Mama came over Tuesday bringing quinine, usually used for malaria. Β “I am worried about you taking these, but you’re in a hard spot. Β The druggist told me a pregnant woman of your size ought not to take more than this or it might poison you. Β You gotta drink plenty of water to flush this quinine out or your kidneys will quit. Β I sure hate to see you take this, but if you do, I’m stayin’ a few days to take keer a’ you. I thought I was gonna die when I took it, but it did git me out of a bad fix.”
Neeley took the quinine with a big glass of water. Β In a few minutes, she drank some more. Β In a couple of hours, the vomiting started. Β Mama kept her drinking as fast as fast as it came up. Β Eddie was worried when he came in and found Neeley sick, never having seen her give up to anything. Β He and Mama kept watch through the night. Β In the morning, Neeley miscarried. Β “I was afeared she might be that away, but she never said nothin’. He told Mama. Β “I hope she ain’t gonna be too hurt over losin’ this baby.”
“She will grieve but a woman knows some babies just ain’t meant to be. Β Neeley is a strong woman.” Β Mama tried to comfort Eddie. Β “I lost a couple, myself.”
Neeley’s urine turned brown and she ran a fever. Β She was barely conscious and they had to force her to drink water. Β After about three days, her urine turned yellow and she came back to herself. Β “I didn’t know what I’d do if I’d a’lost you, Neeley girl.”
“I’m gonna be alright, Eddie. Β I ain’t gonna leave you and my younguns,” she assured him.
The next few months were a golden period. Β Eddie’s health was better. The weather was good and the kids were able to get to school more often than not. Β They got their spring planting done and some new ground cleared. Β They made enough on their cotton for next year’s rent, seed, paid their grocery bill off, and had a bit to tuck in the mattress. Β Late in October, Neeley realized she was pregnant again. Β This baby would be born in late July. Β She’d have a few weeks to recover before harvest. Β The boys were old enough to be a good bit of help by now. Β Neeley wouldn’t be needed so much with Eddie in good health. Β They looked forward to this baby. Β Their youngest would be three by the time the little one came. Β Neeley, especially, looked forward to this little one, still regretting ending her last pregnancy.
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