{"id":12059,"date":"2014-04-23T13:23:23","date_gmt":"2014-04-23T17:23:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12059"},"modified":"2026-07-22T14:05:58","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T18:05:58","slug":"the-letters-by-barbara","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12059","title":{"rendered":"The Letters (by Barbara)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>Ever since Adam left the Ponderosa, he and Ben have corresponded.\u00a0 The last communication brought the eldest son home.\u00a0 Could his return truly be the end of an era?<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 K\u00a0 (6,060 words)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Letters<\/strong><\/p>\n

THE HOMECOMING<\/u><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood by his brother\u2019s grave alone. The spot was a perfect place for Hoss to spend eternity. He was laid to rest under a majestic stand of pine trees overlooking the sapphire and emerald waters of Lake Tahoe \u2013 Hoss\u2019 world. He\u2019d been buried several months before but when Adam arrived with his wife and child, all gathered again for a memorial service.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had been standing there for hours. Everyone left him to say his final good-byes. A simple tweed shirt, corduroy pants and Blundstone boots replaced his familiar black ensemble. He wore a dark brown, Akubra Stockman hat and had grown a short, neatly trimmed beard. It matched his sable black hair, now wavy and long, except for a wisp of gray at his temples giving him the distinguished look of a hard working, middle-aged man. Deep in prayer, he did not hear his father approach.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you alright, son?\u201d Ben asked softly, consciously trying to avoid startling him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s resonant voice wafted through the air like a lakeside breeze. Adam hadn\u2019t realized how much he\u2019d missed his father\u2019s voice. It filled his senses with a warmth he hadn\u2019t felt in a long time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine Pa,\u201d Adam finally replied.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat sure is a lovely family you have.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you,\u201d he said simply. \u201cI\u2019m a lucky man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVictoria is a beautiful woman. She is so much like your mother. And Eric, what a pleasure it is to have a little one around again. He does resemble Hoss.\u201d Ben chortled remembering his middle son as a baby. \u201cHe\u2019s a big one.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Ben stood side by side in respectful reflection for another moment before Ben piped up again. \u201cHoss would be glad you\u2019re here. son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was just thinking about the first time we saw this place,\u201d Adam began to reminisce.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was about seven I think and Hoss was what\u2026 two, maybe three. I remember the feeling we all had when we got to the lake. All of us knew we were home. It was the same feeling I got when I arrived in Ferny Hills. I just knew I was home\u2026 you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I remember that feeling,\u201d Ben replied with sentiment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss and I used to go fishing right down there before Little Joe came along.\u201d Adam pointed to a sandy cove below. \u201cIt was just the two of us. He\u2019d always catch twice as many fish as me. But, then again, he always ate twice as much,\u201d Adam chuckled, \u201cso I guess it was only fair.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Hop Sing is still trying to adjust his recipe amounts,\u201d Ben said trying to keep the moment light.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was then that Adam finally broke down. He\u2019d been remarkably stoic throughout his entire journey from Brisbane but could bear up no longer. He covered his face with both his hands and wept.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stepped up and stood behind Adam to comfort and support him. He placed his large hands on each of Adam\u2019s shoulders and squeezed tightly. \u201cI know son. I know,\u201d he said, trying desperately not to break down himself. The truth was, he had simply run of out of tears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI never got to say good-bye,\u201d Adam murmured as he wiped his nose and eyes with his sleeve.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNone of us did son. He went so suddenly. But, there is comfort in knowing he didn\u2019t suffer. He just fell asleep and never awoke.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut, what happened? Why did he die?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re not sure. Doc Martin assumes his heart just stopped.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut, why Hoss, Pa? If anyone deserved a long life, it was him. Why do good people die young? It\u2019s not fair.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo it isn\u2019t fair. But, we can\u2019t question these things. Only God knows why.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The pair stood for a while longer before Ben urged Adam away from the grave and began to walk back to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m worried about Joseph,\u201d Ben confessed as they walked. \u201cHe\u2019s taken it so hard. After the funeral, he stayed in his room for days. It did lift his spirits when we got your wire telling us that you, Victoria and Little Eric were on your way. He and Hoss were best friends. Their relationship went far deeper than just being brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean like me and you?\u201d Adam said blatantly taking Ben off-guard.