For personal use and select distribution only © April 2001 by "Tiff" Amber Stockton
The Scars of a Child
by Tiffany Miller
The air was cold in the morning as Sully dismounted his horse and headed into the brush. Brian dismounted as well and joined his father in their hunt. It was barely daybreak and the traps were all empty, disappointing the pair.
"We have a few more traps up ahead," Sully stated, pointing further up the hill as another gust of the icy winter air hit him in his already red face.
Brian merely nodded, burying his face further into his scarf. He looked around the landscape, wishing even more that he was back at the homestead enjoying the warmth of the fire. "I'm gonna check the traps over here," he announced. Sully nodded and started the other way. Brian hadn't taken more than a few steps when he noticed the unusual movement of the brush beside the cave entrance. He could have sworn he noticed someone wearing a pair of gray trousers climbing inside the cave, so he decided to investigate.
He crept slowly towards the cave entrance and called inside. "Hello?" he took a step further, out of the cold and snow. There was no response, but he heard a shuffling, and he was certain it wasn't an animal. "Hello?" he stepped closer.
He stopped for a moment to allow his eyes to adjust to the darkness. It was then he noticed a little boy cowering against the wall opposite the entrance. "My name is Brian," he offered, trying to reassure the boy he wouldn't be harmed.
The boy only cowered away more and covered his dirty blond hair with two bony arms. He was shivering, but Brian wasn't convinced it was only from the cold. "What's your name?" He attempted conversation.
Again the boy didn't reply, only moved away. Brian knelt beside him and looked closely at his features. About six years of age, the boy was pale and tiny, looking as if he hadn't eaten much in the last few days. When he did peak out, Brian could see two crystal blue eyes peering from beneath thick black lashes. The eyes held terror and pain, and Brian yearned to understand what had happened to a boy so young and innocent to cause these reactions.
"Wait here," Brian instructed, knowing full well the boy wasn't going anywhere. He walked back to the cave entrance and looked around. Spotting his father, he called out, "Pa!" he called.
"Yeah?" Sully replied.
"Come see what I've found," he beckoned.
Sully paused in his step and turned. "What is it?"
"Just come here," Brian called again.
Sighing, Sully headed to the cave. It was getting colder and he just wanted to get home. Coming to stand where Brian stood, he followed his son inside. "What is it?"
Brian motioned over to the boy, who was still cowering in the corner. "He won't talk to me at all. It's like he's scared of me or somethin'."
Sully's brow creased in consternation and he approached the boy slowly. He reached out and came into contact with the ice cold skin of the boy's hand. The boy immediately cowered and shielded his head with his bony arms. "He's freezin'!" Sully noted. "We better get 'im back to town and see if we can find his folks."
Brian nodded. "How are we gonna do that?"
Sully moved slightly closer. "My name's Sully. How 'bout you comin' back to town with us and we'll find your Ma and Pa?" The boy moved further away, so Sully tried again. "It's cold out here and we can get you some blankets." Nothing. Sighing, Sully swept the boy into his arms.
The boy immediately began kicking and screaming. "No! No! I was good! I was good! Leave me alone! Nooo!" he cried, terror taking control of his tiny body as he fought his hardest to get out of Sully's strong arms. Sully knew he couldn't allow the boy to get away, for his own good, so he held tightly to him and carried him to the horses. With much difficulty, he mounted, and with Brian leading, they rushed off towards town, the boy sobbing and trying to fight against Sully's hold the entire way.
* * * * * * * * * *
The pair arrived back at the homestead, and the boy was quiet, having finally fallen asleep from the exertion of his struggling and tears. Sully took this time to look over his small form. His tiny body was barely covered by the tattered clothing he was wearing, despite it being at least one size too large. The pale, white skin peaked out from beneath the legs of his pants, the cuffs now near his mid-calf as a result of his struggling, and covering his lower legs were dark bruises. Sully shook his head. Those had come from more than a fall against some rocks. The gashes surrounding them were from more than the dried out brush outside the cave where he had been hiding.
Dismounting from his horse, Brian tied Taffy's around the fence post and returned to stand next to Sully's horse. "Here, let me take him so you can get down," he offered. Once he had him, he watched as Sully dismounted his own horse. "Why don't I go on inside and you can take care of the horses?" he suggested.
"That's a good idea, but try not to wake 'im, I don't want 'im to frighten Katie," Sully cautioned.
"All right, Pa," Brian replied, heading into the homestead, the fragile child in his arms.
Sully watched his son disappear into the homestead, his thoughts turning to the time Brian had been hit by the schoolteacher. He and Michaela had decided then and there that no child deserved corporal punishment no matter what they had done. They agreed that children were just little people and deserved the same respect as any adult. In fact, Katie had never been physically punished with a spanking, only a light tap, and Sully saw no reason to change that.
Closing his eyes, he could see the black and blue marks on the pale white legs of the nameless child. He had been hit by someone; there was no denying that. The boy came with scars that weren't going to be healed very easily. Sighing, he grabbed the reigns of the two horses and brought them into the barn.
* * * * *
Michaela came downstairs from readying Katie for the day, her darling toddler on her hip, and was surprised to see Brian kneeling before one of the living room chairs, his eyes seeming distant. "Brian, what are you doing back so soon?" Michaela asked, checking the mantle clock. "You've barely been gone an hour, and your trips to check traps usually last much longer."
Brian pulled his eyes away from the chair and looked up, his gaze catching his mother's mismatched stare. He was fighting tears and the pain she read in his brown eyes made her heart ache.
Brian?" she tried again, her voice heavily laden with concern.
"He's so tiny, Ma, and someone's been hittin' on 'im." Brian allowed some tears to escape from the corners of his eyes, and he quickly wiped at them.
Confusion creased Michaela's brow and she quickly strode to where her son was crouching. She gasped at the sight and placed Katie on the floor. "Katie, why don't you play with your stuffed rabbit for a little bit," she suggested to the girl.
"Yes, Mama," the little girl obediently replied, taking her bunny and going to sit on the rug in front of the fireplace. However, her curiosity was still piqued by the strange actions of her mothers and brother, and she found it more interesting to watch the happenings around the chair, instead.
"Who is he?" Michaela asked, running her hand over his unruly golden locks, barely touching his scalp. "He could certainly use a bath and a hot meal, and it's obvious he's survived a terrible ordeal, but what?" Michaela wondered.
"We don't know, Ma," Brian replied. "We found 'im in a cave near where some of our traps had been set. He was shiverin' from the cold, but I also think it was cause he's scared of somethin," he noted.
Michaela shook her head, despair filling her heart. "Who would ever leave a small boy like this alone in a cave with nothing to protect him from the harsh environment?" That someone would do this to their child was mortifying! Looking him over again, another thought entered her mind. "Do you think perhaps he's run away? Could he have possibly come up with that option on his own?" Remembering a time Brian had run away to live with the Cheyenne around this boy's age, she knew anything was possible.
"Don't know, Ma, but whatever the reason, he needs our help," Brian replied.
