***** SEASON THIRTEEN *****
The Grand Swing
Hoss and I know where Pa’s taking Jamie; showing him that just because a person makes a serious mistake doesn’t mean that they’re a lost cause.
There’ll be plenty of time for reflecting, riding quietly next to Pa, before they finally come to the witness tree. Hoss carved his name there, and I carved mine. But Adam never did. He was far from perfect. Pa told us last night about what he did to Adam. . . before deciding this would be the better way to handle things with Hoss and me. Because there definitely would be a future need.
By BluewindFarm
Bushwhacked!
The darkness called to me, its voice soft, seductive, tempting me to move deeper into the shadows. And, yet, I didn’t move. Far away, a small pool of light could be seen, and standing within it, the figure of a man.
“Joseph.”
Pa. My lips framed the name, but I had no breath to give it utterance. My heart thumped heavily, slow in my chest.
“Joseph, come.” Pa raised his hands, reaching out for me, beckoning me.
Come?
I glanced over my shoulder at the darkness; it was warm and inviting. There was no pain to be had in there. I turned back towards the light. I wanted to go to him. I wanted to run into his arms and feel the love that radiated off of him.
Suddenly, the space between us seemed a vast distance and I could feel the strength draining from me as I hesitated.
“Joseph.” I could hear tears in his voice as he pleaded.
“I-I can’t, Pa.” I mumbled, “I’m too tired.”
“Try.” It was a simple word, filled with so much meaning. “Please, son, try?”
I tried. I took a heavy step, and then another, back towards the light–towards my pa. Towards life.
by Annie K Cowgirl
Second Sight
A curse. A blessing in disguise. You call it what you want. Ms. Judith’s got something special and she’s gunna help us out. Joe don’t believe her none. He thinks I’m plum crazy. That’s his right. I reckon it only takes one of us to encourage her. I’m a desperate man. An’ when a man is desperate, he’ll put his faith in just about anything. Pa’s always sayin’ the Good Lord works in mysterious ways. I’ve seen enough in my lifetime to know it’s true.
Jamie’s out there somewhere. One way or ‘nother, I aim to find my little brother.
By Cjturle4
The Saddle Stiff
Ben Brown stepped inside the door and stared at the room with fresh eyes. He paused for a moment before unbuckling his gun belt and laying it on the credenza. He looked down at his clothes and again saw himself as others had seen him. He was nothing more than some saddle stiff, looking for bed and beans.
Hours later, after a long soak in a hot tub, he once again looked down at his clothes. The cut of the cloth and quality of stitching.
He was no longer the same man who had ridden out to prove a point.
One Ace Too Many
It’s not possible, not again! A long time ago, Joe had Angus Borden and Adam had Tom Burns to deal with, and the misery they caused. Pa had Bradley Meredith, not once, but twice in almost as many years. Just like a bad penny.
Why is it that some people don’t have them scruples? Pa worked hard all his life. He taught us those same principles. It was our blood, sweat, and tears that built what we call home today.
That bamboozler got bamboozled and then he ended up bamboozling… everyone. As Pa said, ‘He’ll be back someday.’ Oh Lordy.
By BluewindFarm
Truly marvelous little gems. I enjoyed them all, but the final one of Season One really gripped me, Beej.
These are amazing! I love the way writers squeeze extra bits out of the episodes and the sheer variety of style. Great job!
It’s so much fun not only to read but also to write these lines.
Hope some members go on expanding ‘Little Bit’. At least I will try. There are still some episodes to go.
I’ve read all of these and they are priceless! Some made me laugh but most made me think about the soulful sentiments portrayed so well in the little tid-bits! Thanks to all the writers involved for a delightful time!
I haven’t read all of season 1 yet, but I am enjoying these short stories.
What a clever idea for stories. These are wonderful. I’ve only just started to read them. Can’t wait to get to the rest.
You can thank Freyakendra for the original Little Bit idea that blossomed into this challenge.