Chapter 20
Waiting for Horace
HOURS OF SLEEP followed Horace’s brief lucid moments in the back of the carriage. The family kept a vigil by his bed, and Mabel, who had left home two years earlier to marry her childhood sweetheart, Alex, wouldn’t leave Horace’s side. Georgia came over in the morning to help out with cooking and other chores, which would make the family comfortable during their time of need. Horace’s long rest started at about ten the night before, and when his sleep continued past noon the next day, the family sent for the doctor.
“I worried about this—he may be suffering from internal bleeding. We won’t be sure about any lasting damage until he wakes up.”
Esther and Thomas responded in unison, “Doc, what you mean ’bout lasting damage?”
“Head injuries are hard for us to
