I’ve got a peaceful, easy feeling, and I know you won’t let me down.

Peaceful, Easy Feeling by The Eagles

Joe felt his hands slipping on the rocks as he tried desperately to shove them out of the way. It seemed that for every rock he hefted aside, another two would be there when he turned back around. It was a Herculean job and he simply wasn’t built for it. Now, Hoss – Hoss could move a mountain. If only he wasn’t buried under the mountain!

The day had started out so promising as they made their way into town. Hoss drove the empty wagon and Joe fairly bounced with excitement on the seat beside him. It was the first day the twelve-year-old had been allowed off the Ponderosa in nearly three weeks following some infraction he had already forgotten about. His father hadn’t forgotten and had given a stern warning to the boy as he climbed in beside Hoss. Joe had looked suitably contrite as he nodded his head and agreed with the instructions.

It was too pretty a day for his mood to stay dark for long and he soon began talking up a storm about all the things he and Mitch planned for the Summer. Hoss nodded and laughed and poked his brother in the ribs as a reminder that Pa was still watching, even when they were out of his sight. Joe’s face fell for a moment before he brightened again and went off on another wild tangent. Hoss enjoyed listening to his brother’s enthusiasm and was content to hear anything Joe had to say. His brother sure did have some wild thoughts!

The trip into town had been without incident, much to Hoss’ relief and they soon had the wagon loaded and heading home. It would have finished without incident too except for that cat that came out of nowhere. Neither of them spotted it as they were too busy trying to figure out Joe’s newest plan. The horses may not have seen it, but they smelled it and panicked. Hoss found the reins wrapped taut around his fingers as the panic-stricken horses bolted. The puma sprang from the rocks and latched onto the closest horse.

It happened so fast that Joe had no idea how they were suddenly turned upside down and the world had landed on their heads. The horses’ hitching had broken away and there was no sign of the horses anywhere when Joe finally opened his eyes. The wagon had careened into the rocks and pulled a pile of rubble down on top of it. All he could see of Hoss was a boot and the tips of his fingers from under the edge of the upturned wagon.

He began to frantically tug at the pile of rocks and fling them aside, all the while calling his brother’s name.

“Joe?”

It sounded all wrong.

“Joe … you gotta go … for help.”

“I ain’t leavin’ you! You’re hurt!”

“Joe … I’ve got a peaceful …. easy feeling. You’ve gotta go … and I know you won’t let me down … little brother.”