Kneeling, she reached out to examine him as his eyes slowly opened, his nap over. At first, he drowsily glanced around the room trying to decide where he was and who was with him. Nothing whatsoever seemed familiar to him except the tall boy he had seen in the cave. He was about to cry out, scared of being hit again, when he felt the softest touch on his leg and looked lower to a beautiful woman kneeling in front of his chair.
She looked just like his mother, except his Mama had deep blue eyes that reminded him of the sky at night. He wiped his eyes, trying to remove the remaining sleep from them and daring the visions he was seeing to reappear. When he opened his eyes again, he expected to be back in the cold, dark cave but was quite aware that he wasn't.
"Hello," Michaela spoke kindly, her hand patting his knee. "I'm Dr. Mike. What is your name?" she asked.
"Colin," he replied softly, almost afraid that to speak louder.
"What a nice name that is." Michaela smiled, and he actually did the same.
"Where am I?" he asked in a tiny voice.
"You're in my family's home. My husband and son found you in the cave."
"It was my home." He looked down at his tattered and dirty clothing ashamed. Realizing the dirt on his clothing must be getting on the beautiful white chairs, he hopped off.
"What's wrong?" Brian asked the boy. Without responding, Colin cowered away.
Michaela placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "You can talk to us, Colin. We won't hurt you," she assured him in a soothing voice.
"I don't wanna make the chair dirty." He gulped. "I don't wanna be punished. I was good!" he insisted.
Michaela rubbed his back, causing him to flinch from the pain. She forced back the tears that threatened to spill at the thought of this tiny child being beaten. "You have been a very good boy." She smiled at him. "Why don't we get you a nice hot meal, and then we'll get you clean?" she offered.
Food! He had been trying to go without it, but the mention of it caused his stomach to grumble, and he blushed with embarrassment. He noticed Michaela's hand reaching out for his, and he took it, accepting her offer of a warm bath and some food.
Michaela enclosed the little boy's hand in her own, then looked up at her son. "Brian, in one of the chests upstairs I kept some of your old suits. Why don't you bring one down for Colin and we'll see if it fits."
"All right, Ma," Brian replied, heading up the wooden staircase to his room.
No sooner had he disappeared, the front door swung open and Sully strode in. Colin jumped closer to Michaela and tried to hide. She began to gently rub his back, careful of the bruises, as she turned to face her husband.
"Sully, would you mind helping me fill the bathtub?" she requested. "Our little guest needs a bath after he eats."
Sully knew the attachment to the small boy was starting already, but now was not the time to say anything about it. "Sure." He went to her and greeted her with a quick peck on the lips.
Smiling at Colin, he walked off into the kitchen to heat the water and set up the large metal tub. Colin, feeling much safer now that the men were out of the room, removed his small coat and looked around for a place to put it.
Michaela gently took it from his hands and stood to her feet. "Why don't I put this with the laundry, hm? When Brian returns with some other clothes, we can wash the ones you're wearing, as well."
Colin watched as she walked away to a basket that contained other clothing, but the sound of giggles claimed his attention. He turned towards the sound to see a toddler with golden locks and big brown eyes. Walking over to her, he stood and watched her play. Katie had been watching him as well, and when he stopped in front of her, she smiled at him and held up her bunny.
"A rabbit," Colin said, gently taking the bunny from her hand and joining her on the floor. "They hop." He made the bunny bounce. "Hop, hop, hop."
Katie's giggles grew louder as she watched the bunny bounce on the floor around her. Her laughter was infectious, and Colin began to laugh with her. They played for a little bit, then Katie reached for the bunny. Colin gladly released it and looked at her. She stood and kissed his cheek, using her little legs to run over to her toy bin.
Colin smiled. He had always wanted a little sister, but his Mama always said it was a bad idea for a baby to be around his Pa. Sighing, he drew his knees up to his chest and rested his chin on them, his arms wrapping around his knees. He began to think about his Mama, her long auburn locks pulled back loosely so they wouldn't interfere with supper, her blue eyes sparkling as she sang, nursing her wounds from his father.
Michaela silently approached the living room where she saw Katie digging in her toy chest. She noticed Colin on the floor before the roaring fire, his eyes absentmindedly staring at the flames. Slowly and quietly, she approached him, squatting behind him. "Penny for your thoughts," she said, placing her hand on his shoulder.
"My mama was pretty." He fought the tears that threatened to spill. "She was real pretty."
"Here, Ma, I found some of my old clothes," Brian announced, stepping off the last step and walking towards them, his arms loaded with shirts, pants and socks. "I even managed to find a pair of boots buried in there. Guess I was hidin' 'em."
Michaela stood and walked over to Brian. "These should do fine. Why don't you talk to Colin, and I'll go check on the meal," she suggested.
"I gotta be gettin' to school, soon," Brian reminded her, taking her place beside the boy as she headed into the kitchen.
"We won't be long," she replied, walking towards the kitchen. "Is the tub ready?" Michaela asked her husband, after she joined him. She checked the food warming on the stove, then turned to face the living room where the boy was inching away from Brian, and she frowned, her brow creased in consternation.
"Almost, water needs to be a bit warmer," he replied, glancing over in her direction.
"Whatcha thinkin' about?"
Sully's voice startled her from her thoughts. "Hm? Oh, I was wondering about Colin's situation. He's so reticent, so shy. I wish I could find a way to make him open up to us," she confessed.
Sully took a few steps towards her and reached for her hands. "Michaela, we gotta find out whose son he is, so we can find his folks. We gotta know if he's a runaway or if he's got no one to go to."
"He's mentioned his mother, but he makes it sound as if she's deceased." Michaela turned away from the boy to face her husband. "Sully, he's so small," she whispered, her voice full of anguish.
"I know, an' whatever happened to him musta been real bad, or he wouldn't be cowerin' away from folks," Sully noted. "But, there ain't no sense frettin' about that. We can't do nothin' about it today, anyway."
"Yes," Michaela agreed, "you're right. We need to get him fed and clean, and perhaps into a nice, warm bed. There's no way to tell how long he's been without each of those things."
Sully stepped around the bathtub back to the stove. "Water'll be ready in a few minutes," he announced, lifting one of the kettles and turning to pour the water into the tub.
"I'll go get Colin," Michaela stated, turning to leave the kitchen. Approaching the little boy on the rug, she noticed he was curled into a little ball, and his arms were wrapped around his legs, his head face-down inside their embrace. "Brian?" she inquired of her son.
"I don't know what happened, Ma," he replied. "You left to go talk to Pa, and when I tried to sit next to him, he scooted away from me. I tried to talk to him, and he shook his head. Then, he curled up in a ball, and he isn't sayin' a word," Brian explained. "Katie even tried to talk to him, and he actually looked at her, but then he saw me and he went back to not talkin'."
"I tr-wy, Mama. Colin not talkin'." Katie toddled over to Michaela and leaned against her skirts, hugging her stuffed rabbit.
"That's all right, Katie. You did a very good job. You, too, Brian. Thank you," she told her son. "Why don't you get yourself to school. We'll be all right, today," she assured him."
"All right, Ma," Brian replied, giving her quick kiss on the cheek, before going to grab his books and coat and open the door. "Bye, Pa," he called as he walked out the door.
