Summary: Imagine the scene in The Ride where Adam and Ben are by the fire having a serious conversation. What if father and son discussed something totally different? This came from a dialogue-only challenge.
Rating = K WC = 818
A Different Conversation
“You seem lost in thought. Is something on your mind, son, that you’d like to talk about?”
“Yeah, I guess there is. Pa, do you think Hoss is ready to take over running the cattle part of the Ponderosa?”
“What do you mean, Adam? He’s already ramrodding the drives alongside you and hiring the drovers. What’s left for him to do?”
“Well, I was thinking about him bossing the drive this Fall. That’s about the only thing he hasn’t done.”
“What will you do, ramrod?”
“No, I thought Joe could do that. I’ll handle the remuda.”
“That’s quite a change from how we’ve always done it, son. I don’t know if Hoss and Joe are up to that. I don’t know; I’ll have to think about it.”
“Pa, they need this challenge and I can assure you they are up to it. Besides I’ll be there if they have problems or need help. They’ve got to learn sometime and now’s as good a time as any.”
“I guess you’re right. Well, okay, let’s see how this one goes.”
“Thanks, Pa.”
“I get the feeling there’s more?”
“Yeah, guess you know me too well. Um, I want to let Joe take over the books on this drive and have him take over more of the timber operations.”
“Adam, that’s asking a lot of Joe in such a short amount of time. I don’t think that’s wise. No, he can do the books for the drive but let’s wait on the timber operations until next Spring. You can show him about that over the winter.”
“Actually, Pa, I’ve already been working with him since last Fall on the timber operation. I’ve even let him handle some of the contracts. Did you know he’s as good a negotiator as I am? Maybe better.”
“I find that hard to believe. You seem to know how to read everyone and get the price you want. When did Joe learn to do that? I feel there’s something I’m missing here.”
“Sorry Pa. I’m not doing anything behind your back. Joe and I have had some opportunities to work on negotiations and I let him handle some of them. He’s good, damn good. That last cattle contract for San Francisco…he did that one. He needs more opportunities like that. That’s why I want him to take over the timber contracts.”
“Adam, look at me. There’s something going on here and it’s not about your brothers doing more of the work. It seems to be about you doing less. What is it you’re not telling me, son?”
“I…Pa, I need to try new things. Joe and Hoss are ready to take on more responsibilities with the ranch. They can handle it. Hoss’ heart is here, with the land and the animals, and Joe needs to be challenged. He’s very bright and capable. He needs room to try his hand at running this ranch alongside you, to learn from you like I did.”
“Adam…”
“Pa, I’m planning to leave next winter, after Christmas. I have to try new things, see new places. I don’t know how to explain it. I’ve helped you build the Ponderosa and I’ve worked it most of my life. You’ve let me use my building knowledge to make improvements but….I need something more, different, I don’t know. Sometimes I feel I’m using only ten percent of what I learned in college. I feel like Joe is ready to step up and do what I’m doing but how can he as long as I’m here. I’m sorry Pa. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful or disrespectful. I love it here, it’s my home but I need more. Am I making any sense?”
“Yes, son. You’re making a lot of sense. I guess I’ve seen this coming for some time. I know you’ve been working with Joe and Hoss to teach them what you know, and I might add you’ve done a fine job, too. I guess I was hoping I was wrong in seeing the signs. I was hoping this conversation wouldn’t take place. You’ve seen so much more than your brothers of this country because of our trip from the East. And I guess that put the wanderlust and curiosity into you. You’ve always had a drive to keep learning and find new ways to do things. I really shouldn’t be surprised by what you’ve just told me.”
“Thanks, Pa, for understanding.”
“Have you told Hoss and Joe yet?”
“No, I’ll find the right time to tell them. It’ll be hard on them.”
“And on you?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“You know son, you always have a home here. That won’t ever change.”
“Yeah, I know.”
Tags: Adam Cartwright, APM, Ben Cartwright, Family
Great job with a conversation that had to be hard to bring up, and just as hard to hear. Thanks for posting!
Thank you, Denise. I enjoyed writing this and imagining how hard it would be one both father and son. Glad you enjoyed it.
That was a responsible conversation on this difficult topic. I couldn’t have imagined it going better than this.
Thank you, wx. It was a difficult subject for father and son, and I’m glad you felt it went well between the two of them (considering some of their ‘discussions’ in the past). Thanks for reading. It’s always a pleasure to hear your thoughts.
This is a very deep piece of writing and you wrote it very well and the dialogue is very believable too.
Though, I don’t want to think of Adam ever leaving the Ponderosa, the conversation you wrote made sense.
