AUGUST 24, 1861

"You are coming to the square dance social, aren't you? Caller Bob asked Walter.

"Of course, I'll be there." Walter replied.

"Good!" Looking through the window, Caller Bob saw Serena and Daniel walking slowly. "You know I really hate to see Daniel looking so down." He said to Walter.

"Yeah, I know. He won't eat. He won't sleep. Pretty soon the doctor's going to need a doctor." Walter stated with a weak smile just as Serena and Daniel entered the hotel dining room.

"Hello Daniel, Serena," Caller Bob called.

Serena steered Daniel over to where Walter and Caller Bob stood. "Good afternoon, gentleman," She replied. "I thought we could get a good lunch, here."

"Of course, whatever you want." Walter got up and held a chair out for Serena. "Marta, Marta come here please."

Marta came rushing out of the kitchen, "Yes sir."

"Bring Serena and Daniel anything they want, my compliments." Walter told her.

"Oh, you don't have to do that Mr. Simmons." Serena turned to Daniel concerned marring her usually happy features. Her husband was really wasting away to nothing because of the loss of their son and she was at a loss as to what to do.

"I know I don't have to, but I want to." Walter stated.

Marta took Serena's order and then went into the kitchen to give Desiree a hand.

"Is there nothing more that you can remember about where DJ is?" Caller Bob inquired. Daniel bowed his head and shook it sadly. Caller Bob frowned.  He just couldn't understand how a man could forget what he had done with his own child, but he didn't dare press Daniel any more.

"I've got to get back to the farm. Serena, I hope you and Daniel will come to the square dance social. I know you don't feel like celebrating, but all your friends will be there for you and to lend you moral support. I do hope you will come."

He stood up and smiled as Serena nodded silently. "We might come." She hedged.   She wasn't sure if they would go or not, but she had to do something to bring Daniel out of this horrible mood that he was in in order for him to get back on the road to recovery. Sulking and not eating wasn't healthy and had both her and Meg concerned. She knew he would waste away to nothing if he didn't start eating, she thought as Caller Bob left.

"Well, I have some business to tend to as well, but if you need anything just let Marta or myself know, alright?" Walter stated.

"Thanks! We appreciate all of this, Walter." Serena replied.

Breakfast was a quiet affair and Serena noticed that Daniel did nothing more than move his food around in his plate. Realizing that he wasn't going to eat any more than a few bites, Serena suggested they go home. As Daniel stood up, Serena hid the fact that she was displeased with his lack of appetite. If this continued, she thought sadly, she would have to call a family meeting and get both Meg's and Luke's input.

On their way back home, Daniel saw a man walking a young lady down the street. His eyes narrowed as he stared at him, he looked very familiar, but Daniel couldn't place him. He tried very hard to rattle his brain, but he just couldn't remember who the fella was.

Serena stopped walking and turned to see what Daniel was staring at. She followed his gaze and spotted a man walking with a young woman down the street. She frowned as she wondered what the significance of it was. "Daniel?"  She said softly as she placed her hand on his sleeve.

Her touch seemed to snap him out of his reverie and he shook his head and turned to her.   "Hmm?"

"Are you all right?"

He glanced once more in the direction of the man and nodded. There was no use in causing her any more concern. He would try to think on the familiarity some more later, when he was alone. "Yes, I'm fine. Let's go home."