Not too long after the rain began, the horse ran into the Jenkins' yard. Abigail Jenkins and her husband, Elias, managed to calm it down enough to get it inside the barn.

"Hope the boy's alright," said Elias as the elderly couple headed to their house and out of the rain.

"Me too," agreed Abigail. "I should have known better than to mention about the milk cow wandering away while he was visiting. When will I learn not to bring up problems when he's around?"

Elias Jenkins hugged his wife. Her small frame was shaking and her normally happy face was wrinkled in worry. "I'm sure he's fine. In the short time we've
had the honor of knowing him, he's proved to be nothing if not resourceful."

Abigail squeezed her husband back. "I know," she answered with a sigh as she stepped out of his embrace. "But I still worry about him. I just can't help it. He's so much like Horace."

"I know what you mean," agreed Elias as he held the door open for Abigail to go inside. "Tell you what, we'll go looking as soon as the rain lets up. He was
headed towards the caverns. That's the direction the horse came in from. It won't do any good if we go now. Probably just end up getting hurt trying to find him in this downpour, and then he'll feel guilty because we were fools," he continued as he went to sit next to the fire.

"That's true enough," said Abigail. "I think I'll make us some bandages to take along just in case. Besides, it gives me something to do while we wait." She went into the next room and shortly returned with an old bed cover which she began to cut into strips. She folded these and placed them in a basket on the
floor next to her chair. As she worked, she hummed a simple melody and said a silent prayer that everything would work out fine.

Buck Cross sat in the small area under the rocky overhang to try and keep from getting completely soaked by the rain. Luckily, he hadn't been on his horse when the thunder had spooked it. Unluckily, he also hadn't been able to stop it from running away. He glanced at the sky. It seemed to be clearing back
towards the Jenkins' farm. He knew they would come looking for him when the rain stopped, especially if his horse happened to wander through their place on
the way back to the station. He wished there was a way to save them the trouble. If the rain would just let up a little, he could start walking and get there
before it stopped and they had a chance to start looking. He was already wet, so walking in the rain wouldn't matter. It was just too hard to see through the present downpour and he didn't want to get lost.

Buck leaned back against the rocks. He decided he would get going in a bit anyway. The rain had let up a little and it was now possible to see a few feet ahead of him clearly. He guessed this was as good as it was going to get. 

Buck pushed himself up from his sitting position and crawled out from under the shelf. He had just cleared the overhang and was straightening up when the flash of lightening hit the tree a few feet away from him. The force of the strike caused the tree to explode, while the brightness from the flash caused Buck to
turn his head away from the tree. The world around him went from a shining bright whiteness to total blackness; he crumpled to the ground as the tree
branch hit him on the side of his head.

Ike McSwain stood and walked to the door of the bunkhouse. He opened it and stared outside, willing a rider to appear. He couldn't shake the feeling that
something was wrong. He wished Buck was here instead of out there in the weather. Mostly he wished they hadn't argued just before Buck had left to go visit the Jenkins.

"You alright?" Lou McCloud asked, coming up to join him.

Ike jumped at the unexpected interruption to his thoughts.

"Didn't mean to startle you," Lou said. "Just wanted to make sure you were alright."

Ike looked from the world outside the door to Lou. He shrugged. I'm just worried, he replied as he turned to join the others sitting around the table.

"About what?" asked Lou falling in step beside him.

Ike stopped walking and turned to face Lou. He sighed. Buck, he answered. I can't stop thinking something's wrong. 

"It's because you need to talk to him," Lou said. "I heard Buck this morning. You two had a fight about something, didn't you?"

Ike nodded.

"Want to talk about it?" Lou asked.

Ike shook his head. He hadn't been able to make Buck understand his feelings. There was no way he was going to try and explain them to Lou; especially since she was partly the cause of them.

"Alright," said Lou. "I won't crowd you. Just remember, I'm here if you need to talk."

Ike nodded and went towards the beds instead of the table were the others were sitting, visiting, and playing cards as they waited out the rain shower.

Emma Shannon noticed Ike sitting on Buck's bed. She made her way over to him. "Mind if I join you?" she asked.

Ike shook his head.

As Emma sat next to him she asked, "You want to talk about something?"

Ike nodded. He took a deep breath then signed, I'm worried about Buck. We had an argument this morning, and I'm afraid I made him really angry. I need to apologize.

"Can you tell me what you argued about?"

Ike looked at his feet. He was so ashamed of these feelings. His best friend finally had things going well for him and Ike was jealous instead of being
happy for him. He sighed.

I accused him of ignoring me, trying to shut me out, he said.

"Oh," Emma replied.

We haven't had any time to talk, or be alone since he found out the truth about his father didn't force himself on Buck's mother. It's like he doesn't need me
or want me around anymore. I know I should be happy for him, but . . .  Ike let his hands fall to his lap.