Slowly kneeling next to the little boy, Michaela reached out to gently touch his matted locks. At first, Colin jerked away from her touch, but when he saw who it was, he relaxed. "Colin? It's all right," Michaela said softly. "Your meal is ready. and we'll get a bath for you when you're done eating. Would you like to come with me?" She reached out her hand towards him and waited.
Colin looked from her to Katie, then back up at Michaela. Very slowly and cautiously, he reached out his hand and placed it in Michaela's, unfolding himself and rising to his feet. Michaela did the same and together they walked to the kitchen, where Sully was spooning some of the oatmeal into a bowl.
Michaela led Colin to the table, but he pulled away. "What's the matter, Colin?" she asked. He didn't say a word, only looked at Sully, then down at his feet. Michaela also looked at Sully. "I don't think he's comfortable with you here," she told her husband. "Whatever his past, I believe it has something to do with males." She spoke softly, knowing Colin understood her, but not wanting to embarrass him.
"You're probably right," Sully agreed. He stepped towards her and placed a quick kiss on her lips. "I'll go see what Katie's doin'."
"Thank you, Sully." He only smiled as he left the kitchen. Michaela turned to face Colin once more. "Now, how about we get some of that oatmeal into you, hm?" This time, Colin allowed her to help him, and Michaela couldn't help but wonder if his reticence around men was because that was who inflicted the harm upon him.
* * * * *
"Mama, I'm tired," Katie announced later that evening. The day had passed relatively smoothly, and the family now sat around the fireplace. Katie sat with Colin on the carpet, chattering and showing him her few toys and stuffed animals. Colin didn't talk much, but he certainly seemed more comfortable, and clean. He had spent the day and evening with Katie, or following Michaela wherever she went. Sully had stayed around the homestead, and each time he came in, Colin would run to her or hide behind something. Sully had tried to break through the wall, but was unsuccessful.
"Katie, I think that's an excellent idea. Why don't we all get some sleep? It's been a very busy day."
"Yeah, now that ya mention it, Ma, I am kinda tired," Brian announced. "I think I'll head to my room." He leaned down to kiss Michaela's cheek, picked up Katie and gave her a hug, then hugged Sully and went upstairs.
Colin watched Brian's every move, and he didn't take his eyes off of him until he heard Michaela's voice again.
"Katie, please put your toys away. Perhaps Colin will help you?" She gave a pointed look to Colin, and he immediately picked up a stuffed animal and walked with Katie to the toy chest. "Very nice work," Michaela complimented, reaching out her hand to Colin. "Now, why don't we all go upstairs? Would you like to come with me, Colin?" she invited.
"Come on Kates," Sully stated, knowing she might feel a little neglected at Michaela not carrying her. The little girl immediately leaped into Sully's arms.
Again, Colin watched this with a puzzled look on his face. He looked from Michaela to Sully and back again. Then, reaching out his arm, he placed his hand in Michaela's and allowed her to lead him towards the stairs.
The four of them walked up the stairs, Sully entering Katie's room and Michaela leading Colin into Colleen's old room. "Colin, why don't you sit right there on the rug while I make this bed for you?" She watched him move to sit, then turned her attention back to the bed. "You'll have a bed all to yourself tonight, warm and soft, with a big pillow," she told him. "I'm sure you'll really like it," she chattered on as she made the bed. When it was finished, she turned down the covers, pivoting around to look at Colin, only he wasn't there. "Colin?" she called softly.
She looked behind the door, under the bed, over on the other side of the bed, all to no avail, so she left the room and walked across the hall to Katie's room. "Sully, have you..." but she didn't finish. There, on the rug in front of Katie's fireplace was Colin, sound asleep.
Sully turned from Katie's bed, where he was kneeling and looked in the direction of Michaela's glance. He watched as she went to lift him. "Michaela, don't," he whispered, and she stopped. "Maybe he wants to sleep in here, with Katie. Do ya really think he'll want to sleep in a strange room and bed all alone, after what he's been through?"
"You're right, Sully. I hadn't thought about that," she agreed. "At least let me get a blanket for him."
"Then, why don't you come and kiss your daughter goodnight," he suggested.
Michaela took a blanket from Katie's chest of drawers and spread it over Colin, smoothing back his blonde locks. She then stepped over to Katie's bed, placing a soft kiss on the little girl's cheek and brushing back her hair as well.
"Ready?" Sully stood and held out his hand towards her. She willingly placed her hand in his and walked with him to the door, pausing at the threshold.
"Are you certain they'll be..."
"They'll be fine," Sully interrupted her.
"But, Sully, he's so small," she continued.
"Michaela, we're in the room just next to this one. Nothin's gonna happen," he reassured her. "Now, stop your frettin' and come to bed." He took one step into the hallway, pulling slightly on her arm. With one final glance at the two sleeping children, Michaela followed him from the room and into their bedroom.
Sully pushed the door almost closed, knowing Michaela would feel better, then walked to the wash basin and removed his shirt. Splashing water on his face and chest, he reached for a towel to pat himself dry. He turned to face his wife and saw she was already in her nightgown and was now pulling the pins from her hair. He stepped over to help her, then looked at her reflection in the mirror. Seeing the tired look in her eyes, he coaxed her to stand. "Why don't we get some sleep?" he suggested, and she nodded.
They both went to their respective sides of the bed and slipped beneath the covers. Sully immediately drew her into his arms, spooning himself against her. She wrapped her arms around his and sighed. "Thank you, Sully," she whispered.
"For what?" he returned.
"For everything. For understanding," she replied.
"My pleasure."
"I don't know what I'd do without you," she continued.
"You'd of done the same things I did. It just woulda taken you a bit longer to realize it was the best way," he couldn't help but tease.
Michaela smiled. "You're probably right, but I still appreciate it."
"Think nothin' of it," he stated, drawing her closer to him. "Now, why don't we get some sleep? We most likely got a big day, tomorrow."
"Sully?"
"Mm?"
"Do you think we'll find his parents?" she asked, knowing Sully was right in tune with her thoughts.
"I don't know, Michaela, but we'll do our best," he replied.
"But, what if we...?"
"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," he interrupted. "Let's take one thing at time."
"All right," she agreed. "Goodnight, Sully."
He lifted his head to kiss her cheek, then settled down again, pulling her snugly against him, as they both drifted off into sleep.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Loren, I'd like to purchase some paper and pencils, and a slate," Michaela announced upon entering the general store.
"Katie's not ready for school already, is she?" Loren replied.
"No, this isn't for Katie. She still has a couple of years. This is for Colin," she replied, looking outside at the wagon, where Sully sat, holding the reins, and Colin was with Katie in the back.
"Who's Colin?" he asked.
"Actually, I was hoping you might know, or perhaps know someone who would?" Michaela turned her attention back to the storekeeper.
"Don't know that name right off. Where'd you find him?"
"Sully and Brian found him a couple of days ago in a cave out where their traps are set. He had obviously not eaten in at least two or three days, and his clothes were torn and tattered, not even fitting him well enough to protect him from the elements. The only information I was able to get out of him was his name and the fact that he remembers his mother, but he makes it sound as if she's no longer with us," Michaela filled in the details of what she knew.
"Poor little guy," Loren lamented. "I wish I could help, Dr. Mike, but I ain't never seen the boy before, nor heard of a boy named Colin lately. How old would you say he is?"
