Six~~~ Protecting
Adam leaned against the side of the stall and stared down at Hoss as he inspected Chubby’s leg. “Why did you lie to the boy?”
“It weren’t really a lie.”
“It surely wasn’t all of the truth.”
“It was all the truth that boy needs to know.” Hoss stood, and his eyes meet his elder brother’s.
Adam cocked his eyebrow, but the message in Hoss’s eyes did not waiver. Adam had seen that look in those blue eyes before. Sometimes it was best to simply let a mule have his way, at least a certain overgrown brother of a Cartwright mule. “Have it as you will.” Adam straightened. “The decision was yours to make. I’ll not tell him anything more.” He gave a meaningful shrug of his shoulders. “Still, that’s not to say that he won’t hear the whole story from someone else.”
“Maybe, but ain’t that many folks know the whole story, and none of them is likely to be spending time in Richmond.”
“Richmond? Virginia?”
“Yep. The boy showed me some papers. He has kin in Richmond on his Mama’s side. It will be best if he goes to them.”
Adam’s right hand tugged at his ear. “Best for the boy, yes, it should be best for him.” He sighed. “I’m…I know you…well, I know how you feel about him.” His hand settled on Hoss’s shoulder and squeezed gently.
“I want what’s best for him is all. He’s a good boy, Adam. He deserves a chance.”
Adam’s hand squeezed again. “Of course. Still, maybe learning the whole truth when there is someone to help him deal with it would be best if there’s even a chance of him looking for more answers and finding them later.”
This time Hoss sighed and then shook his head. “No.”
“Why are you so sure?”
“I’ve done thought it through, and my mind is set.”
“I’m not arguing the point, but you really haven’t answered my question. Why?” He waited patiently for his brother’s answer; he always had.
“Well, the way I see it, the whole truth would kill all that boy’s heroes, and a world without heroes is like a world without sun, you can’t look up to anyone. Iffen you ain’t got anyone to look up to, well, it’s real easy to get lost or find some lowdown, slime crawler to follow. I won’t let that happen to that boy.” Hoss turned to look directly at Adam.
“I see.” Adam made a decision not to mention heroes with feet of clay. Hoss knew his older brother well, though.
“There’s bit of clay in most men’s feet. That’s a lesson we all learn sometime. Only it’s a lesson best learned after we’ve had lots of practice learning to forgive.”
Adam smiled his agreement and dropped his arm around his brother’s shoulder. “Right.” Yes, there’s some clay in most hero’s feet, but not all. I know for sure, not all.
* Please note that the following line was taken from “A World Without Heroes” by Kiss (Lou Reed, Bob Ezrin, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley) which was used as a challenge prompt. A world without heroes is like a world without sun, you can’t look up to anyone.
Another lovely contribution! Hoss is definitely has a caring and gentle side that was clearly present even when he was young.
I have been away from the site and missed your comment. Please let me thank you now for your kind words. DJK 🙂
Our sweet, loveable knight in shing armor. Perfect!
Than you, jojay, for responding. If you enjoy a young Hoss in the role of “knight in shining armor”, you might like my Emily’s Sir Eric series. DJK :>)
You saved the best for last. Loved them all but especially number seven. You were right – Hoss always did believe!
Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed these little bits, and a special thank you for letting me know your favorite! DJK :>)
What a wonderful tribute to Hoss. ? You captured him beautifully — his goodness and openness. Thanks so much for writing!
I agree with your assessment of Hoss and thank you for your response. DJK :>)
These were all really great. Hoss has such depth to him as a character and you captured him beautifully.
Thank you for letting me know you thought I kept Hoss in character and did him justice. I appreciate your response so much. DJK :>)
These are wonderful little peeks at the big guy. He is so special and you’ve shown it in so many ways. Some moving and some funny. Yes, Hoss will always be there for others, no matter what the reason.
Hoss is a great character to write when you want to feel positive. Thank you for letting me know you thought I put him in the right light. I appreciate your responding. DJK :>)
DJK, I loved all the looks at Hoss through your writings! Great peeks into a life too brief.
Thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed them; I appreciate it! DJK :>)