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opened his eyes when Cody spoke from the doorway and said his name. Cody hesitated then strode across the room to the bedside. “I hear they cut your beautiful hair off. You won’t be so handsome to the ladies until it grows back. Maybe they’ll look at me for a change.”
    Payton spoke very softly. Cody leaned closer to hear him.
    “No other ladies. Where’s Averil?”
    “She was tired and went home. She came back from her trip as soon as she heard about you, and she’s been here all day.”
    He took Cody’s hand and squeezed it. “You got crazy about me being hurt, didn’t you?”
    Cody stared into his best friend’s eyes. “Yeah.”
    “Ask her to see me, tomorrow.” Payton’s eyes closed, and his hand released Cody’s.
    Payton’s parents followed Cody out of the room. “Dr. Rexford checked him a few minutes ago. All his reflexes are good, and he answered every question the doctor asked. Dr. Rexford said he’ll be fine with no deficits. If he continues to improve we can take him home in a few days. That man’s a miracle worker,” Mr. Camilius said.
    “I agree,” Cody said. “I’m going to leave and get some rest. You two ought to go, too. When he comes home, he won’t be an easy patient to care for.”
    “Don’t I know it,” his mother agreed. “But I’m going to be boss whether he likes it or not. If I have to tie him to the bed, he’ll do as I say.”
    “I’m sure he will. See you all.” He hurried out of the hospital. Outside he took deep breaths of the fresh air, clearing his nose of all the smells he associated with sickness and death.
    “Stupid, the hospital does good and cures most of our people,” he mumbled to himself. Still, he shook himself, trying to throw off the heavy load he carried on his back when he was inside one.
    He thought briefly of going by to see Averil but decided he’d call early in the morning and tell her mom about Payton’s request. Tonight, he’d go home and crash.
     
    * * * *
     
    Mrs. Bevyns answered Cody’s call just as Averil headed to the front door. “Wait, Averil, Cody wants to tell you about Payton.” She held out the phone and Averil took it.
    “You just caught me. I’m headed to the ranch and then the hospital.”
    “Payton wants to see you today. I told him I’d pass the message on.”
    “Thanks. It’s too early to visit him yet. Nick told my parents the cabin is finished. I want to see it, and then I’ll visit Payton. He must be doing good.”
    “The doctor said he’ll be fine. He doesn’t have any cognitive or physical deficits. He’ll go home to his mom’s in a few days.”
    “That’s wonderful news.”
    “It is. See you.” He hung up.
    Averil handed the phone to her mother. Apparently he had said all he wanted to say. She hugged her mom. “You heard my end of the conversation. Payton is doing well. I might stay at the hospital for a few hours. Love you.” She hurried out to the mare her father had saddled for her.
    This morning her spirit was much lighter, and the ride helped further clear her head. Since Payton’s accident and her interactions with Cody she was beginning to realize how important they were to her. Even if Cody wasn’t being particularly friendly. He’d been upset about Payton. She did care for them. But she wasn’t ready to admit it out loud. She’d have to be much more certain of her feelings before telling anyone.
    When the cabin came in view, she urged her mare to go faster. At the rail she’d had built in front of the cabin, she tied the reins and went inside. It was lovely, just as she’d imagined. She wandered through the rooms, ending up in the bright, sunny kitchen. Her eyes spotted the coffeepot and the card at once.
    She opened the envelope. A welcoming gift for your new home. May you find much happiness here. A friend.
    Without a name she couldn’t thank the thoughtful person. But she’d find out. Sooner or later they’d forget and mention the gift. Glancing at her watch, she