"He speaks clearly, when he does talk, and he's able to read and write," Michaela answered. "I know that much from the day we spent yesterday together. While Katie drew on some of her paper, he wrote his name and spelled it out for Katie, also writing her name and telling her the letters. So, he's obviously had some schooling of some sort, and I would say he's around six years old," she finished.
"I don't know, Dr. Mike. I wish I...."
"Who's the little boy with Sully and Katie, Michaela?" Dorothy interrupted their conversation, walking into the mercantile.
"Dr. Mike was just tellin' me she don't know, Dorothy," Loren replied. "Sully and Brian found him a couple of days ago in a cave outside of town."
"Oh, my!" Dorothy exclaimed.
"You ain't heard of a boy named Colin, have ya?" Loren asked her.
"Or perhaps of an accident nearby which might explain why he's all alone?" Michaela added.
"No, Michaela, I haven't," Dorothy replied. "I'm sorry. I will do everything I can to help, though."
"Thank you, Dorothy. I appreciate it," Michaela answered. "Now, Loren, if you could get those supplies, I'm going to try to take him to school today. There's no sense in him neglecting his studies while we try to solve the mystery of his origin," she stated.
"You're right, Dr. Mike," Loren agreed, turning to Jared, who was stacking shelves. "Jared, could you get Dr. Mike a slate, some paper and a few pencils?"
"Sure thing, Mr. Bray," the young man replied.
"So, do you have any idea how you're going to find out what happened?" Dorothy asked, intrigued.
"I thought I might talk to Horace, and perhaps send some telegrams to local towns, perhaps even an orphanage, although I seriously doubt he came from there." Michaela turned again to look out at the wagon.
"Why do you say that?" Dorothy wanted to know.
"When I first saw him, his legs and back were covered with black and blue bruises," Michaela replied, softly, her voice full of anguish.
"Merciful heavens!" Dorothy gasped.
"You mean someone beat on that little fella?" Loren was shocked.
"That's exactly what I'm saying," Michaela replied.
"That just ain't right." Loren shook his head. "No child deserves that kind of punishment."
"No child deserves physical punishment of any kind!" Michaela retorted.
"Aww, now, Dr. Mike, don't go gettin' up on your high horse. I ain't against a little smack to the backside to straighten out a misbehavin' child. Certainly didn't hurt me none," Loren pointed out.
"Nevertheless, Colin has suffered greatly, and I intend to find out why and what happened to his parents," Michaela stated.
"Here's the items, Mr. Bray," Jared announced, setting them on the counter.
"Thanks," Loren told the boy.
"Can you put them on my account, Loren?" Michaela requested.
"Of course," he replied.
Michaela took the items into her arms and turned to leave, but Dorothy stopped her with a hand on her arm.
"You might talk to Daniel, too. Maybe he's heard of an accident or somethin' around here, and can help you," she suggested.
"Thank you, Dorothy," Michaela replied. "I will certainly do that. Have a good day," she called, exiting the store.
Sully took the supplies from her, then gave her a hand up into the wagon. She immediately turned around to face Colin as Sully snapped the reins to get the horses moving. He seemed content to sit and play with Katie, so Michaela turned back and around and they rode to the school in silence.
Pulling up in front of the school, Sully set the brake, then hopped down, helping Michaela down as well. She walked around to the back, noticing Colin's eyes following her every move.
"Colin?" she invited, reaching out her hand to him. "Would you like to come with me?"
He got up and walked to the back of the wagon, allowing her to lift him down to the ground, then placed his hand in hers and followed her up the stairs. The moment they entered, Colin saw all of the boys and girls seated at desks and cowered behind Michaela's skirts.
"Dr. Quinn!" Miss Teresa greeted. "Why have you come to the school at this time? There is nothing wrong I hope?"
"Mrs. Slicker, I have a new student for you, and he's quite shy," she replied.
"Yes, I can see," she stated, walking towards them. Hearing some whispers and snickers from some of her students, she stopped and turned to face them. "Class, open your mathematics books to the ninth lesson and begin completing the work on that page. We will discuss your answers in a moment," she instructed, waiting to see they obeyed before turning her attention back to Michaela. "I am very sorry, Dr. Quinn. Who is this new student?"
"His name is Colin," Michaela replied, reaching behind her to pull him around to the front. "He is six years old, and he knows how to read and write, but I don't know much more. I wanted him to perhaps continue with school while we try to figure out who he is."
"Yes, that is a very good decision. Thank you for bringing him to me. I will place him with my other early readers, and we will see if we cannot help him some more," Teresa stated.
"Thank you." Michaela kneeled down to look at Colin and gently lifted his chin. "Colin, I am going to leave you with Mrs. Slicker and the other boys and girls. You will be able to read and write and play. Would you like that?"
Colin looked around the room, then back at Michaela and vigorously shook his head, burying himself against her again.
"Colin?" Teresa spoke softly. "Would you like to please come with me? I promise we will have a good time together," she invited.
The little boy slowly pulled away and looked into the inviting eyes of the schoolteacher. He noticed her outstretched hand and kind face and knew he could trust her. He looked at Michaela, who nodded, encouraging him, so he slowly placed his hand into hers, looking back once more at Michaela and seeing her smile.
"I will make certain he is treated very well," Teresa promised.
"I know you will," Michaela replied. "Colin, I will see you after school." He only nodded, turning with Mrs. Slicker and walking to the front of the room. Michaela opened the door to leave, hearing Mrs. Slicker introduce Colin to the other students as she closed the door behind her. She smiled, knowing Colin was in good hands.
"So, how'd it go?" Sully asked, after helping Michaela into the wagon.
"He wasn't too certain about staying, but Mrs. Slicker was very good with him, and he seemed all right," Michaela replied. "I kept him with me for the past two days, hoping he would be more comfortable. I can only hope he's ready for school today."
"I'm sure he'll be fine," Sully reassured her. "So, what are ya gonna do, now?"
"I plan on visiting Horace, first, to send some telegrams, then I'm going to go see Daniel and speak with some other townsfolk, try to find out anything I can."
"I'm gonna be workin' out at the Harper place, fixin' their roof and doin' some work on their cabin, but it's not far, so send someone out to get me if you need me," he stated.
"I will, Sully, but I don't think there'll be a problem," she assured him. "Now, why don't we get Katie to Miss Craven's," she suggested, reaching behind her for Katie and positioning her daughter in her lap for the ride. She certainly couldn't ride in the back with just Wolf.
* * * * *
"Horace, I'd like to send a couple of telegrams," Michaela announced, stepping up to the window at the train station.
"Mornin', Dr. Mike. Sure thing," the telegraph operator replied. "Where'll they be goin'?"
"The first, I would like to send to the orphanages in Denver. I know there is more than one, but I need this to go to them all.," she explained.
"I'll look up the names before I send them," Horace replied. "Now, what's it gonna say?"
"I'd like to inquire about a missing boy of about six years old to see if they know anything," she told him.
"You found a boy?"
"Yes, Sully and Brian found him in a cave a couple of days ago, and I want to try to find out anything I can about him. His name is Colin, but he doesn't say very much," she summarized the details.
