{"id":12165,"date":"2004-11-01T19:09:50","date_gmt":"2004-11-02T00:09:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12165"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:21","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:21","slug":"home-is-where-love-dwells-by-debbieb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12165","title":{"rendered":"Home is Where Love Dwells (by DebbieB)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0 Joe’s private search to find himself, leads him to learn one very important lesson, home is where love dwells, be it back at the ranch or in a far distant cabin surrounded by those he loves.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 <\/strong>G\u00a0 (9,200 Words)<\/p>\n

Home is Where Love Dwells<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Pa\u2026try to understand\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m trying, Joseph, but you\u2019re making no sense whatsoever,\u201d Ben yelled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019d just stop yelling at me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not yelling!\u201d shouted Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned from his son and took a deep breath and then faced the boy a second time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d he said, trying to remain calm. \u201cI might have raised my voice some\u2026but I certainly didn\u2019t mean to yell at you. Now, tell me again why you think you have to go away for a spell\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think, Pa\u2026I know\u2026I have to go\u2026I\u2026I can\u2019t take it here any more\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand why! What is wrong with\u2026here?\u201d demanded Ben with a scowl.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe sighed loudly, lowering his head. How could he ever make his father understand his need to be\u2026free\u2026to go away, just for a while, maybe a month or two? He was fed up with his two brothers; Adam always finding fault, Hoss always laughing\u2026it had worn on his nerves until he\u2019d about gotten to the place where he resented everything about his home\u2026and his family. Even his father didn\u2019t seem to be able to understand him anymore\u2026no one did.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hell,\u2019 thought Joe, \u2018I don\u2019t even understand myself.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI asked you a question, Joseph,\u201d Ben said. \u201cYou have everything here\u2026a nice home, good food, clean beds and clothes\u2026horses\u2026a family\u2026what is wrong with \u2018here\u2019?\u201d growled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He had been watching the play of emotions that flickered across his young son\u2019s face, noting the sad countenance and how the once radiant eyes had stopped dancing with merriment. Something terrible must be eating away at the boy and knowing Joe, he had yet been able to find an answer for his problem, thought Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEverything\u2026everything is wrong, Pa. I can\u2019t stand it any longer\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t stand it?\u201d Ben muttered, stunned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t mean you\u2026not really\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen what, Joe\u2026what has happened to make you so unhappy\u2026enough so that you want to run away?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not running away!\u201d Joe stated firmly, turning his back to his father so he would not have to look into the fearful eyes, for that was what Joe was seeing in his father\u2019s expression\u2026fear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He hated himself for what he was doing\u2026hurting his father\u2026the one force in his life whom he loved and respected more than any other person\u2026and he was breaking his father\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe turned, forcing himself to remain calm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Adam\u2026and Hoss\u2026and the way they treat me\u2026it\u2019s their remarks\u2026and their laughter. Adam makes his wise cracks like I\u2019m nothing\u2026like he thinks they don\u2019t hurt\u2026he says things on purpose, knowing that I can hear what he says\u2026and Hoss adds fuel to the fire by laughing, like it was all a big joke. I\u2019m tired of being called \u2018boy\u2019; I\u2019m tired of being thought of, as a kid who can never measure up, because everything I do\u2026is wrong\u2026according to their standards. I\u2019m tired\u2026just plain old tired of trying\u2026what\u2019s the use, I\u2019ll never be good enough\u2026I\u2019ll never be anything to them other than their \u2018kid brother\u2019!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe felt his eyes burning with tears but he willed them away and continued.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026I\u2019m tired of mediocre jobs, I\u2019m tired of mucking out the stable and cleaning the chicken coop\u2026I\u2019m tired of being everyone\u2019s errand boy\u2026fetch this, fetch that\u2026I\u2019m tired of\u2026you\u2026never taking me serious. No one thinks my ideas are any good\u2026you never hear me out when I offer my opinion\u2026they\u2019re not important to you\u2026I\u2019m not old enough, I\u2019m not educated enough, like Adam\u2026it\u2019s always\u2026Adam\u2026Adam\u2026he\u2019s always right\u2026Always!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe gulped hard. It was obvious to him now that he had his father\u2019s full attention\u2026and that almost frightened him enough to wish he\u2019d never brought up the subject. He secretly regretted that he had not slipped away during the night and left his father a note explaining why he\u2019d done so, but now it was too late, his conscience would not permit him to do so.