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026I guess so, just like you and me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry Pa. I had no idea my leaving home would hurt you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt didn\u2019t hurt me, son. It did make me realize how much I needed and depended on you, though. It was an adjustment, but one that I learned to live with. I understood your need to discover the world. Especially after all the stories I told you when you were a boy about my travels. It\u2019s no wonder you didn\u2019t leave a long time ago,\u201d Ben said with a grin. \u201cBut, now with Hoss gone\u2026 things have changed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you mean?\u201d Adam asked quizzically \u2013 his voice as smooth as aged red wine.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m not sure Joe is up to running things. I didn\u2019t really raise him to take charge. I raised you to take over, and then when you left, I started to train Hoss toward taking over. Now, there\u2019s just Joe and Jamie. I don\u2019t know if I have the time or the strength to get them ready to run the ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think you\u2019re selling Joe short, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hope you\u2019re right, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know I\u2019m right. Little Joe will rise to the occasion you\u2019ll see. He may be the youngest and impetuous at times, but he\u2019s still one of your sons.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben forced a dubious smile at his eldest and patted him on the back. He could never image how happy he was to see him again. He so desperately missed Adam\u2019s advice, companionship and common sense. They walked the rest of the way home in silence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/u><\/p>\n

BLOOD BROTHERS<\/u><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Victoria Cartwright sat with six-month-old Eric on her lap. The midday July sunshine beamed down on them, giving them halos. The scene was idyllic. They set themselves at the table on the front porch of the ranch house where Victoria fed Little Eric his lunch. She watched her husband and father-in-law approach. Adam kissed her on the cheek and softly cupped the back of Eric\u2019s head in his hand all in one, rhythmic motion. \u00a0\u201cEverything all right?\u201d She asked Adam, seeing his redden eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine, Vic,\u201d Adam replied with his trademark curvy grin. \u201cHow\u2019s my boy?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHungry as ever. You know him. He loves mealtime,\u201d Victoria smirked. \u201cAnd, how are you, Mr. Cartwright?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMr. Cartwright?\u201d Ben responded with a mock frown. \u201cCall me Pa or Ben, whichever you\u2019re comfortable with. I\u2019ll not have my daughter calling me Mr. Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, Ben. I do find that much better.\u201d Her accent was sharp and sweet all at the same time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo do I.\u201d Ben said graciously. \u201cWell, I\u2019ll leave you two to yourselves. I must go see what Jamie is up to. Make sure he\u2019s done his chores and his homework.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Victoria watched Ben turn the corner into the house and heard the front door open and close.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Really,\u201d Victoria said to Adam now that they were alone, \u201chow are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a difficult thing,\u201d Adam confessed. \u201cHoss and I were\u2026 well, I loved him. I loved him very much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know you did, sweetie.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa says Joe is having a hard time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLittle Joe and I had a long talk when we got back from the ceremony. All the guests had left and we had some time to get acquainted. He showed me Hoss\u2019 picture. He had a lovely one of him on his dresser. He sure looked like a happy bloke.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, he was. Happy and caring and genuine. Hoss was the best man I\u2019ve ever known.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam thought another moment before he purposefully turned his attention to his son. He seemed to almost snap himself away from thoughts of his beloved brother. He pursed his lips and sighed through his nose then pushed forward another grin. \u201cIs that good?\u201d he said with an animated tone, as he got face-to-face with the child. \u201cDoes Hop Sing make good baby food? Does he?\u201d \u00a0Adam made a face and tickled Eric making him laughed heartily. Victoria too couldn\u2019t help but smile at the relationship that was forming between father and son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBen is a wonderful person too, Adam. I can see you in him. And, Joe too. And, I know he\u2019s the reason Hoss was so special. He\u2019s the reason all of you are such good men. Your description of him couldn\u2019t have been more perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. He\u2019s the best,\u201d Adam agreed. \u201cBy the way, ah\u2026 have you seen Little Joe anywhere?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe last time I saw him he was headed for the barn.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to go talk to him. We haven\u2019t had much time to catch up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay dear,\u201d Victoria said as she spooned another mouthful of mashed sweet potato into Little Eric\u2019s waiting lips.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam made another face at the baby and pressed his forefinger gently against his button nose. \u00a0\u201cYou eat everything up. That\u2019s a good boy,\u201d he said before he stepped down from the porch and walked toward the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

