***** SEASON FOURTEEN *****

Forever – Part I

She watched his chest gently rise and fall; sleeping fitfully beside her. The blanket had slipped to his waist and allowed her to see his strong upper body. Several scars marred his suntanned skin. Would she ever learn about the stories behind every single one? He didn’t talk often about the past. Probably because of his brother’s death that wasn’t too long ago and every one of Joe’s memories was painfully connected to him. As she stroked the scar on his right shoulder, Joe shivered. He turned his head, murmuring from the past: “Indians, Hoss, just much more Indians.”

by Silver Sven

Forever – Part II

Grief tore at his heart, leaving behind an invisible, gaping wound.  Years before, his father had lost three wives.  He’d lost his wife and unborn child.

His faith stood marred, just like the remains of the small homestead.  Dreams of a new beginning shattered, splintered into so many fragments there was no hope of restoring.

Justice was swift, yet unfulfilling.

In the loft of the barn where he had played so often as an innocent child, tears streaked his face as he begged for the courage to live alone.

‘You’re not alone. I’m here.  I’ll always be here with you.‘

By BluewindFarm

Ambush at Rio Lobo

Look at him!

I haven’t heard my pa laugh like that for… well, I can’t remember.  The baby cries, and Pa hands him over to his mama.

My heart breaks, and it’s all I can do not to show it.

I want my pa to have grandchildren.  He’s only talked about it all our lives… although now that I think of it, Pa hasn’t mentioned anything lately.

It was so close.  I was gonna be a papa, and he was gonna be a grandpa.  It might seem strange, with so much lost to me in that fire (my wife, my baby, myhome), but one thing that really keeps me up at night is that Pa doesn’t have any grandchildren.

Ezekiel Benjamin Burnside.  They named that little guy after him, and I can’t help but be afraid that the only baby to carry on my father’s name will be a stranger he may never see again.

Last I heard, Adam’s showin’ no signs of settlin’ down.  Hoss is… gone.  Jamie’s got years yet before he’s grown.  It… it might really be up to me, if it’s gonna happen.

I think of Alice, and I just don’t know how I can.

by PSW

The Bucket Dog

She’s beautiful, and loyal, and I love her.

Who cares if her head’s too small, or her ears aren’t right, or her tail droops, or whatever other stupid thing Mr. Kingston says is wrong with her?  She looks perfect to me—and anyway, Joe’s right.  Mr. Kingston is no prize himself.

She can do it.  I know she can.  So what if she wants to stop and look at butterflies along the way?  Sometimes, I do too.

What kind of man wants to take a dog away from somebody who loves her just so he can kill her?

Go, April!

By PSW

The Hunter

Frère Jacques,

No, not Jacques. Brother’s name is Adam. Had a brother named Hoss.

Frère Jacques,

Pa adopted me another brother, Jamie. Pa. Pa? Help me, Pa!

Dormez-vous ?

Can’t go to sleep. Have to teach Jamie.

Dormez-vous ?

Have to get away. Need to get home.

Sonnez les matines!

No, it’s not bells.

Sonnez les matines!

He’s whistling. Can’t you hear him whistling? Stop it!

Ding, dang, dong.

I have to get away. Bells don’t toll for me. Have to survive.

Ding, dang, dong.

Need to get home! I can’t leave Pa alone. Please, this can’t be the end.

By BluewindFarm