Wed. July 6th

RABBIT FEVER

Bonjour Grann,

I might have lost count of the days; however, I kept my pens nearby and marked an X for each day I saw the morning sun through the cloudy, back window. I marked an X six times, once each day, six days since we last spoke, Grann.

I couldn't move for the first few days, but to force myself when necessary for essential needs. Every day I thought my head was going to explode. And my chest hurt every time I coughed; and I coughed nonstop.

I hope I didn't make you worry when you didn't hear from me.

Grann, now I just have chills, with a headache, and the occasional galloping night slops.

After the first day, I think I stopped locking the door during the day. And I used two blocks of wood, one to keep the door open enough to allow Bijou to go outside, and another to keep the door from opening too wide.

The open door made it cold inside during the mornings, so I pushed one of the folding beds closer to the wood stove to keep warm. And I locked the door at night to keep Bijou and the heat in.

A Small Wood Burning Stove

I kept dreaming the same frantic dream throughout my sickness. I dreamt I was locked inside a room with Bijou, and the room was totally dark. Bijou kept barking, nonstop. I thought she was chasing the rabbit again, but there was pounding on the door, and shouting, and someone who sounded like Bobby yelling, "Are you in there Vicki? Are you in there Vicki Lynn?"

I woke crying and missing Bobby, my family, and even Papa.

I won't give up hope. Sleep well, Grann.