Work Text:
In another life, I'm sitting on the porch of some little farmhouse, watching Isaac run through the field and chasing a dog with a stick, acting like it's a pistol as he protects the farm from 'no-gooders'. Eliza's sitting next to me; maybe relaxing, maybe sewing. There's horses grazing nearby. We're comfortable. We're happy. Safe from gangs, and debts, and whatever else could threaten to break the peace.
But this ain't another life, is it? This is the end of the road. Blood leaking from my mouth like it's got somewhere to be. Don't even have the strength to cough no more. Oh, Dutch... you left me here. I gave you all I had... I did, Dutch. Swear I did. Swear it.
They're looking at me- really looking. Two of 'em; a stag an' a wolf. Standing side by side, like they ain't usually enemies in nature. Does it mean something? What could animals be tryin' to tell me...?
Did I do enough? Most I got to my name is a wanted poster and the syllables that make the damn thing up. Can't exactly bribe my way past whoever could or could not be waiting for me, wherever I go. I've killed, I've robbed... I've been the furthest thing from a damn angel.
But I don't wanna believe I'm a devil, neither. I just have to pray that whatever God waits for me, that they're as kind as they say. That I won't be condemned, no matter how deserving I may be of it.
Sun's comin' up. Gives me something pleasant to look at, at least, while these old bones give up on me. Reckon if this sickness doesn't take me first, my wounds will. I'm a dead man no matter how I look at it. A cross in the ground, if I'm lucky. Like Isaac. Like his mother.
You look after that boy of yours, John. Never know when you ain't gonna have him around anymore. As for you, Isaac... Pa's coming for you, boy. Pa's coming. Earlier than planned. I promised I'd take you riding some day, di'n't I?