Tombstone Estate

[Doc Holliday]

It had been some since Doc had been home. Patients, his flock, working to keep his prized Med Force Industries going and of course, the many who would want his diplomatic abilities seemed to never end. But this return home was different.
Entering his home, he found it quiet. The estate house was well kept but the smells of Kusari cooking weren't about. But, Doc knew why. Midori had left with the kids. The work load was finally too much. Only now though did it seem real.

He explored the house. Everything was as he left it. Midori still left a full wardrobe in her closet as if it mattered little to her. He could only sigh. He then made a slow walk through the kid's rooms. First Emiko's and then each of the twins, Henry and Rachel. Now it became surreal. The walk continued through some of the other rooms as he made his way to his kitchen counter. There he grabbed a bottle of brandy and a glass. As he poured it, the voice of his faithful estate hand, Grady, somberly greeted him.
"It is good to see you again, Doctor," he greeted in his thick Bretonian accent. He then sighed before he continued, "Sir, I'm sorry. I tried to talk her out of leaving but...."
Doc put up a hand and drew a long face, "Thanks, Grady, but it's not your place....." He sighed, "....but I do appreciate the effort."
Doc took down another glass and filled it, motioning for Grady to take it. Doc took his own in both hands, cradling it in front of him as he continued to speak.
"I suppose I had this coming. All these years of medical work, taking over after Mal left us and failed diplomacy." Again, he paused before finishing, "I would leave too if I were in her place." He then took a sip from his glass before again cradling it in front of him.

"If you don't mind me saying so, Doctor, she knew full well what she was getting into when she married you," stated Grady. Doc could nod his head in agreement as he now stood before a window, looking out at the Canarian sun.
Grady took a few steps to his boss and friend, taking a sip of his own glass as he stood just behind and to the side of Doc as he shared his view. The two men stared out as they spoke candidly.

"I don't know what to do next, Grady," Doc stated. "I knew she wouldn't be here when I arrived but now, it seems so...........final." He took a sip of his brandy.
Grady gave a nod, "Well, you could make things right. Stay home more, maybe give something up to give more time. Go to Honshu and patch things up?"

Doc hung his head for a moment before looking out again. He couldn't face Grady for his next statement. "I found comfort in another," he said softly, "Think of me what you will but.......I fell for her."
Grady turned to look at Doc as he hung his head, "I wish I could tell you that I understood but I don't." Grady put a re-assuring hand on his friend's shoulder, "I've always served you faithfully and never questioned you and I won't now. You've done too much not just for me but for my family and my people to judge you."

It was a response Doc hadn't expected. He softly turned to his friend. "That means a lot," he said softly. "But never view yourself as a servant." He then turned back to the window and quietly asked of him, "If you don't mind, I'd like some time alone."
Grady nodded, finished his drink and simply answered "Of course" before he headed off.

There Doc stood, alone, looking out a window. In the sky he saw faces of friends past. Wyatt. Grady's loyalty reminded him of Wyatt. Then, Malaclypse, the man who took him in and gave him much. Doc could only manage a weak smile and nod to his old friend, "You were right, old friend. Keep it in perspective." He then finished his own drink.

---

[MFE]Med Force One | Tales of Recovery|Med Force Enterprises