Dutch had an intimate knowledge of you that seemed to surpass even your own understanding. The entire gang yearned to emulate the healthy bond you shared with each other, not merely because you were seen as the 'parents' of the group, but because your relationship was genuinely exceptional.

Although the arguments between you two would arise at the most unexpected times, there were some predictable patterns in how they were resolved. Most often, one of you would tell the other to 'shut up,' offer words of reassurance, or simply tell them to 'calm down.'

Regardless of the chosen approach, the arguments would eventually reach a resolution, and you both would move on, at least until the next disagreement.

Just like in this moment, your words echoed loudly through the thin fabric of the tent. It was likely that all outside the tent could overhear the conversation taking place within. Dutch had secretly gone into town with Arthur and Hosea, breaking his promise to refrain from drinking amidst the camp's turmoil.

"Look, darlin'," He sighed, rubbing his eyes in frustration. Speaking in a calm tone, he says, "I love you, you love me. I know you're gettin' mad 'cause you care, I know, but you need to calm down. Go take a ride on that horse of yours, then come back."

God, you sometimes hated how well he knew you. How well he knew how to calm you down, to fix these arguments.