"I'll also send some telegrams to the neighborin' towns between here and Denver, see if they've heard anythin'," Horace offered.
"That was going to be my next request. Thank you."
"No problem. Glad to help." He paused and finished writing. "Now, let me read what I have. It says, ‘Found. Boy of six. Name of Colin. Need to know any details. Immediate attention required. Reply to Dr. Michaela Quinn. Colorado Springs.' Want anythin' else?"
"No, Horace. That sounds just fine." She handed him several coins. "Will this cover the charges?"
"Sure, Dr. Mike. I'll get these right out," he promised.
"Thank you, again," she replied. "Have a good day," she called, stepping away from the window to allow the next customer room.
"You, too, Dr. Mike. I'll let you know the minute I hear anythin'," he called to her retreating form.
Michaela walked across the railroad tracks and back towards the main part of town, heading straight for the sheriff's office.
"Michaela!"
She turned to see Preston hailing her from the door to the bank. "Good morning, Mr. Lodge. Have you had any success with the bank since it opened?" she asked.
"I am making progress, yes," he replied, "but I wanted to speak with you, if you have a moment."
"Certainly. I was merely going to see Sheriff Simon," she replied.
"Is this a personal visit or business?" he intrusively asked with a sneer.
"I don't wish to discuss my comings and goings with you, Mr. Lodge," she returned. "Now, what was it you wanted to discuss with me?"
"I was wondering if you've spoken with Dr. Fulton lately," he replied, ignoring her brusque manner.
"Not in the last few days. Why do you ask?"
"I only wanted to know if he had told you of problems he is having tending to the patrons of the Chateau. He has turned away more than one in the past week, and I don't like it," he explained.
"Perhaps he is exercising his medical judgment and seeing there is nothing wrong with them," she returned.
Preston was miffed at her superior attitude, not to mention the fact that she was agreeing with Dr. Fulton's actions. "That may very well be, but if he is to work at the Chateau, he needs to see all of the patients, not only the ones he wishes to see," Preston stated.
"Perhaps you have forgotten that the Chateau clinic is no longer any of your concern," Michaela replied. "Senator Dinston placed me in charge last year, after he bought it, and while you may be managing it for him, you have no say over what happens at the clinic."
"I haven't forgotten, Michaela," Preston returned through gritted teeth, forcing a smile. "I was merely inquiring about Dr. Fulton. It's obvious you don't know any more than I do."
"I will be going out to see him this week, and I will speak with him. If I were you, I wouldn't concern yourself overmuch. As I said, the clinic is none of your concern. Dr. Fulton is free to run it as he sees fit. If you disagree, you can contact Senator Dinston."
"Well, I will let you get back to your visit with the sheriff," Preston stated with a smug look on his face.
"Good day, Mr. Lodge." Michaela forced herself to remember her manners, regardless of how the man infuriated her, then stepped away from him and walked towards the sheriff's office. Stepping up onto the boardwalk, she knocked a few times.
"Come in!" Daniel called from within.
She opened the door and stepped inside, closing the door behind her.
"Michaela!" Daniel exclaimed, standing to his feet. "What brings ya over here? Ain't nothin' wrong is there?" he asked, a little concerned.
"No, Daniel, at least not with our family," she replied.
"Please, sit down," he invited, gesturing to the chair in front of his desk. He waited for her to take her seat, before taking his own. "Now, what's this all about?"
"Sully and Brian found a little boy a couple of days ago in a cave while they were checking their traps. He was cold, hungry, and when they brought him home to me, there was evidence of several bruises on his legs and back," she explained, for what seemed the hundredth time. "I wanted to see if perhaps you had heard anything about an accident near town, or perhaps knew of the boy or his family? His name is Colin, and he's about six years old, but I don't know anything more."
"You say he was in a cave and had bruises on him? Like someone had hit him?" Daniel asked.
"Yes. He's also extremely hesitant to talk to or even be near Sully or Brian, but he seems comfortable around me or Katie."
"Where is he now?"
"I took him to school. He demonstrated evidence of reading and writing yesterday with Katie, and I thought it wise to have him there while I tried to find out more about him," Michaela answered.
"How was he there?"
"He shied away at first, but Mrs. Slicker convinced him to trust her, and I believe things were going to be fine. I haven't heard anything from the school, so if nothing happens, I'll know after school when I bring him back to the clinic."
"Well, I got word of an accident of sorts out at the Salinger place," Daniel informed her.
"You don't sound to certain of it being an accident," Michaela observed.
"That's cuz I ain't sure." He paused, retrieving the paper where he had written down the information. "See, when I got out there, I found two dead bodies. A man and a woman. They'd both been shot, and the gun was near the man's hand."
"Oh my!" Michaela exclaimed, covering her mouth with one hand. "Do you think they might be Colin's parents?" she asked, slowly lowering her hand.
"Michaela, I don't know. All's I know from talkin' to other folks is they knew Mr. Salinger wasn't exactly well-liked. He didn't come into town much, but when he did, he was at the Gold Nugget, drinkin'. Folks say they knew he had a wife at home, and he usually didn't leave town until he was good and drunk."
"Was there evidence of abuse?" Michaela had to ask.
"Yeah," Daniel replied with a frown. "I hate to say it, but the woman had several cuts and twice as many bruises. Shame, too, cuz she had a real kind face, at least from what I could tell. Jake and Hank helped me bury the bodies, so you might talk to them, too, see if they know anythin'. My guess is that the man shot his wife, then shot himself. Didn't find any evidence of a forced entry anywhere, and folks around the area said they pretty much kept to themselves."
"I can't believe things like this happen around us, and we haven't a clue about them," Michaela lamented.
"I know what ya mean." Daniel nodded. "Always makes ya wonder if only ya'd noticed him or been out that way, would you have been able to prevent it or help in some way."
"Did you happen to notice any evidence that a child may have lived there?" Michaela asked, suddenly.
"Now that ya mention it, I did. There was only room to the cabin, but there was a small chest in the corner with boy's clothes in it. Not much, mind ya, but I did find this blanket layin' near it on the floor. Looked like it had been dropped." He reached behind him and retrieved a small quilted blanket, handing it across the desk to Michaela.
She took it from him and turned it over in her hands. Looking it over, she noticed the intials "CJS" sewn into one corner and saw that the blanket showed evidence of being used quite a bit. It was certainly the closest thing to evidence she had. "Daniel, I want to thank you for shedding a little light on a potential answer to this problem. Would you be sure to contact me if you learn of anything else?" she requested, standing to her feet.
"Sure thing, Michaela," he replied, getting to his feet as well and walking around to escort her to the door. He opened it for her, then stepped back. "You gonna be at the clinic the rest of the day?"
"Yes," she replied. "I have an appointment in a little while after lunch, but I wanted to be sure to find out what I could before I went to the clinic."
"If I hear anythin', I'll let you know," he promised.
"Thank you," she answered, walking by him and out the door. Hearing it close behind her, she lifted the soft blanket to her cheek and ran its smooth material across it, wondering if the man and woman were Colin's parents, and if so, how the boy could have survived and managed to make it to the cave on his own. If that's what happened to him, there was a lot more at stake than she first thought.