**********<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOE?\u201d Adam called, not seeing his brother right off.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUp here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked into the loft where Little Joe was stacking hay.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMind if I join you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all, brother, not at all.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam peeled off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves and climbed the ladder into the loft. He picked up a pitchfork and began to toss some hay. Neither man said anything, working side-by-side, just like old times. The feeling between them was strange though, almost strained. They both knew there was a missing piece to the picture. It felt like they had lost an arm or leg. Adam sensed that Joe was stewing about something and decided to confront him. \u201cJoe,\u201d he finally said as he planted the pitchfork into the wooden floor and leaned on it. \u201cHow you holding up?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHolding up?\u201d Joe replied as if he was unaware of what Adam was getting at.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s worried about you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWorried? About me? Why?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s afraid you\u2019re taking Hoss\u2019 death too hard, that you\u2019re having a terrible time dealing with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I am,\u201d Joe confessed. \u201cOf course I am.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs there something I can do to help?\u201d Adam offered trying to push his little brother into divulging his pent up emotions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo. I think you\u2019ve helped enough, don\u2019t you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow, what\u2019s that supposed to mean?\u201d Adam replied, knowing he\u2019d hit a vain and Joe was about to open up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe stopped pitching hay and faced his older brother. Rage glowed from his jade green eyes like they were on fire. \u201cWhat I mean is that you should have never left, Adam. That\u2019s what I mean.\u201d Joe returned to his chore after he\u2019d flung his revelation. It stung like a slap in the face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Adam sounded shocked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe didn\u2019t respond to his brother\u2019s reaction. He was afraid to. Adam stretched across the loft and stopped Joe mid-throw. \u201cTalk to me, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing more to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing, my foot. I know you\u2019re angry with me, but I\u2019m not sure what for.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not angry!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe.\u201d Adam grabbed his brother\u2019s bicep and locked eyes with him. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen anyone angrier than you are right now. Now tell me what\u2019s on your mind before you explode.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTalk to you?\u201d Joe pulled sharply away from Adam\u2019s grip. \u201cWhy would I talk to you? You abandoned this family and if you\u2019d stayed, maybe Hoss would still be alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow listen\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO, you listen, Adam! When you decided to take your world tour, all you thought about was you. You didn\u2019t consider anyone else or how Pa felt about it. It was selfish, Adam. You just up and left without even asking how we would get by without you. We had a lot of work to do around here. Hoss and I had to pick up the slack. Maybe\u2026 maybe the extra work was too much for him, maybe he\u2026you should have never left Adam. You should have never left!\u201d Little Joe\u2019s voice trembled with fury.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you blaming me for Hoss\u2019 death?\u201d Adam said flabbergasted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe continued his chore, refusing to answer, fearful to go any further with his accusations.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf it makes you feel better, I\u2019ll take the blame.\u201d Adam stated firmly \u2013 his voice even and calm. \u201cIf that\u2019s what it\u2019ll take for you to realize that he\u2019s gone\u2026 I\u2019ll take the blame, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

But, it was just an excuse and Adam knew it. There had to be a reason why Hoss was taken from Joe, even if Joe had to invent one.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With Adam\u2019s bold declaration still lingering in the air like smoke, Joe melted into his brother\u2019s arms and allowed himself to fall into a dark well of grief and sorrow. He hadn\u2019t wanted to burden his father and found Adam\u2019s presence the perfect release. Finally, he could let himself go.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know Joe. I know it will be hard without him. But, we\u2019ve got to be strong for Pa. He needs us. He needs YOU more than ever now.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe continued to cry on Adam\u2019s shoulder \u2013 his guttural sobs made Adam\u2019s throat tighten making it hard to talk. \u201cNow, I want you to let it all out right now. I don\u2019t care how long it takes you. You can take all night if you have to but after this I don\u2019t want you to shed another tear for Hoss. He wouldn\u2019t want you to. You know he wouldn\u2019t. The man hated to see anyone unhappy and it would hurt him to know that you were sad for too long.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam waited for Joe to expel as much as he could. He didn\u2019t budge from Adam\u2019s locked embrace. When he felt Joe had recovered enough so he could be heard, Adam continued his speech. \u201cWhen you think of Hoss, think of his humor and his kindness and how good he made all of us feel. That will be his legacy. Do you understand?