Now I think I understand how the world can overcome a man.

Fiction by Avenged Sevenfold

 

Ben paced across the floor, aware that the space suddenly felt so very empty. The great room that had echoed with so much life and laughter, now stood empty and silent. Memories swirled around him as he stared at the furnishings. What had been a home now felt like a museum. A memorial to another time when his family was busy living.

Adam had left years before, seeking his own dreams. He had gone with his father’s understanding and blessing, but it didn’t change the dull ache his absence left behind.

The weary father scrubbed a hand across his face as he paused to consider his middle son. Hoss filled a space, not just by his physical size, but by the size of his presence. His deep wisdom and compassion for others was greatly missed and there were still days where Ben found himself turning for his son’s opinion and pulling up short when he realised again that Hoss was no longer there.

“He’ll be back.”

The words shattered his thoughts and he turned back to see Candy standing across the room. Hoss would never be back and Ben was about to say something when his mind caught up with him. It wasn’t Hoss that Candy was referring to. The young man eyed him cautiously, as if sizing up a skittish colt. They were all on edge and as he looked up again, he saw his own doubts mirrored back at him. In spite of his words to the contrary, Candy wasn’t any more sure than he was.

He glanced at the clock across from him and shook his head at his own thoughts. Was it too early in the day for a drink?

Candy ran the rim of his hat through his fingers as he slowly approached. “He’ll be back, Mister Cartwright. He promised you, didn’t he?”

Ben nodded slowly as he recalled his son’s stilted words before he finished strapping his bag closed and ran for the door. The bandages were still wrapped around his son’s burned hands and he wished he could grasp hold of those hands and force him to stay. It was pointless, he knew. Joe needed to run and find a way to deal with his grief. He, of all people, understood that.

Candy watched as a father’s anguish began to seep out again. The same pain and frustration they all felt at being unable to do anything to help.

“Now I think I understand how the world can overcome a man. But, Joe … he promised you and Jamie he’d be back and Joe don’t break his promises.”

Ben felt his fists clenching by his side and he found himself heading for the brandy sitting on the sideboard. Too early in the day, be damned! He poured a couple of glasses and held one out towards the foreman his son counted as another brother. God knew, Joe needed his brothers.

Promises.

Joe had promised Alice forever.

That was what scared him the most.