He sat upright in his chair. Cancer causing pain to pulse through his bones. If he just held still, he could keep it at bay. She came to him, aged beauty, and fluffed his pillow. He patted her hand. Years of care-taking, years of love. When he looked at her he saw babies, family, and meals in the kitchen and from a cooler on the mountain. When he looked at her he felt whole, seeing more now with his heart than his eyes. She was unwell today. She was his wife.
His body said there was nothing he could do, but his soul reached for her. The love in his heart was stronger than the pain crushing him now. He should call for help but instead he held her hand and walked her to car. He drove blind to the Doctor. He was her man. She his responsibility. This old farmer had one more ride. One more time to care for his bride. The cancer made him angry, made him mean, but his heart still pulsed for her and when she needed him most he answered the call.