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe did not answer. His brother\u2019s soothing voice echoed through his body, slowly calming him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Adam pushed him away from his chest and held him squarely by the shoulders. \u201cDo you understand me?\u201d he asked again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With anguish etched on his face, Joe gulped for air in between sniffs to try and get himself under control. Adam looked at him intensely. \u201cNow Pa is afraid you don\u2019t have what it takes to run the Ponderosa and I know that you do. Don\u2019t let this tragedy make you lose sight of your future. I want you to go in there and prove to Pa that he has nothing to worry about.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut, I\u2026\u201d was all Joe could manage before he broke down again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook Joe.\u201d Adam said forcefully, \u201cI\u2019m not saying forget Hoss. Of course not. All of us have to grieve for him. It\u2019s the natural thing to do. We have to grieve for him so we can move on in our lives. But, don\u2019t let your mourning cripple you. We will never forget Hoss. Time will help, you\u2019ll see. But, Pa has to go on too. Please try to be strong. You can do it. You\u2019re feistier than all of us Cartwright\u2019s put together\u2026 well, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s accusation made Joe smile. He couldn\u2019t help it. \u201cI\u2019ll try Adam.\u201d Joe was finally able to reply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll do better than try younger brother\u2026you\u2019ll do it. You\u2019ll do it for Hoss\u2026 understood?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUnderstood.\u201d Joe was looking at his boots but nodded agreement nonetheless.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow let\u2019s start right now. If you think you can, put on a smile and let\u2019s go talk to Pa\u2026 okay.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d Joe said, wiping his face with his shirttails.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure? Because now\u2019s the time to get it out of your system.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can do it, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAtta boy.\u201d He gripped Joe by the collarbone and shook him playfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d Joe said simply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOoooh. So now you\u2019re thanking me,\u201d Adam jabbed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI needed you to be here. Thanks for coming home.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome, but don\u2019t fool yourself. I did it just as much for me as for you and Pa. I needed you too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The pair climbed down the ladder one after the other. When they reached the barn floor Adam, slung his arm around Joe\u2019s shoulder and steered him toward the house. \u201cAre you still mad at me?\u201d he asked with a smirk.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Now what?\u201d Adam sounded surprised.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re always right,\u201d Joe shot back sarcastically. \u201cDo you always have to be right?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBelieve me, now that I\u2019m married, I\u2019m hardly ever right.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The comment settled the boys and they walked through the courtyard in a much lighter frame of mind. Victoria and Eric had gone inside and Joe and Adam joined them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE PROPOSAL<\/u><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026\u201d Joe laughed, \u201cand then there was the time Hoss saw the leprechauns. Remember that, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI sure do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI thought he\u2019d lost his mind.\u201d Ben added.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the time Delores visited from Mexico,\u201d Adam reminisced, \u201cand he decided you should fight a bull to impress her. Now, THAT was funny.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think it was so funny,\u201d Joe confessed. \u201cAfter we finally corralled that bull, I couldn\u2019t move for a week I was so sore.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t think it was very funny at all, Joe,\u201d Ben said with a sneer. \u201cOur neighbors didn\u2019t speak to us for a month after that bull destroyed everything in its path. You boys sure put me through some trying times.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey may have been trying times, Ben,\u201d Victoria said, \u201cbut looking back they sound like they were also the best of times.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Don\u2019t get me wrong, Victoria. Any time spent with my boys was good.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou say that now, Pa,\u201d Adam joked, \u201cbut that sure wasn\u2019t the case when Hoss and Joe robbed the bank.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRobbed the bank?\u201d Victoria sounded appalled as all the men broke into loud laughter again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want to hear that story too, Miss Victoria,\u201d Jamie stated with sincere interest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo. No. We really must stop. We could go on for hours and you, young man, have to finish that assignment for school tomorrow. So off you go.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo I have to, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, only if you want to graduate this year.\u201d Ben quipped.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir.\u201d Jamie sounded disappointed. \u201cWell, good night everyone. I\u2019ll check on Little Eric before I go to bed, Miss Victoria.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh would you Jamie. Thank you so much.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes ma\u2019am.