* * * * * * * * * *
Michaela looked up from her desk as the door to the clinic opened, and Brian entered, followed by Sarah, Colin and Katie.
"Hey, Ma," Brian greeted. "Look who I brought with me!"
Colin looked up when he saw Michaela and immediately pulled his hand from Sarah's and ran over to her, throwing himself against her legs.
"Oh my goodness!" she exclaimed, reaching down to gently brush back his hair. "I was supposed to meet you at school, today! I'm so sorry."
"That's all right, Ma. Sarah convinced Colin to come with her, and we stopped by Miss Craven's to get Katie for ya," he assured her.
"Thank you. I had an emergency patient not too long ago, and I was just updating their patient file. I didn't even look at the clock."
"Well, I'm gonna head over to the Gazette," Brian announced.
"All right. We'll be fine, here. Thank you again," she replied, watching as he left. "Close the door!" she called, smiling as Brian turned around and pulled the door closed with a sheepish grin. "Now," she began, pulling Colin away from her and looking down into his face, "why don't we find something to occupy our time, perhaps in the other room?" she suggested.
"I can take them both, Dr. Mike," Sarah offered.
"I would appreciate that, Sarah, but first, I have something for Colin," she stated, stepping away from the boy to retrieve the blanket Daniel had given her. When she turned back around with the blanket in her hands, she immediately noticed a change in Colin. At first, he just stared at the blanket, but then his lower lip began to tremble and his eyes watered as the first of many tears began falling from his eyes.
Michaela immediately returned to his side and pulled him into her arms, handing him the blanket and watching as he clutched it tightly to him. He sobbed for several moments, and Michaela noticed Sarah take Katie's hand and lead her into the other room. She smiled her thanks, then returned her attention to Colin, gently rubbing his back.
Almost as quickly as the tears started, they stopped, and Colin pulled away, wiping his face and eyes with the sleeve of his shirt. Michaela produced a handkerchief, and encouraged him to use it. He quickly dried his eyes and sniffed, then looked up at her. "I'm sorry. Crying is for bad boys. I won't cry anymore."
Michaela fought the tears which threatened to spill from her own eyes at Colin's words. "Oh, Colin, sweetheart. You don't have to be afraid to cry. It's not for bad boys. If you are upset or scared or just feel like crying, you can. There's absolutely nothing wrong with it," she assured him.
"No," he emphatically stated. "Crying is bad, and I won't do it."
Michaela knew it was pointless to try to change his mind. Little pieces of the puzzle were falling together, and she was just beginning to understand. There was still a lot of unanswered questions, but she hoped she would be able to get Colin talking eventually, to help answer them. "So," she began, "would you like to go in the other room with Katie and Sarah and play for a little while?" she asked. "I have some things I need to do in here, and you will have a lot more fun with them."
He looked away from her and noticed Sarah and Katie were no longer standing by the door. Turning back to face her, he nodded, and waited for her to stand before placing his hand in hers and walking with her to the other room. They walked through the door, and he saw Sarah sitting with Katie on a blanket in the middle of the floor, playing with blocks. He left Michaela and joined them, helping Katie stack the blocks high, and giggling when the tower teetered and tumbled to the ground.
Michaela smiled, then motioned to Sarah to join her for a moment. When she did, Michaela lowered her voice. "I don't know how much Brian told you about Colin..."
"He told me how Colin was found and about the bruises," Sarah interrupted.
"Yes, and I only recently learned that his parents are most likely no longer with us," Michaela explained.
"Oh, that's terrible!" she exclaimed. "I'll be real gentle with him, Dr. Mike," she promised.
"I know you will, Sarah." She paused as another thought came to her. "Could you tell me how school went today?"
"Well, at first, he didn't say much of anything. Miss Teresa placed him in the front row, next to Annabelle, a little girl his age, but it wasn't until around lunchtime when he actually showed any interest in anything."
"How was he with other students throughout the day?" Michaela wanted to know.
"The boys teased him, and he mostly just crossed his arms and sat, staring at the front. He talked a little to the girls, but didn't say much. When Miss Teresa gave him some paper, he became very absorbed in writing some words and drawing pictures. I wasn't able to see anything, but his pictures are folded with his paper in the other room, if you want to look at them," Sarah informed her.
"Thank you. I will take a look. You know where the paper is in here. If you could perhaps encourage Katie and Colin to draw or write, it may provide the opportunity for Colin to express some of his feelings. He might not want to talk about it, but perhaps he doesn't mind writing or drawing it. Just don't make it seem forced. Allow them to have fun," she cautioned.
"I will, Dr. Mike. Don't worry. He seems to trust me, at least a little, and he's awfully cute." She smiled. "I think we'll be fine."
"I really do appreciate this, Sarah. I know Katie enjoys a playmate a little closer to her age. Not that she doesn't simply adore you," Michaela quickly amended.
"Oh, I know. It's good for young children to have friends close to their age. Go ahead and finish the work you need to do. If we need anything or if anything happens, I'll come and get you," Sarah assured her.
"Thank you, Sarah. I'll check on all of you a little later," she stated, watching Sarah return to the blanket and pick up a block, setting it on top of the stack Colin and Katie had made, causing it to wobble and collapse yet again. They all laughed, and Michaela smiled as Sarah reached out to tickle Katie, causing the little girl to squirm. Colin was grinning only a little, but it was an improvement. If only she could come to a definite conclusion about Colin's fear of all males and warmth around females.
She stepped back through the door and pulled it to behind her, then walked back into the main room of the clinic, immediately walking over to the stack of paper and a slate by the door, where Brian had put them. She pulled out one of the drawings and opened it, staring at the dark images she saw sketched there. Feeling a tugging at her heart at the obvious attempt to express his own feelings, Michaela couldn't help but feel bad for Colin. She knew he had been through so much, and the fact that he recognized the blanket was just one more piece to the puzzle. Hopefully soon, she would have all the pieces.
She was pulled from her thoughts by the ringing of the bell. Folding the paper the way it was and placing it back with the rest of the stack, she straightened her skirt and opened the door, ready to face her next patient.
"Dr. Quinn, I hope I did not come at a bad time," Teresa Slicker stated without preamble.
"No, not at all!" Michaela assured her. "Please, come in," she invited.
"Thank you. I apologize for this unannounced visit, but I wanted to speak with you about Colin. Is he here?" she asked, looking around.
"He's in the other room with my daughter, Katie, and Sarah Sheehan, who's watching them," Michaela replied.
"That is good. I do no wish him to hear us, although I have nothing to say that he could not hear."
"Please, would you have a seat?" Michaela gestured towards her desk, where she sat in her own chair and waited for Teresa to sit in the one on the far side by filing cabinets. "Now, what was it you wished to discuss?"
"I thought it necessary to share with you my observations from having Colin with me today," she began.
"Go on," Michaela encouraged.
"I noticed your son, Brian, and Sarah walked with him after school. I do not know if they told you anything, but I, too, wanted to tell you what happened today."
"Brian didn't tell me much of anything, but Sarah mentioned how quiet he was," Michaela told her.