Thank you so much Heather for your lovely comment. It was a hard conversation to have and I enjoyed letting it ‘flow’ between the characters. I’m pleased found it believable and fit with the characters. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
As much as Ben didn’t want to see Adam fly the coup,he knew deep in his heart it is time to let this Eagle fly.Between his strong character and upbringing ,he will do very well.He has stumble many a time but has got back up,dusted his pants and moved on.He will continue to do the same.As gentle as he is ,he is also a force not to be taken lightly.
Thanks Elayne. I love your insights into Adam’s character. This was a difficult conversation but one that needed to happen. Thanks for reading. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
That is a deep father/son moment. Adam is very wise. I can see him planning and preparing his family for his leaving. At the same time I feel sad that he’s leaving. I agree with the previous comments that the series should have shown Adam leaving ~ not have him suddenly disappear with no explanation.
Thank you, Sierras. Indeed a deep, and difficult, conversation for Adam to have. But your are correct, he would have planned it, so he could leave on a good note with his family. I too dearly wish the series had given us a farewell episode. Thanks for reading. I always enjoy your insights.
This was interesting, AC..a story based purely on dialogue, but knowing the characters so well leaves the reader able to imagine the body language and facial expressions that were part of the story but left out by the writer. Ben was being carefully steered to face up to a decision Adam had made (and we know where that led to, don’t we?) but so tactfully done, and kindly so too. Thank you, enjoyed it.
Thanks so much Krystyna. Yes, Adam would handle that situation carefully, as well as have it all planned out. The format was based on a challenge to write an all dialogue story. I’m glad you enjoyed the story and the format, and could imagine the expressions and body language. Thanks for reading and commenting. It means a lot.
Nice to read a story in which Adam so praises the abilities of his brothers. I know he was softening Pa up for his own departure, but he’s not generally the type to say these kinds of things lightly whatever the reason. Good forethought, to be making sure that the ranch would run seamlessly after he leaves — one less objection to be had.
Thx for writing!
Thanks PSW. This was a rare moment when Adam wanted to share what was on his heart. I’ve always felt Adam would see that his family was running smoothly before he left. Glad you enjoyed it.
The conversation that should have been. We were left cheated in the series, although, there might not be as much Adam FF had things been better resolved. Regardless, you did a great job with this. Well done!
Thank you Hart. I would expect the fanfiction might be a bit different had Adam had a decent send off in the series. I’m glad you enjoyed my version of his departure.
This is what’s so wonderful about fan fiction. Authors can provide so many scenarios and give such satisfaction!
Thanks jojay. It means a lot to me that you found this helped to satisfy some things about Adam’s departure. Glad you enjoyed this father/son conversation.
This was the two parter that Adam deserved. It sure is a shame you weren’t a script writer back then. 😉
Wow, thanks Beej for such a sweet compliment. Adam did deserve a send off. This story lead me to a much longer one that I’m trying to finish. Thanks for reading.
I wish that the script writers had been as insightful and considerate of the public’s feelings as you are.
We loved Adam and this would have greatly eased his leaving. Thank you
You are quite right, graciouslady. Don’t we all wish they had found a way to ‘write’ Adam out of the show more gently. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
lovely conversation between father and son, that is how I always pictured Adam leaving, being supported by his family. Thanks for a enjoyable read
Thanks for reading Adam31845 and I’m glad you enjoyed this little conversation. I too feel Adam would have been supported by his family, although it would be very hard on them all for a time.
Yes, Adam would talk with his father before leaving and this is how it probably went. You captured the two of them well. Now, how about that conversation with Hoss? with Joe?
Thanks, Betty. Hmm…how will he tell them? That could be harder than telling his father.
Well done.
Thank you, Indyanna. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Nice to know that Adam took the time to teach his brothers enough to take over the reins before he left. I always felt sorry for Joe, as he would be ultimately left to deal with a multi business empire. I always believed that Joe was happiest involved with the horse side of the operation, a very hands on personality. If any writers would like to expand on this idea, I.d love to read it !.
A well studied character piece. well written and a lovely insight into Adams thought process in his run up to leaving. Thank you for sharing. ;-)x
Thanks for such a detailed review, Calcanucks. I felt it fit to have Adam prepare his brothers, look after them if you will. I have to agree I could see Joe with the horses for sure. I have a series already written where Adam comes home and it hit me that this would fit perfectly as a prequel to that. But if any other writer wants to run with it I’m good with that.
A difficult conversation but an important one viewers never saw. Well done!
I agree. I felt it needed to be said. I’ve always felt Adam left on more peaceful terms, but I’m also a bit of a romantic. Glad you liked it PT.
Heavy conversation. Kudos to Adam for the foresight on knowing he was going to leave and that his brothers needed to know and learn more on ranch business.
Heavy conversation indeed. That’s our Adam, organized to the end. Thanks for reading, Ruth.