\u201d Jamie said as he stood to retire. \u201cGood night, Pa. Good night, Joe. It was nice to finally meet you, Adam. Joe and Hoss are always talkin\u2019 about ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood things I\u2019m sure,\u201d Adam replied skeptically as he sipped his after-dinner coffee.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026 sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jamie\u2019s confession made the adults at the dinner table return to their laughter. It was good to hear after the woeful weeks of mourning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, Jamie,\u201d Ben said. \u201cShall we retire to the living room for a night cap?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAh yes,\u201d Adam said with anticipation, \u201cthat sounds good, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, Joe and Adam allowed Victoria to take the lead and followed her into the living room. They indulged in Ben\u2019s best brandy and toasted Hoss. Now that the family was together, things seemed a little less strained. The burden seemed to be easier to bear when they were together. Ben was so happy to see Joe enjoying himself again; at least for the moment. He knew grief came in waves. One moment you were fine and the next you\u2019d fall to pieces again. He decided to take advantage of this moment.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d also like to toast Adam and Victoria.\u201d Ben held up his glass. \u201cMay you live full and happy lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere, here.\u201d Joe raised his snifter and winked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd to our Little Eric. May he grow to be as good a man as his namesake,\u201d Ben said but then shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, Pa?\u201d Adam asked fearful that his father was becoming morose.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was just thinking how proud Hoss was when we got your wire about Eric\u2019s birth. He just beamed, didn\u2019t he Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoy, he sure did. That was all he talked about. He wanted to hop on the next boat to Australia.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe sure would have loved to see that little guy. He loved children so. And they him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nobody said anything after Ben\u2019s sentimentality. They just sat and drank their drinks in silence; all of them thinking about what could have been, all of them thinking about Hoss. Good thoughts; happy memories.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, if you gentlemen will forgive me,\u201d Victoria announced, \u201cI think I\u2019ll turn in as well. I must admit I\u2019m tired from our journey.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, Joe and Adam stood. She gave Ben a kiss on the cheek and had one for Joe as well before she approached her husband. She simply placed her hand on his cheek and said good night.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be up soon,\u201d Adam said as he watched her ascend the stairs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLovely girl, Adam. Lovely girl.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Pa. I think so.\u201d Adam beamed with pride, pleased that his father approved.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI like her too Adam,\u201d Joe complimented before stretching and letting out an indulgent sigh. \u201cWell, I\u2019m off to bed too. I can barely keep my eyes open.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood night, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSee you tomorrow, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks again, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing.\u201d Now it was Adam\u2019s turn to wink.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When Joe was out of earshot, Ben placed his glass on the coffee table. Adam sat on the edge of it with his foot propped on the fireplace hearth, poking at the flames with the iron making the wood snap and crackle. It was his favorite place for reflection. He\u2019d built a duplicate of it in his new home in Ferny Hills.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you do it?\u201d Ben asked after a long pause.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow did I do what, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe. I haven\u2019t seen him smile since\u2026 well, I\u2019m just wondering what you said or did to make him feel better.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh we just talked.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you must have done more than talk.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know him, Pa. All you have to do is give him the opportunity to let it all out and he does. I know how to push his buttons\u2026\u201d Adam shrugged. \u201cHe\u2019s my brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI appreciate it son. I really and truly do.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he still has a long way to go, but he\u2019ll be fine, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The entire conversation was finished without either man making eye contact. Their communication was so pure it didn\u2019t need any. It never did. But, Ben could tell that there was more on his eldest son\u2019s mind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s something else, isn\u2019t there?\u201d Ben probed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam just grinned sideways making his single dimple deepen. Fooling his father was still impossible. He turned to face his father and tucked his ankle under his leg and leaned on his knee with his forearm. \u201cYes. There is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd that would be?\u201d Ben asked with great interest.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, how would you feel about a change in careers?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAt my age? I don\u2019t think so.