"Yes. He was very quiet, and he did not show any interest in talking with any of the boys, except the ones who were very close to his age. He did not participate in recess with the other children. He only sat at his desk and spent his time writing and drawing," she explained.
"Yes, Sarah mentioned his drawing. I was just putting one of them away when you knocked," Michaela stated.
"Did you take a good look at them, Dr. Quinn?"
"Yes, I did."
"And did you notice anything unusual?" she asked.
"I'm not certain, but one thing I noticed was how dark and dismal everything he drew seemed to be," Michaela replied.
"Yes," Teresa agreed. "I noticed that, too. I do not know if he is trying to tell us something in his pictures, or if his drawing and writing are a reflection of some hurt from inside, but I am concerned for him. I love all of my students, and I do not wish for Colin to be treated any differently," she vowed.
"I agree with you, and I know you care a lot about each and every one of your students. It's why I knew having him in school was the best option for him," Michaela replied.
"Yes, I know you were going to try to find out some more information about him. Were you successful?"
"I spoke with several people, but Daniel was the one who gave me the most information," she answered.
"Sheriff Simon? What did he know?" Teresa asked.
"He told me about a man and woman he found at the Salinger cabin. They were no longer alive, but he told me about the cabin and said there was evidence of a little boy living there. He gave me a quilted blanket he had taken from the cabin, and when I showed it to Colin, he grabbed it and cried. I am almost certain he was the little boy who lived there, and the Salinger's were his parents. What I don't know is what happened that he would end up in a cave," she finished.
"This is most distressing, Dr. Quinn, for Colin. I can see he does not like to talk a lot, and he is not willing to join the other students in any group situation. I want to help him, very much, and I am thankful for this new information, even if it is not very happy news."
"I agree with you, Mrs. Slicker. Colin is obviously hiding a lot of hurt and pain inside of him, and it's only a matter of time before it finds its way out," Michaela observed.
"Yes, you are correct. I would like to discuss this more with you, but right now, I must get home and begin fixing Jacob's supper," she announced, rising to stand.
Michaela did the same and walked with her towards the door. "Thank you, Mrs. Slicker, for coming to see me. I know you care about him, and I am glad to know you want to help as much as I do. We'll be sure to talk more as time passes. At this time, I don't know what we're going to do with him, but he will be staying with us until we can come to a decision on that."
"Yes, please come and tell me of any changes or problems you notice. It is most important that I know," Teresa stated.
"I will certainly do that. Thank you, again. I don't want to keep you any longer."
"Thank you, Dr. Quinn. I want to wish you good luck with Colin. I hope you are able to help him talk to you. It will help us all."
"Yes, it will," Michaela agreed, reaching to open the door.
Teresa stepped out onto the front porch. "Have a good evening, Dr. Quinn," she said in farewell.
"You, too, Mrs. Slicker," Michaela returned, closing the door after her. She reached down and pulled out the drawing Colin had done in school again. Walking to the door to the other room, she quietly opened it to look in on the trio. They were absorbed in drawing and coloring and didn't even notice her presence. She looked down at the drawing, then at Colin, concealing a sigh of both hurt and frustration for the life this little boy had obviously endured.
* * * * * * * * * *
"Michaela, I don't know what we're gonna do to help him," Sully said later that evening. Colin was once again playing with Katie, only this time, Wolf was also in the middle of everything, and Brian sat in one of the wingback chairs, reading a book of newspaper stories and articles Dorothy had put together for him.
"Neither do I, Sully, but we can't just send him off to some orphanage. Do you have any idea what they do to young children his age?"
"Yeah," he replied, bitterly. "I was almost in one back in New York. It was a good thing I was able to get a job at the docks, workin'. No, we ain't gonna send him there, but what are we gonna do?" He paused to look over into the living room, then turned his attention back to his wife. "Are ya sure about his folks? There ain't no doubt in your mind?"
"No, Sully, I'm certain he's the little boy who lived at the Salinger cabin. There's simply too many things which fit together for that not to be true. I told you about the woman, bearing just as many bruises as Colin, and in most of the same places. Then, there's the blanket. He recognized it immediately. There's no denying that fact," she pointed out.
"No, you're right, there ain't. So, he's Colin Salinger. That still don't give us any help in knowin' what to do with him. He ain't exactly just an orphan. He's carryin' a lot of hurt and pain inside of him."
"I know, Sully. Mrs. Slicker and I spoke about that this afternoon after school," she told him.
"She came to see ya?" he asked, a little surprised.
"Yes. She was concerned about Colin, and she wanted to tell me what happened at school today."
"And? What happened?"
"He didn't interact much with any of the other students, but she said he was comfortable sitting with the girls and only the boys close to his own age. That wasn't the main thing, though."
She paused and looked over at the little boy, happy to see him at least enjoying himself somewhat. "Michaela?" Sully encouraged. "What else happened?"
"Mrs. Slicker told me he spent a lot of time writing and drawing, much like he did yesterday with Katie," she replied.
"So, what's wrong with that?" Sully wanted to know. "It ain't a bad thing to want to draw or write. Look at Brian, or what about Zach?" he pointed out.
"No, you're right, Sully. It wasn't that he was drawing. It was what he was drawing."
"What do you mean?"
Michaela stood and went to the desk against the wall and pulled out a folded piece of paper. Returning to her seat, she opened the paper and placed it in front of him. "Look at the drawings, Sully. What do you notice?"
Sully took several moments to look at the dark figures sketchily drawn, as well as the words placed in various locations on the paper. No. Sorry. Bad. Cry. Angry. Sully sighed and sat back in his chair, glancing up at Michaela. "I notice a lot of hurt comin' out in these pictures," he concluded.
"Yes. I believe he's trying to communicate what happened, only he doesn't really know how to do so clearly. He may not want to talk a lot about it, but he is telling us. We just have to listen to how he's talking," she pointed out.
"Speakin' of listenin'. They got awfully quiet over there. Wonder what's up?" Sully stated.
"I don't know. Perhaps we should go see," she suggested, rising from her chair and walking with Sully to stand behind the wingback chairs. Brian looked up from his reading when they approached, but Michaela placed a finger over her lips, and he went back to reading, understanding what they were doing.
"Why you don't like my papa?" they heard Katie ask.
"Is he nice to you?" Colin asked in return.
"My papa loves me," she stated.
"My papa hit me," he confessed in a pain-filled whisper. "He was mean. He hit my mama, too."
Sully clasped Michaela's hand in hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze before putting his arm around her waist and drawing her against him. She looked up at him, and he place a quick kiss on her forehead. She leaned her head on his shoulder, as they listened to the young children talk. One glance at Brian showed he was listening as well, the shimmer of tears showing in his eyes.
"That not nice!" Katie said.
"I hate my papa!" Colin grated out through clenched teeth. "My mama loved me. She helped me when papa hurt me. She was hurt, too, but she helped me. She made this blanket for me." He held it up and showed Katie.
"Real pr-wetty," Katie said, touching the soft quilted material.
"I loved my mama," Colin whispered.
"Where she go?" Katie wanted to know.
"She's never comin' back," Colin replied.
"Why?" the little girl asked.
"All right, I think it's time we got ready for bed," Michaela announced from behind the chair, interrupting their conversation. Colin jumped at her voice and immediately looked down, wondering if they heard what he said.