"I knew he was spending most of his free time over at the Jenkins'," Emma started to reply.

Ike cut her off,  Not most - ALL; and he doesn't want anyone else to go with him, except Lou.

Emma looked at Ike's face and saw the pain there. It was a feeling she wished could be taken away quickly, but she knew from experience that wasn't the way things worked. She reached out and took Ike's hands in her own. "Ike, I need you to look at me," she said.

When Ike met her gaze, she continued, "You just need to give him a little more time. It's only been a few months. I'm sure he's trying to learn as much about
his father as he can. I know it's hard to let him do that without you, but things will work out. Just give him some more time, and don't worry about the thing
with Lou. The reason Lou goes with him is because I . . . " she let her words trail off as Ike sprang from the bed. She followed his gaze and recognized Buck's
horse tied behind the wagon that rambled into the yard.

Elias Jenkins pulled the wagon to a stop just outside the bunk house door. "We thought we'd go ahead and bring him here, it was closer than going back to our
place. Seems he got a bump on the head."

Buck lay in the back of the wagon. His head was resting in Abigail Jenkins' lap. She had wrapped one of her bandages around the top of his head covering his eyes. "He keeps drifting off," she said. "I think it would be a good idea for someone to go fetch Doc. He took what looks to be a nasty blow to the side of
the head from something."

"I'll go," said Kid untying Buck's horse from the wagon.

"Let's get him inside the house," suggested Emma. "Elias, could you pull the wagon over by the main house?"

"Yes, Ma'am," came the reply.

Emma and Abigail got Buck settled in while the others waited for Kid and the doctor. Ike stood off alone, in the corner of the porch. There had been a bandage over Buck's eyes! How was he going to talk to him? He'd never be able to explain why he'd said what he'd said. He couldn't have this conversation with someone else doing the talking. They'd never understand!

The doctor went inside as soon as he arrived. He was inside for only a few minutes, but to Ike it seemed like forever. When the doctor finally did come out, Ike was too scared to listen, but also too scared not to. Teaspoon Hunter went and stood by the boy to offer support. "Well, Doc?" Teaspoon asked.

"He's not awake right now, but he did wake up for a short time. I'm pretty sure he'll be fine in a few days. The problem right now is with his eyes. He said
something about not seeing anything, but then passed out. I couldn't tell if it's really a problem or if it was just the bandages. I'll check back later this
evening and see if I can find out exactly what happened. For now, keep him resting and as still as possible. Also, keep those bandages over his eyes just
in case."

"We'll do that, Doc," said Teaspoon. "See you later this evening then."

The doctor left and all the riders crowded around Emma who had come outside to join them on the porch. 

"Everyone just calm down," she said. "Buck is resting and needs to keep doing so. The rest of you need to go on about your chores since the rain has cleared up. Mrs. Jenkins is going to sit with Buck for a little while. Ike, why don't you join her?"

The others slowly made their way to the different parts of the way station. Teaspoon took Elias off towards the bunkhouse, "Any idea what happened?" he
asked. 

Elias shook his head. "We found him laying on the ground over towards the caverns. Pieces of blackened tree everywhere."

Ike joined Abigail. She smiled at him as he entered the room, and motioned for him to bring a chair over and join her next to the bed. "So, you're Ike," she
said. "Buck talks about you all the time. He thinks very highly of you. He's even been teaching us old folks how you talk so when he brings you over from
Christmas dinner we'd be able to understand you." She laughed. "We're both so slow at learning that he's beginning to be afraid that it will be next Christmas
before we're ready. It's really important for us to be able to understand you." She smiled sadly. "He's going to be so upset when he wakes up; I've gone and ruined his surprise."

Ike smiled at Abigail. He understood why Buck enjoyed spending time with her. I could help you now if you'd like. It would give us something to do, and we could surprise Buck.

"I guess I'm a better student than I thought. You just offered to teach me some more, didn't you?"

Ike nodded.

Abigail smiled and Ike. "Then let's get cracking," she said.

The two of them spent the next few hours learning about each other while Buck slept.  Ike was surprised to learn how accepting Abigail was of his and Buck's
relationship. It seems she had guessed there was something between them because of the way Buck talked about him. She had inquired about it, and Buck had been very honest and offered not to bother them anymore. She had told him that was the silliest thing she had ever heard. Ike asked, Why don't you hate us the way we were told everyone would?" 

Abigail replied, "I've already lost a brother due to my judgmental attitude. I promised myself I would never push family away again. No matter what."

She looked so sad, that Ike accepted this explanation. He soon had her smiling again by teaching her more sign and telling her stories about the adventures of the other riders and himself.