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, don\u2019t you even want to hear what I have to say, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes. I\u2019m sorry. Of course I do. Go ahead, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVictoria and I want you, Joe and Jamie to come back to Australia with us. Hop Sing too. Start a new life there. Leave the cattle behind and help us on our sheep ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSheep? I\u2019m a cattleman, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo was I, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about the Ponderosa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSell it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSELL IT! After all the work and sweat and blood we put into this place. Adam, I don\u2019t know. I don\u2019t know if I can do that.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not? You\u2019d love Brisbane. So would Joe and Jamie. There\u2019s too much of Hoss here. We could all get over it so much easier down there.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know if I want to get over it, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not saying forget. I\u2019m saying move on. A fresh start.\u201d Adam\u2019s hand was outstretched toward his father. He hadn\u2019t realized how much he wanted his father to accept his proposal until he\u2019d actually made it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019ll have to think about it. And, Adam\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t mention any of this to Joe or Jamie quite yet. I need to mull it over on my own first.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen you will consider it?\u201d Adam sounded excited.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Of course I\u2019ll consider it. But, as for commitment either way, it could take some time.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m willing to wait. Just think of seeing Eric grow up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t suppose you and Victoria would consider staying here,\u201d Ben offered hopefully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m afraid not, Pa. We\u2019re booked on a ship leaving a week tomorrow. My life is in Australia now. And, I just know you\u2019ll love it there too. I just know it.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA week tomorrow? So soon? I thought you\u2019d be here for a few months at least.\u201d Ben sounded disappointed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell Marcus, Victoria\u2019s father, was nice enough to take care of the ranch in our absence and I don\u2019t want to burden him for too long. We won\u2019t be home until early September as it is. We\u2019ll be on the same ship we sailed up on. Seattle was its last stop and we\u2019ll catch it on its way back down.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh. I see,\u201d Ben said quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa. You understand\u2026 don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes. I understand son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell then, I\u2019m going to bed.\u201d Adam exhaled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright. Sleep well.\u201d Ben seemed deep in thought.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou alright, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be fine ,Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood night then.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGood night.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben watched Adam leave the room and go upstairs. It would be difficult to be separated from him again. He\u2019d planted a seed of decision in Ben. A decision that would have to be made quickly, something Ben rarely did. He\u2019d have to talk to Joe and Jamie about it as well and he wasn\u2019t sure the timing was right. Joe\u2019s emotions were unstable and fragile to say the least. Ben wasn\u2019t sure how he might react to Adam\u2019s proposition.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After several hours of reflection, Ben finally went to bed. When he settled under his blankets, he pondered life in Australia. He did want to see Eric grow up and be there for any future children Adam and Victoria might have. The Ponderosa was a constant reminder of Hoss. It would be a good experience for Jamie. He was interested in learning a new business, even if it was sheep. It was Joe. The decision would ultimately be his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He finally fell asleep as dawn\u2019s purple light crept into his bedroom. The questions and concerns swirled through his head like a tornado, but he could stay awake no longer. He\u2019d talk to Joseph the next day. But, he knew he\u2019d have to tread lightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MOVING ON<\/u><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph? Where are you son?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUp here, Pa.\u201d Joe had returned to the hayloft to finish the job he\u2019d started the day before.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCould you come on down please. I need to talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes sir.\u201d Joe replied as he propped his pitchfork against a beam and descended the ladder to the barn floor. \u201cWhat is it Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s take a seat over here,\u201d Ben offered as he took Joe by his elbow and walked him to the tack box to sit on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou alright?\u201d Joe sounded concerned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes. I\u2019m fine.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell then, what is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. He thought he knew what he was going to say but when it came time to say it, he wasn\u2019t sure if he should or even could.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Joe asked again \u2013 his brow furrowed with trepidation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam and Victoria want us to sell the Ponderosa and move to Australia with them to help run their sheep ranch,\u201d Ben blurted out. But, his abrupt flood of information didn\u2019t seem to register with Joe. He stared into his father\u2019s eyes without so much as a flinch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you hear what I said Joe? Adam wants us to move to Brisbane.