Ty was waiting for her, just like he said he would be. He looked calm, waiting at the barn door with his arms crossed over his chest. He had the horses ready to go and he acted normal, as though yesterday had never happened.

But Amy still kept watching him during the trail ride. He seemed strange, like he was distracted--something that wasn't good when you're riding a horse--but every time he noticed her he gave her a cute little smile as if to say 'I'm okay!'

When they stopped at the creek, Amy slid off Spartan and pulled some sandwiches and apples from the saddlebags. "Early lunch?"

Amy narrowed her eyes and studied Ty as she ate. He was eating slowly, staring out across the creek with glazed eyes.

"Are you okay?" she asked. "You don't seem like yourself."

Ty blinked. "I don't?"

"No, you seem . . . distracted. Usually you'd be trying to kiss me right about now. You know, since Grandpa's not here?"

Ty rolled his eyes, a small smile playing at his lips. "Like this?"

He leaned towards her and kissed her, and when he pulled back she giggled, blushing. However, she was still unsatisfied, because it wasn't the best kiss he had given her. It was . . . weak.

"We should probably be heading back," Ty said. His voice was strange, almost strained.

"Yeah, Grandpa will be awake by now."

"He'll probably think I kidnapped you." Ty laughed, but it ended in a sharp cough.

"Ty. . ."

"Amy, I'm fine." Ty lied. His head was killing him, and all morning his stomach had ached. He hadn't slept that well the night before, exhausted but unable to relax.

He stood and brushed himself off, then mounted his horse, Harley, prompting Amy to do the same after she had fed Spartan her apple core.

Every time Harley moved, Ty's head pounded like a drum. He could tell Amy was watching him, but he shot her a smile and dug his heels into Harley, tempting him into a gallop. It hurt his head more, and made his stomach slosh around uncomfortably, but he wanted to get back to Heartland. He knew Jack would have work waiting for him, and he didn't want to be yelled at for being late, not when his head felt like it would explode.

"Ty, wait up!" Amy's laugh was the only distraction he let in--it was like music, and this time he didn't have to force a smile as he turned to look at her.

When they reached Heartland, Ty and Amy slid off their horses and led them to the barn. The entire time, Amy's eyes were on Ty, and once when they were brushing the horses off she saw him rub his forehead.

"Does your head still hurt?" she asked softly.

He nodded. "Yeah, I didn't really sleep last night."

"Why don't you go up to the loft and rest for a little?" she suggested worriedly.

Ty shook his head. "I've got work to do."

"Ty," she said sternly as he shut the stall door and rubbed Harley's nose. "You're pale."

"I'm okay, Amy." he rolled his eyes and started to exit the barn.

Amy watched as he stumbled, steadying himself on one of the stall doors. "Are you sure you're okay?"

He didn't answer her and kept walking, slowly. She sighed and shook her head, turning back to Spartan. "He's unbelievable."

The sound of retching made her turn back, and she saw Ty outside the barn, holding himself up against the door and vomiting between his feet.

"Ty!" she exclaimed, hurrying outside. She placed a hand on his back as he started coughing. "I told you, you--"

Ty breathed heavily, and when he looked at her she saw his eyes were bright. "Amy, leave it alone."

"You're sick!"

"I'll be fine!" he said angrily, and he straightened, shrugging her hand off of his back. "I've got . . . I've got work to do."

"No, Ty, you have to rest." Amy said firmly, grabbing his arm. As Ty shrugged her off she saw her grandfather coming out from the house. "Grandpa!"

"No, Amy!" Ty practically shouted, and he turned away, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "I'm fine."

He stumbled again as he walked away, and his hand went to his head. He kept walking, and Amy watched him stagger towards the house, where Jack was watching with narrowed eyes. She heard Ty groan, and he stopped to throw up again.

"What the hell does that boy think he's doing?" Jack grumbled to himself, watching as Ty wiped his mouth again and started walking again. "Damn kid must be out of his mind."

Amy huffed angrily and stomped after Ty. "Ty Borden, you are being stupid!"

"Amy," Ty mumbled, turning towards her. "I'm fine."

His eyes were turning glassy, and Amy watched him shake his head as if he were trying to focus on her.

"I'm . . . Amy. . ." he mumbled, sounding panicked.

"Ty?" she stepped closer, worried.

"Amy, I can't--" Ty's voice was breathless, and Amy's eyes widened as he collapsed, falling backwards. His head hit the ground with a sickening smack.

"Ty!" Amy screamed. She ran towards him and knelt by him just as Jack started towards them at a limping run. "Ty, can you hear me? Ty. Ty!"

"What happened?" Jack asked, kneeling down next to her and checking Ty's pulse.

"I don't . . . I don't know." Amy's voice was near shrill with panic, and Jack put a hand on her shoulder. "Grandpa, I knew he was sick, I should have--"

"You couldn't have done anything, Amy, the boy's as stubborn minded as an angry bull." Grandpa grumbled. He turned towards the house. "Lou, get out here!"

Lou emerged on the porch, an aggravated expression on her face. "What? I'm busy!"

"Help me get Ty to the barn!"

Amy laid her head on Ty's chest, the sound of his heartbeat comforting her. She thought she heard him stir, but when she pulled back, he was still out cold.

"Amy," he moaned. "Amy."

"I'm here, Ty, I'm right here." she blinked back tears, knowing he wasn't awake.

Lou came over and started asking questions, but Jack  shushed her as he scooped Ty up.

"Lou, I need you to keep Amy away." Jack said.

"Grandpa!" Amy protested, looking at Ty's limp body in her grandfather's arms.

"Amy, no, if you keep pestering me and trying to wake him up out here, I'll never get him to that loft."

Lou grabbed Amy as Amy tried to run after Jack. "Stay here Amy, just until Ty's upstairs."

Amy felt like she couldn't breathe, and for the first time she was actually glad that Lou was with her.