If we weren’t all crazy we would go insane.
Changes in Latitudes, Changes by Attitudes by Jimmy Buffett
“Have you ever regretted it?”
Ben drew in a slow breath and considered the question. Regrets? Oh, he’d had more than his fair share, but had he ever regretted leaving Boston and making his way into the untamed wilds of the West? It had been calling him for years, but he had never imagined travelling there with a baby and no wife beside him.
For the next few minutes, Roy sat and waited. He’d known the man sitting across from him for the better part of forty years. He’d seen him raise three sons and bury a wife and one of those sons. He’d listened as the proud father had privately voiced his doubts and fears as he released his eldest son to pursue his own dreams.
They’d known each for long enough that there was nothing that was off limits in a conversation. They didn’t always see eye to eye, but their conversations over the years had been honest. And robust!
“Regretted it?” Ben rubbed slowly at his chin. “No. Not regretted it.” He waved a hand towards the sun sinking slowly behind the barn. The sky had turned a deep shade of crimson. “I’ve seen parts of the world I never expected existed the first time I set foot on a ship. But this … this land got under my skin. No, I’ve never regretted coming here.”
Ben took another sip of his brandy and smiled. “Of course, that doesn’t mean I haven’t questioned my own sanity a time or two!”
Roy laughed as he noted the expression on his friend’s face.
“Well, those three young’uns of yours sure could have driven any man crazy!”
Ben nodded as his eyes took on a faraway look.
“And then there’s the heat when it just makes your toes curl right up inside your boots.”
“Or the snow’s so thick you could lose your own barn in a storm!”
“Or them Indians gettin’ it in their heads to start a ruckus.”
“Or some young army officer, trying to establish his control decides to clear the land of Indians.”
Roy sobered as he thought on that one. They’d both seen and survived enough of those messes.
“You know, Ben … I reckon there’s a little crazy in all of us.”
“Well, you know what Abel always used to say?” Ben smiled again as he recalled the old captain imparting pearls of wisdom disguised as crusty barnacles.
“Nope. Just what did the old sailor used to say? Besides, ‘swab that deck harder you lazy good-for-nothing!'” Roy grinned at him as he took another sip of his brandy. He’d heard all of his old friend’s seafaring tales, especially the ones where he had to earn the respect of one grizzly bear of a captain if he was ever going to be allowed to court his daughter.
Ben laughed as he recalled Abel’s favourite insult to all the new recruits.
“He’d say that if we weren’t all crazy we would go insane.”
“Sounds ’bout right!”
I enjoyed all of these in the forum, but it’s nice to have them together in one place where library readers can also enjoy. Every bit is a testament to your word skills and character insights which makes it really hard to pick a favorite, but you know I have great fondness for the way you write Roy Coffee, and I especially loved the conversation with his old friend Ben Cartwright. 🙂
I think that’s one of my favourites too as Roy is such a great character to write. I’m glad you’ve enjoyed reading them all again.
This gives a glimpse of what Paul really goes through. I love Jake’s relaxed manner about life.
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment on each one. These are such fun to write and some of them are bubbling away as possible extended stories. I’m glad you have enjoyed them.
I enjoyed this…Adam doing what he has to for his little brother, ignoring his own need for sleep. But then keeping Joe sleeping would bring a bit of peace.
Happy to see these here! Remembered most of them as I was reading through — fun stuff! I still want to know about Hoss’s broken arm … ??
Thanks as always for writing and posting!
I’m still waiting for him to tell me the story. He’s been very sheepish about it! As soon as I get the scoop, I will write the rest of the story.
Love how Roy’s calm eventually gets to the root of the problem with Morgan. A dangerous situation diffused.
Sad existence for a man but maybe now he’ll get some help to find himself again.
Adam is blessed to have two paths to follow, but that doesn’t make it any easier to choose.
Oh I do love this one. Ben and Roy sharing crazy and insane memories. Perfect use of the quote.
Oh, so funny. That’s Joe. All his lies are always wishes. No wonder he never saw lying as wrong.
Candy and Joe are a dangerous combination. They get each other into trouble or get each other out of it. The problem…it could go either way. *smirk*
Great use of the prompt. Marie certainly was balancing on that wire until Ben tipped her life to the side of love.
Love the sentimentality here. “Like running into an old friend.” Warm memories fill the heart.