…On the first day, after his chores were done, he and Jericho went fishing in Honey Creek. The fast-flowing stream never failed to yield a good mess of bass and crappie.
“I think you’ve got one, Reno!” Jericho was so excited he almost dropped his pole.
“I do. Let me wrestle this rascal to shore. You got the net?”
“I’m armed and ready.” In a few seconds, Jericho scooped up a good size bass and transferred it to the stringer for safe keeping.
While they were waiting for the next bite to come along, Reno broached the subject of his leaving. “I guess you know I’ll be heading out soon.”
“Are you going to see your wife?”
“I am.”
“That’s as it should be, I suppose.” Jericho’s voice held more than a hint of sadness. “I sure wish she could come here instead.”
“Me too.”
“Will you come back and visit?”
“No. Where I’m going, I won’t be able to do that. I wish I could.”
Jericho looked off into the distance. “King explained it to me, but I’m not sure I really understand. I’m not as smart as the rest of you.”
This angered Reno. “I don’t care what they told you, Jericho. You are as smart as anyone. There’s nothing at all wrong with you. Why, you can shoe a horse, herd cattle, build fence – you can do anything the rest of us can do. Plus, you play a mean harmonica.”
This tickled Jericho. “Fancy’s teaching me how to read and write a little better. I’m not a good pupil though. I try to tell her that the letters won’t be still on the page, but she thinks I’m joshing.”
His confession keyed a memory for Reno. He’d read something about this or seen a segment of a documentary on the subject. He couldn’t remember the term, but he did recall it had meant word-blindness. “I think you should talk to Domino about it, he might be able to help you. There is one thing I do know about your condition, Jericho.”
“What’s that?”
“It has absolutely nothing to do with your intelligence. In fact, people with word-blindness are often the smartest of them all.”
This assurance seemed to lift Jericho’s spirits. “I hope the future is good to you, Reno. And I hope you remember us once you’re gone.”
Reno hugged his friend. “There’s no way I’d ever forget you. Not ever.”
…On the second day, he and Domino pulled the short straws and were given the high calling of castrating the calves. “At least you’re a doctor, this should be a breeze for you.”
“A breeze indeed.” Domino grinned. “Actually, I have the easy job. I might have to cut off their prize jewels, but you have to hold them down while I do it.”
Reno huffed out a breath. “I get your point. This will be interesting.”
“You’ve never done this before?”
“I have been lucky enough to avoid this assignment in the past.”
“Well, no time like the present to indoctrinate you.” Domino led the way. “Let’s get to work.”
With nearly a hundred calves to work on, there was little chance for conversation. Yet, Reno took every opportunity he could, even remembering to mention Jericho’s malady. “I can’t tell you a whole lot about his problem, but I bet you could find something out.”
“Word-blindness, huh? I’ll look into it.” Domino stopped long enough to wipe his brow. “I guess there’ve been some great medical advancements in the future.”
“There have, but people are still dying. I guess they cure one disease and another one comes along to take its place.”
With a chuckle, Domino agreed. “I’m sure that’s true. If we didn’t die of something, the world would become mighty crowded.”
“I wish I could tell you more, Domino. I know they make a big deal about cleanliness, keeping things called germs and bacteria out of wounds.”
“Right. I’ve heard a little about that, but I’ll keep my eyes open. Now, let me ask you something?”
Reno could barely answer as he wrestled a calf who had no intention of losing any part of his anatomy. “What’s that?” He fully expected the question to concern the future.
“What’s it like?”
“What are you talking about?”
“Loving a woman.”
His comment shocked Reno so much, he almost let the calf get away. “Well, it’s wonderful. Amazing. I feel like she’s my other half. When I’m not with her, my whole body and soul yearns for her.” Staring up at the good doctor, Reno was surprised. “You’re a catch, Doc. I figured you would’ve fallen in and out of love a dozen times by now.”
“Nope, never had the pleasure.”
“Why?” Reno couldn’t hazard a guess.
“Well, we won’t go into that. Some subjects are just too painful to pursue.”
Reno went along with Domino’s wishes, but he couldn’t help but be curious – and worry. “Whatever your problem is, I hope you work it out.”
“We all have our crosses to bear.” Domino finished up on the calf and motioned Reno to turn it loose. “As for you, my friend. I wish you every happiness in the world. My only regret is that I won’t be there to bring your new baby into the world.”
“Me too. I’d put your doctoring up against anybody’s.”
After that sentimental exchange, they returned to the distasteful task at hand.
…The third day gave Reno the opportunity to spend some time with Boone. King had asked them to rebuild the windmill. This was no easy task, but the duo seemed to be making headway – no thanks to Reno. He did as he was told, but Boone had to take the lead.
“I’ve got this done.” Reno drove the last nail into the four-legged wooden tower. “What’s next?”
“I’ve almost got it.” Boone attached the last wooden slat to a horizontal shaft. “I
