Headstall

It's well worth quoting.

I knew it! Was it intentional.

Hi, John! I love when someone new reads "Endings". It was a story I worried about getting readership, but fortunately it took off on its own. It's a little different for me, and one I am really proud of, for many different reasons. Thank you for the kind and supportive words. Lol... who's next? I really can't say. Maybe there will be bodies dropping everywhere. You raise a good point. I actually think in my western speak now, but you're right... I do have to reexamine every phrase, every word even, to make sure I stay true to the characters and the time period. You might not notice a difference, but Reid talks a little different from Lucas and Jubal, as does Doc Vance. Dialect back then was varied, but when writing, we authors have to make our choice. Even in the narration, I made the choice to stay true to the my western speak. This is my fifth western, so I'm comfortable with this aspect of them. Thanks very much for sharing your thoughts with me... it is greatly appreciated, and I hope to keep hearing your thoughts as we go along. Cheers... Gary....

I suppose it would be. My doctor's nurse still uses he two fingers each time. I guess most still do, since they don't have that finger gripper in doctor offices that I've ever seen.

Oh oh... I know another one. I take my pulse all the time... no... not there! On my wrist! Jeez.

Lol. Yep... it is all Reid would be looking for. Seriously, buddy, you're right. He's doing everything he can to support Jubal, and looking after his mare was really kind and caring. When we are in situations like this, we can feel powerless, and we want to feel useful.

Lol. Did I freak some of you out? I love how some of you jumped so quickly to protect what you see as Lucas's interests. He he. So okay... mutual respect is there now, and a friendship, which looked unlikely before, is now entirely possible. Everyone hold hands and take a deep breath.

I agree it was all for the purpose of giving Jubal a reason for contact. He sees what a mess Jubal is, and a doctor is a doctor. They find ways to treat what and who needs treating. He's a perceptive man, in my opinion, and knew exactly what Jubal needed to calm down.

I'll take a couple of Bravos any day, Centex! Thank you! Waiting is torture... an unrelenting weight that can consume us. Jubal is lucky he is able to sit at his bedside and hold his hand. That is a gift, and it is where he finally got some rest from that torture. Writing that he slept until 4:30 am gave me such relief, and I know it was for you faithful readers as well. Reid is doing his best to support Jubal, and through him, Lucas. He's badly hurt by what has happened, and as he says, it is not about him. He impresses me, after his initial introduction to us. I guess I can tell you there is backstory for the characters coming... we still have a fair ways to go yet. Thanks, again, buddy. I'm stoked this chapter was so well received.

Your elucidations and exudations are just fine, re. Seriously. I love your comments, and I thank you for your appreciation of this saga. No ones needs to be eloquent or erudite... the simplest sharing feeds my writer's soul, and that is no bull. I return to comments and smile when I see the names of those who cared enough to let me know the story touched them in some way, and I feel the love for my efforts. Thank you, my friend.

Hi, Neal! Yeah, he did tell him where he could find the pulse, and I think his main goal was to get Jubal to relax. As he says... “Relax, lad. He’s not any worse, but you’re sounding out of breath, there’s unhealthy sweat on your brow, and your fingers are twitching. That’ll land you back on the floor if you don’t calm down." I think you're both right... he didn't go into specifics, and maybe that was so Jubal would spend some time in contact with Lucas. Either way, his goal was achieved and Jubal slept for hours after he felt that reassuring heartbeat. Compassion in men is a beautiful thing, and Doc Vance seems to have that without limitations as to what might be considered proper.

Yep, it is possible... Jubal doesn't have friends as a rule, but he also doesn't love easily, and Lucas has his heart for sure.

Ah... that's what I thought. Yeah, hopefully, but does anyone see one developing between Reid and Jubal too after all that's happened?

Are we talking Lucas and Jubal's friendship... or Reid and Jubal's?

I do too. Thanks, Albert! I'm fortunate to have readers who delve into the story and the characters and express their thoughts to me in such varied ways. It keeps my desire to write and improve alive, and that is no small thing as life wears me down.

Jubal needed that sleep. The man has been through hell since Ronnie Prescott showed up in the yard. I agree the heartbeat of the one you love gives comfort like nothing else. Holding Lucas's hand in sustained contact allowed him to sleep for those hours. Reid seems to be going out of his way to show he's behind Lucas, after a few times of making him uncomfortable since he showed up on Lucas's wagon. Something has changed, and maybe it's as simple as seeing what a decent man he is, or that he saved Lucas. Or... something else? The Doc doesn't seem to judge, and he doesn't even try to keep Jubal out of the room. He understands somehow, this is the best thing for both men. A soothing mix of mellow and optimistic... which to me amounts to some needed peace for Jubal. Thanks, my friend.

Exactly. Education leads to enlightenment, and that leads to reduction in power for those who thrive on ignorance. It is a vicious and purposeful cycle, and there seems no way to break it effectively. Sad.

Hell, yeah, but eventually... something is missing for me, if that's all it is. Lol

The bible and gives such great cover for those people who hate and judge. Those people pervert the message, interpreting it to suit. If we interpret the bible as a whole, like Boone does when he talks about the commandments in "Sidewinder" we can see it as a guideline for being a GOOD person, but for those who wish to twist its words and little anecdotes and stories, it can become a cudgel for evil. My mother was incredibly devout... until organized religion really let her down in the worst way. She still had us go to church and Sunday school... until we decided on our own we didn't want to. I will always be thankful she let us think for ourselves, but some of the lessons taught in Sunday school had the wrong messages... ones that stuck with me for a long time.

Lol. Carnal sustenance? Yeah, it does work for a time, but... love makes the world go round for sure. Thanks for the encouragement, buddy. There has to be those bridge chapters where the nuggets are not so in your face. But yeah, there are a lot of nuggets in this one, even though nothing big and exciting happens. I am an unapologetic romantic, and I have found through the years writing that I am far from alone. Appreciate you found this touching, J J.

Right again, my friend. I agree with you... his pa showed him religion and 'Christian values' are often something evil people hide behind. There might be more on this later.

Ten points for Griffindor... er... I mean good job of sleuthing... yeah... that's it. I think it is pretty clear from these statements Reid either knows something or has a strong opinion of what Lucas would want.

There could be no other title for this chapter, in my opinion. I didn't even have to think about it. Feeling Lucas's heartbeat slowed Jubal's galloping one. It gave him a peace he sorely needed. You have a literary knack for expressing yourself and your thoughts, J. Quite beautiful... 'noticed only in its absence'... ain't that the truth. This is the first time he's held Lucas's hand, and it is kind of sad that this is the reason for it, but they are together, and that is all we can hope for right now. Thanks so much for this wonderful comment, dear friend.

Lol. Yes they do... they work perfectly. Legendary cliffhangers? Hey, there wasn't even a storm this time. I do know what you mean about the suspense going far deeper... there are many layers here, and I'm pleased you see it.