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d Joe finally responded quietly, and then lowered his head to pick at his fingernails.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIs that it? Is that all you can say\u2026oh?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, as soon as we can, I suppose. I haven\u2019t gotten that far. I wanted to put it by you first before I made such a big decision.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you want to do, Pa?\u201d Joe asked making eye contact again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know. Do you have any feeling either way?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight now, I don\u2019t know what I feel. I\u2019m kinda numb.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know it\u2019s sudden. All of this has been sudden.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what scares me. Pa. I don\u2019t think we should do anything we will regret. The Ponderosa is our home. It\u2019s our life. I know Adam has found happiness down there but it\u2019s his not ours.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes Adam think we\u2019d want to go to Australia?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there are lots of reasons.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cName one,\u201d Joe said bluntly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo be together again. To move on after Hoss\u2019 death. The Ponderosa holds such memories of him no matter where we look.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut, that\u2019s a good thing Pa. I want to be reminded of him\u2026 everyday, always.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam wants us to be with Eric. See him grow. He wants us to help run the sheep ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSheep? I hate sheep. They stink. You hate sheep too, Pa. I don\u2019t want to herd sheep. I want to stay on the Ponderosa. It\u2019s my future and Jamie\u2019s too. It\u2019s my home. My mother is buried here and I want to be buried here too.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben got the answer he wanted and needed. Joe was right. There was no need to make a new start. Running away from the Ponderosa to better deal with Hoss\u2019 death was foolish and Joe was right, he did hate sheep. Ben hung his arm around Joseph and smiled at him with pride. \u201cIt\u2019s going to be alright, isn\u2019t it, son.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026 it is.\u201d Joe sounded positive.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam surely will be disappointed.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe can visit him, can\u2019t we Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know why I was ever concerned about you, Joseph. I think some of Adam\u2019s common sense is finally wearing off on you.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBetter than his new liking of sheep,\u201d Joe chortled as the men stood face to face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt could be worse,\u201d Ben reacted.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I can\u2019t think of anything Pa,\u201d Joe commented with a smirk. \u201cI\u2019ve got some hay to stack, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd, I\u2019ve got another son to talk to.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see you at dinner,\u201d Joe commented as he climbed the ladder and got back to his chore.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, feeling like a load had been lifted from his shoulders, left the barn to find Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*********<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam couldn\u2019t help but savor the afternoon sun. It was different here. The Nevada air was sweetly crisp and smelled like pine. He\u2019d been walking for hours, taking in the Ponderosa. He new it would be the last time he\u2019d see it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He came upon the fenced in field he\u2019d set out for and leaned on the top of a post. In the distance, grazing happily, was Adam\u2019s horse Sport. His flaxen tail swished lazily at persistent flies. His coat shone like copper in the brilliant sunshine. He\u2019d been put out to pasture the year before and looked like he was sincerely enjoying his retirement. He was unaware of Adam\u2019s presence.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSport?\u201d Adam called to him. \u201cCome on, boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The horse raised his head from the grass, looking in the direction of the disturbance. But, he didn\u2019t seem to care and lowered his head once again. It wasn\u2019t until Adam clucked and whistled that Sport seemed to take interested. They were familiar sounds and he turned to investigate further. He walked slowly toward Adam who had slipped between the fence rails entering the pasture. He stood with his hand outstretched.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere Sport.\u201d Adam called again, \u201cCome and see me, ya old plug.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With the sound of his owner\u2019s voice floating into his pricked ears, Sport seemed to recognize Adam and picked up his pace toward him. He trotted at first and then began to canter across the meadow to Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now, face-to-face, Adam rested his cheek on Sport\u2019s nose and rubbed his neck. \u201cHow\u2019ve you been old buddy? Do ya miss me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam reached into his pocket for some sugar and Sport took the treat gently from the palm of Adam\u2019s hand. They spent the next hour together and it was a time that Adam relished.