"I wasn't bad. I promise!" he told them.
"No, you weren't, Colin. You were a very good boy," Michaela reassured him. "It's Katie's bedtime, though, and you should get some sleep, too. Come on," she encouraged, stretching out her hand towards him.
"Mama, where Colin's mama go?"
"Kates, now's not the time to be askin' questions. We'll tell ya everythin' later," Sully said in a tone that brooked no argument.
"Yes, Papa," the little girl agreed. She immediately brightened and ran to Sully. "Up, please, Papa!" He swung her into his arms and lifted her high above his head, eliciting a giggle.
Colin watched this in confusion, trying to reconcile what he was seeing with what he knew from his own experiences. He couldn't, so he turned to look at Michaela, whose hand was still outstretched, inviting him to join her. He stood to his feet and walked over to her, placing his tiny hand in hers and walking with the three of them towards the stairs.
"Wait, Papa!" Katie announced. "Col-win needs his blanket."
"You're right, Kates, he does," Sully agreed, looking at his wife. Michaela turned around, only to see Brian had picked up Colin's blanket and was standing nearby, holding the blanket out to the little boy.
Colin reached for it, but retracted his hand, looking up at Michaela. She smiled and nodded, and he looked back at Brian. He didn't see anything mean in Brian's face, so he slowly reached his hand out to touch the blanket, then quickly grabbed it from his hand, clutching it immediately to him and turning to face Michaela's skirts. She smiled her thanks to Brian, and he nodded in return, going back to the chair to resume his reading.
Once again, the foursome turned in the direction of the stairs. At the top, Colin followed Sully and Katie into Katie's room, but Michaela stopped for a moment at the threshold. "Do you want to sleep in here, again?" she asked Colin, turning to look down at him. He looked up at her and nodded, then looked at Katie, who was sitting on the bed, allowing her papa to change her clothes into her nightgown. The little girl giggled when Sully pretended he couldn't find her head.
"Here I am, Papa!" she announced, when the nightgown cleared her head.
"Ya got me again, Kates," Sully teased, reaching down to tickle her and causing her to squeal in delight.
"Sully..." Michaela beckoned, causing him to turn and face her. "Colin would like to sleep in here. What do you think?"
"Why don't we ask Kates? It's her room," he pointed out, turning to face his daughter again. "What do ya think, Kates? Would you like Colin to sleep in her with you again tonight?"
"Yes! Yes!" she replied, bouncing on the bed in excitement.
"All right, but don't go bouncin'. Ya might break the bed, and then you'd have to sleep on the floor!"
"I sor-wy, Papa."
Sully reached out to touch her cheek, and Michaela felt Colin tighten his hold on her hand as he watched. She looked down at him and noticed his eyes fixated on her husband and daughter. When Sully caressed Katie's cheek and leaned forward to give and receive a kiss, Colin relaxed.
"Why don't we set up some blankets and a pillow here on the rug," Michaela suggested, trying to focus on something different.
"Good idea, Michaela," Sully agreed, leaving Katie's room and returning a moment later with several blankets and a pillow, obviously from Colleen's bed.
They quickly created a soft bed on the rug in front of the fireplace, then Michaela helped Colin change into his nightshirt. He climbed beneath the covers and immediately laid his head on the pillow. Michaela tenderly brushed back his hair from his eyes, and leaned down to place a soft kiss on his forehead. Sully kneeled a little bit away, but reached out his hand slowly towards Colin.
The little boy reflexively flinched and closed his eyes, but when no hit followed, he slowly opened his eyes to see Sully's outstretched hand. Colin looked at him, wondering what he wanted. He looked up at Michaela, who nodded, so ever so slowly, Colin reached out his hand towards Sully's. He hesitated once or twice, but eventually, he lightly touched Sully's hand. Sully quickly clasped Colin's hand in a handshake, then just as quickly released it and stood to his feet. Colin only watched him in wonder, again trying to understand everything.
"Mama, I need hug!" Katie called from her bed.
Michaela stood to her feet and joined Sully at their daughter's bed. They each kneeled as Katie said her prayers, then kissed their daughter good night, caressing her head before standing to their feet once again. Together, they walked to the door, and Sully blew out the lamp by the door.
"Night, Mama. Night, Papa," Katie said.
"Sleep tight, and sweet dreams," Michaela said to them both, preceding her husband into the hallway, and pausing as he pulled the door halfway closed, then walked with her to their room.
He closed their door halfway as well, and Michaela walked to her dressing table, pausing to lift her nightgown from the hook. She began to unfasten the buttons on her blouse as Sully walked over to the washbasin, removing his shirt and tossing it onto the chair in the corner, then poured water into the bowl.
Michaela tied the strings of her nightgown and reached to undo the clasp holding her hair back, allowing her waist-length tresses to tumble down her back. She reached for the brush, but Sully's hand over hers stopped her. Sighing, she allowed him to gently run the brush through her hair and closed her eyes as she enjoyed his ministrations, turning her thoughts to the little boy in the room next to theirs.
"So, got any ideas about what we can do to help Colin," Sully asked, breaking into her own thoughts about the same thing.
"I don't know, Sully. He's so small, and so vulnerable. You saw how long it took him to just briefly touch your hand just now," she pointed out.
"Yeah, but he did, and that's the important thing," he returned.
"I'm not sure I understand," she replied. "What do you mean?"
"Well, we know he's been hurt by his pa, and we know his ma was also hurt, but that she was sure to show him love and help him when he was hurt," he explained, shifting a little on his knees to find a more comfortable position.
She thought for a moment then brightened. "Yes, Sully, you're right. He was hurt, but just seeing that he did trust you enough to touch you, even just a little, shows he's at least breaking from his shell somewhat," she observed.
Sully finished brushing her hair and placed the brush on the dressing table, leaning back and placing his hands on her shoulders. "We'll help him, Michaela. It'll just take time," he whispered, pulling her hair back from her right ear and leaning in to place a kiss just below it before he stood to his feet and walked around the other side of the bed.
Michaela watched him in the mirror, seeing him pull back the covers and climb beneath, then turn back the bedclothes on her side of the bed with his left hand and look back at her with an inviting look in his eyes. His right hand patted the pillow next to him.
"Comin'?"
She smiled, one side of her mouth turned up. Rising from her chair, she slowly walked over to the bed, her eyes never leaving Sully's face, and climbed onto it to join him. He threw the covers over her, then draped his arm across her and pulled her towards him. She nestled against him and kissed his bare chest. "Mmm, I think I could stay right here forever," she murmured.
"That's the idea," he whispered, and she pulled away to look up at him. With his left hand, he tilted her chin up a little and guided her lips towards his, capturing them with his own.
Michaela melted against him, savoring his touch and his kiss. They broke apart moments later and both sighed. Michaela placed her head back on his chest and snuggled against him.
He wrapped his arms more tightly around her and kissed the top of her head. "Sleep tight, Michaela," he whispered. She could feel him smile, knowing he was repeating her words to the children and reassured by his comfort that everything would work out. She returned the smile, placing a kiss on his chest, then settled against him, as they both drifted off into a deep slumber.