As promised, the doctor returned around sunset. He went into the house to check on Buck. As the doctor was checking the bandage to see if it needed changing, Buck woke up. 

"Ike?" he said.

"He's right outside," the doctor answered.

Buck tensed. It was dark and he couldn't see anything.  "Who are you?" when he heard the strange voice.

"Doc."

"Where am I?" Buck asked trying to sit up. There was a sharp pain in his head and he lay back onto the bed with a moan.

"You're at Miss Shannon's," Doc said. "You need to stay as still as you can. You've hurt your head. Do you remember anything about the accident?"

"The tree exploded," Buck said. "Part of it must have hit me."

"That sounds possible," said Doc. "When I first came to check on you, you mentioned not being able to see. Do you remember that?"

"No, Sir," Buck replied. "I remember crawling  out from under the ledge I was using to keep dry.  There was a really bright flash, a loud noise, and now I'm
here talking to you."

"I need to remove the bandage from your eyes then and see if there's really a problem, or if it was just because Miss Abigail covered your eyes when she tended your wound."  The doctor carefully removed the wraps from around Buck's face. He stepped back from the bedside, "Well?" he asked.

Buck opened his eyes and stared into the unchanging blackness before him. "I can't see anything," he said. He took a deep breath to compose himself before he continued, "Doc, is this for good?" He felt the panic start to move in. He couldn't lose his eyesight. It was his only means of communication with Ike.

"I don't think so," reassured the doctor. "I think it will go away in a few days. It may last up to a week. You mentioned a bright light, remember?"

Buck started to relax. "Yes, Sir."

"I think that this light may have hurt you eyes, but given a chance to heal they'll be fine. You just need to keep them bandaged a few days, and rest because of the bump on your head. The way I figure things, by the time your head is well enough for you to be up and around your eyes will be fine also.

"All your friends are wanting to see you. I think you'll be up to spending time talking to one of them for a short time so who should I send in?" Doc asked as he replaced the bandages.

"Ike," said Buck. "And whoever he wants to come talk for him."

"I'll do that," said the doctor. "You just relax and get plenty of rest. I'll be back day after tomorrow to check on you."

Buck lay in silent darkness, listening to the sounds around him. He did his best not to allow the panic he was feeling to show. He really needed Ike to help him
stay calm; to help him not give in to the urge to rip off the bandages. Only Ike knew how scared he was of not being able to see.

While he waited, Buck thought back to all the times the older boys in the village would torment him by tying him up and blindfolding him before leaving him
stranded away from the village. The feeling of helplessness the blindness caused was overwhelming.

He remembered how, when he'd first awaken at the mission after getting beaten, no one but Ike seemed to realize how frightened he was when he couldn't open his eyes due to the swelling. That's when he knew Ike was a special person, a soul mate, someone who could help him through anything. He wished Ike would hurry. He desperately needed some of Ike's strength. The fear he had felt all those years ago was quickly overpowering him.

After what seemed a lifetime, Buck heard the door open. "Ike?" he asked.

"He's here," said Abigail Jenkins. "He wants to know if it's alright if I try and help you two talk."

"That would be wonderful," said Buck.

Ike crossed the room and sat on the edge of the bed. He gently touched Buck's head.

"It only hurts if I move too quickly," Buck said. He sighed, "Ike, I'm scared. What if it doesn't get better. I . . ."

Ike reached up and put his finger on Buck's lips. It will be fine, he signed and Abigail interpreted. We need to believe it will be fine.  He gently pulled Buck to him and kissed the top of his head. 

"You both need to rest so I'm going to leave. Elias and I will stop by tomorrow evening to see how you are."

"No, please, stay," said Buck. "Ike and me need to talk."

"You sure?" asked Abigail. "Can't it wait until you're better?"

"I'm sure. We need to talk now. Besides, you already know about us," Buck said.

Abigail turned to Ike, "Do you mind if I do this?" she asked.

No. I'd rather have you than anyone else, Ike replied as he stood and moved across the room to the window.

"Fine then," said Abigail. "What's the problem?"

Lou, said Ike.

"Lou?" asked Abigail.

"Lou?" echoed Buck.

You've been spending all your free time at the Jenkins' place with Lou, not me Ike explained. Ever since Emma's tea party you've been especially
interested in spending time with Lou.

Abigail translated and then said, "That's partly my fault. I had Buck bring Lou over so I could help Emma make her a dress for the Christmas dance. I've known she was a girl for a while."

I thought maybe you liked her more, Ike said. I know you find her attractive, and I know you like girls.

"That's true," said Buck. "She is pretty, but she's not you. Ever since that night outside Julesberg it's been you. The way you expressed your feelings for me
made me realize what love and acceptance really are. Since that day it's been you, it will always be you."

Ike crossed the room and sat down next to Buck. You sure?

