us sonition”

Loreda ran off

Elsa settled herself in closer to Jean, held her in her arms, and stroked her hot brow

“It’s the typhoid, I reckon,” Jean said “You should probably stay away”

“I’et rid of Just ask my husband He had to run

off in the ht”

Jean smiled weakly “He was a fool”

“Jack said the sa So did Rafe’s mom, come to think of it”

“I sure could use in we been talkin’ about”

Elsa ran her fingers through Jean’s damp hair Heat radiated fro…”

“Please don’t”

The women smiled at each other, but Elsa saw Jean’s fear “It’ll be okay You’re strong”

Jean closed her eyes and fell asleep in Elsa’s arms

Elsa held Jean, stroked her hot brow, and whispered quiet words of encourage