\u00a0 This would be the last time he\u2019d see his horse. He\u2019d never again breathe this mountain air or gaze upon the lush landscape. It saddened him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But, his reflections were interrupted when he heard a horse and rider approach. It was Ben on Buck and he\u2019d brought another horse for Adam to ride.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAfternoon, son.\u201d Ben said as he dismounted and walked toward the fence to lean on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAfternoon, Pa,\u201d Adam welcomed seated on the ground and propped against a post. He chewed on a piece of grass.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSport looks good.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes he does. For an old man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBuck\u2019s getting on too. I should have retired him long ago, but I just can\u2019t seem to bring myself to do it. I can\u2019t seem to find a horse as comfortable as he is or as willing. We\u2019ve sure put a lot of miles in together,\u201d Ben rambled, \u201cI\u2019ve been looking for a new\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve decided to stay\u2026 haven\u2019t you,\u201d Adam interrupted, knowing his father was stalling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Ben resigned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDid you talk to Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes. I just talked to him.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow did he react?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVery maturely actually. He surprised me.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, that is surprising. Maybe he\u2019s finally growing up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he\u2019s not a boy anymore. I know it\u2019s hard to see you\u2019re little brother as a man. But, he is. He\u2019s a man.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess you\u2019re right, Pa. I guess Joe will always be my kid brother no matter how old he is.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve decided to stay,\u201d Ben said reinforcing his decision.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI knew it was a long shot. I had to ask. If, I hadn\u2019t asked, I would always wonder.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI understand, son. But, like you, we know where we are supposed to be and it\u2019s right here.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, Pa. I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShall we go for a last ride? How about into Virginia City for one last drink.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds good. But, I should tell Victoria first. She\u2019ll worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve already told her where you\u2019ll be.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright then, my son,\u201d Ben said as he lightly slapped Adam on the back. \u201cLet\u2019s go have that drink.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m buying, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course you are, Adam. Of course you are.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The men mounted their horses and headed to town. As Adam rode away, he looked back over his shoulder at Sport who had gone back to the very spot he\u2019d found him in when he gotten there. He was content. He was happy. And, now so was everyone else. Their paths were set; their lives written; Ben, Joe and Jamie on the Ponderosa, and Adam and his family in Ferny Hills. But, they would always be fused together by love through good times and through tragedy. The Cartwright blood flowed deeply no matter where any one of them lived. Ben and Adam rode west and disappeared over the horizon.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

CONCLUSION<\/u><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe, Jamie and Ben accompanied Adam, Victoria and Eric to San Francisco. They wanted to spend as much time with them as they possible could. It was a farewell journey and Adam took in as much as he could of the mountains and scenery between Virginia City and the Pacific Ocean.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It would be the last time Adam would ever set foot on the continent, let alone Nevada. It was a hard realization, but he had to look forward to his life with Victoria and Eric. It would be more than enough.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben and Adam would continue their correspondence, enjoying news of each other\u2019s lives. Adam and Victoria would have more children \u2013 six in all; Adam Junior, Marc, Elizabeth, Marie and Little Joe. They would continue on their father\u2019s legacy of the producing the finest wool in Australia on their ranch\u2026 The Ponderosa \u2013 Ferny Hills, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

*****END*****<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Ever since Adam left the Ponderosa, he and Ben have corresponded.\u00a0 The last communication brought the eldest son home.\u00a0 Could his return truly be the end of an era?<\/p>\n

Rating:\u00a0 K\u00a0 (6,060 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":113,"featured_media":10722,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1016,23,698],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12059","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-pa","category-drama","category-post-timeline","wpcat-1016-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-698-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/Adam-and-Ben-2.jpg?fit=400%2C320&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12059","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/113"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12059"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12059\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10722"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12059"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12059"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12059"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}