Buck reached out and found Ike's hands. "I'm sure. I've never felt as special or as loved as I do when I'm with you. Lou was helping me teach the Jenkins how
to read sign. That's all."

Ike placed his head against Buck's. He freed his hands, I'm sorry I doubted you. I was just so afraid of losing you.

Abigail finished translating. She put a hand on each boy's shoulder. "You two will be fine," she said. "I'm going to go now so you can get some rest." She kissed both boys on the head and then left, closing the door behind her.

Ike quickly slipped off his shoes and stripped down to his long johns. He crawled into the bed with Buck and pulled him close. Whenever Buck tried to speak, Ike would brush his lips against Bucks and gently shake his head. Buck finally drifted off as Ike held him. As Ike watched Buck sleep, he thought about how important Buck's eyes were to him. He knew Buck depended on his sight for many things, but they'd just have to learn how to deal with this if it didn't get better.

He'd learned how to live without his voice. He could help Buck. They had understood each other these last few minutes. They'd adjust if they had too.

Ike brushed the hair away from Buck's face. He gently kissed Buck's cheek and then carefully moved so he was lying down with Buck in his arms.  Soon, Ike joined him in slumber.

The next morning, Ike woke as the first rays of sunlight lit the windows. He quietly slipped out of bed taking care not to awaken Buck. He quickly pulled on his trousers and sat down in the chair by the side of the bed. Before long, he heard Emma coming up the stairs. Knowing she would be carrying a tray with
their breakfast, he went to help her. While he was opening the door for her, Buck woke up. He noticed at once that Ike was not beside him, "Ike?" he said with a touch of panic in his voice. Ike was at his side instantly.

Emma smiled, and made a slight noise, "You boys hungry?"

"Yes, Ma'am," answered Buck shifting uneasily in the bed. Ike looked at Emma and grinned.

She smiled back. "Good, because I brought a big breakfast." She set the tray on the table by the bed. She handed Ike one of the plates. He took it and sat in the chair near the bed to eat. Emma sat next to Buck. "You want to try on your own, or do you want my help?" she asked.

"I'd like to try on my own," Buck answered.

"Fine," Emma replied.  She helped him sit up in the bed and placed the plate in his lap. "It's eggs and bacon," she said as she tucked a napkin under his chin
and handed him a fork.

"I'll just sit here in case you need help."

Buck managed to feed himself without making too much of a mess. As Emma was clearing away the plates, she asked, "So, are you ready to have all the others in here?"

"Ma'am?" asked Buck.

"The other boys are all anxious to visit. Are you feeling up to it," said Emma placing the empty plates back on the tray, "or do you need more time?"

"I'm up for some company," said Buck.

"That's good. I just wanted to make sure," Emma said.

She left and soon the other riders came to see how Buck  was doing. As they entered the room, Cody asked, "How are you holding up?"

"I'll be better when the bandages are off. I hate not being able to see," Buck said.

"What did Doc tell you?" asked Lou.

"That is might take a week to get better," said Buck.  

"And that until then," said Emma as she reentered the room after cleaning up the breakfast dishes, "He's supposed to get plenty of rest. That means he needs time alone. So, everyone needs to run along and get to work. You can all come back later." She showed all the others out and helped Buck settle back in bed. "You rest. I'll be back later with some lunch. You need anything?"

"No Ma'am. I'll be fine," Buck answered.

The week past slowly. Each night Ike came and stayed with Buck. They slept in each others arms, both praying that they would soon be able to talk again
without assistance from anyone. Finally, the day arrived. The doctor came out shortly after dinner. Everyone waited patiently as  he removed the bandages.
"I want you to wait until I tell you to open your eyes. Understand?"

"Yes Sir," Buck replied.

"First, I want to check the place where you bumped your head. That's looking good. Have you been feeling dizzy or having anymore pain?"

"No Sir," Buck answered. "It hasn't really hurt since about the third day and the dizziness stopped a day or so after that."

"Good," said Doc. "Now, open your eyes slowly. If there's any pain or it's too bright go ahead and close them."

Buck slowly opened his eyes. He blinked a few times and then began looking carefully around the room. They were all there -- Teaspoon, Emma, Jimmy, Kid, Cody, Lou, the Jenkins, and Ike. He smiled when he saw Ike. The relief and pure joy of being able to see was evident on his face when he replied, "They're fine,
Doc. I can see just fine."

"Good," said the doctor. "I want you to take it easy a few more days. Don't go outside during the middle of the day until the light doesn't bother you too much."

"Yes Sir," said Buck. "And thank you."

"You're welcome," said Doc as he packed up his things. "I'll see you in my office on Wednesday to check on how things are going. No runs until then."

"Yes Sir," Buck said. "I'll see you on Wednesday."