Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run, there’s still time to change the road you’re on.
Stairway to Heaven (by Led Zeppelin)
Adam set his coffee down on the desk and wrapped his fingers together, as if that would somehow help him find an answer. He rubbed at the callouses that had formed on his hands years ago. Those hands had roped steers, skinned rabbits and held his horse’s reins as he’d galloped after bank robbers. They had moved rocks and dug holes for countless fence posts. They had held a gun and fired on rustlers and Indians. They had also held each of his newborn brothers as he had gazed at them in wonder. As Adam stared at his hands, he wondered if they would ever get to do what he really itched to do. Oh sure, he’d helped Joe redesign and rebuild that little cabin, but that wasn’t enough.
From the day he’d first envisaged a homestead on the bare Ponderosa land and seen it come to life, he’d been fascinated with architecture. The way a building could rise from a pile of freshly hewn timber was like some kind of magic to a young boy. Then his father had actually taken him seriously when he had drawn plans years later to extend their home. He’d never quite been able to describe it to his brothers just how he could see the finished product in his mind well before he ever put pencil to paper. He just could.
Ben watched silently as his son chewed over his thoughts ever so thoroughly before giving voice to them. Adam had always been a serious type, even as a child. He weighed things carefully and seldom acted impulsively. No, that particular trait had been reserved for his youngest son. Many times he had wished Joseph took after his older brother a little more. Then there were the times he wondered if his eldest hadn’t missed out on some of the joy that Joe took for granted as he followed his heart so easily.
He’d known this conversation was coming long before Adam had raised it. He’d seen the letters. It was hard to miss the return address of the firm in Boston. He knew that Adam’s friend from college ran that firm. He also knew his son had been offered a job. Many times. His heart ached to think of any of his boys leaving the Ponderosa. He had built a dream and hoped to leave a legacy for them that would carry through to many generations. Except it clearly wasn’t Adam’s dream.
“Son, nothing is set in stone.”
Adam raised his eyes to see his father watching him. The same rock-steady countenance he had looked to all his life for wisdom and guidance. He felt torn.
“Pa … it’s not that I don’t love this land. Or that I won’t miss living here … but … I feel like I’m trying to walk two paths. And that’s impossible.”
“Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run, there’s still time to change the road you’re on.”
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.