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026I have thoughts, and ideas\u2026and they aren\u2019t bad. Some of them are pretty darn good\u2026but neither you nor Hoss and especially Adam, take me seriously. All three of you treat me more like one of the hired men than\u2026one of you. I\u2019m told what to do, how to do it, when to do\u2026golly, Pa\u2026I\u2019m even told when to go bed and when to get up\u2026like I don\u2019t have enough sense to know when I\u2019m tired enough to put myself in bed. The only things you don\u2019t do for me anymore is dress me and give me a bath\u2026or feed me\u2026Sometimes I think you\u2019d still do that, if I\u2019d let you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe swallowed the lump that swelled in his throat and looked at his father with sad, unhappy eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben moved around the table to stand before the fire. He was silent unable to think of something to say that would convince his son that the way he was feeling was just normal\u2026for a young man his age. Several moments of strained silence lingered between the father and the son, until Ben at last turned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe had moved to the credenza and had begun to gather his things. Ben hurried across the room, placing his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder. Beneath his fingers, Ben could feel the tremors that surged through his son\u2019s body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Pa,\u201d Joe said, looking with sad eyes at his father. \u201cDon\u2019t try to stop me\u2026this is hard enough as it is for me\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t going to stop you, Joseph\u2026I was just going to tell you, that\u2026I\u2019m sorry\u2026if I\u2019ve hurt you, or offended you\u2026I didn\u2019t mean too\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2026I know that, Pa\u2026I know how much you care\u2026I don\u2019t blame you\u2026I don\u2019t even blame Adam and Hoss. It\u2019s me; I suppose\u2026I mean\u2026I have to find out what kind of a man I am. If I don\u2019t\u2026then how can I ever expect any of you to treat me\u2026like a man, instead of just your\u2026little boy\u2026and their kid brother,\u201d sighed Joe. \u201cI don\u2019t even know yet for myself if I really am a man, or\u2026what the three of you think I am\u2026a boy.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben could only nod his head, but he forced himself to smile a little at his son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere will you go, what will you do?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI want to be alone\u2026I want time to think\u2026so\u2026I thought I\u2019d go to the high country; maybe do a little hunting and fishing. Winter isn\u2019t too far off\u2026I might stay until spring\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSpring?\u201d Ben stammered. \u201cBut\u2026that\u2019s months, Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe lowered his head, hiding from the pain he heard in his father\u2019s voice, and not wanting to see the hurt in his father\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pa\u2026but I gotta do this\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rushed from the house, in a hurry to reach his horse and the pack animal he had readied earlier that morning, before everyone else had gotten up to start the day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s he going?\u201d asked Adam who suddenly appeared behind his father on the front porch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood watching Joe as the boy mounted up. His heart was yearning to call out to the boy, plead with him if necessary to keep him from leaving, but Ben knew that to stop Joe\u2019s leaving, would only allow for more resentment to fester in his son\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAway\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAway\u2026where to?\u201d Adam asked crossly. \u201cAnd for how long\u2026doesn\u2019t he know that there\u2019s plenty of work around here to do\u2026the stalls haven\u2019t been mucked in days\u2026why does he think he needs a holiday\u2026JOE, GET BACK HERE!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe rounded the corner of the barn, out of his father\u2019s sight, ignoring his brother\u2019s shouts. He had not even turned around to wave goodbye, and by not doing so, had pained the worried father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d Adam said, seeing for the first time, the strange expression on his father\u2019s face. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned then; a deep frown had furrowed across his brow, making him appear older than his years to the young man who studied his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps \u2018away\u2019 was the wrong word,\u201d Ben muttered as he turned, shoulders slumped in defeat, back toward the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait a minute,\u201d Adam said, taking hold of Ben\u2019s arm and stopping his father from entering the house. A sudden, rush of unease swept across Adam\u2019s heart.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean by that?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s leaving\u2026left.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWHAT?\u201d proclaimed Adam, sounding much like his father often did.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know how long he\u2019ll be gone\u2026or if he\u2019ll ever come home,\u201d Ben said sadly, entering the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood, stunned to the bone by the news that his youngest brother had left home, not knowing why or what to think on the matter. He was lost in deep thoughts, totally unaware that Hoss had joined him on the porch.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with Pa? He wouldn\u2019t even speak to me when\u2026Adam\u2026what\u2019s wrong with ya? And where\u2019s Little Joe?\u201d Hoss inquired, seeing the same strange look on his brother\u2019s face as he had seen minutes ago on his father\u2019s.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d said Adam quietly, \u201clet\u2019s go to the barn\u2026I think we need to talk,\u201d Adam said as he led the way to the barn, where they could speak in private.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, now what in blazes is goin\u2019 on?\u201d Hoss demanded the minute they were alone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned and faced his brother, swallowing hard, knowing how this tenderhearted giant would take the news\u2026it would crush Hoss, of that Adam was certain.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s gone\u2026Pa doesn\u2019t know for how long\u2026or if he\u2019ll ever come home\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 face wrinkled into a puckered frown as he stared dumbfounded, at his oldest brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGone? Where?\u201d babbled Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know, Hoss\u2026Pa didn\u2019t say. I don\u2019t even think Pa knows where Joe\u2019s headed\u2026or if Joe knows for certain where he\u2019ll go\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut why, Adam? I don\u2019t understand\u2026Joe loves this place, it\u2019s his home\u2026and\u2026and, we\u2019re his family\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss rubbed his thick hands over the front of his face, turning his back to Adam; he walked to the door and gazed out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI knew he was unhappy\u2026he\u2019s been sullen and quiet like\u2026for days and days\u2026but I had no clue that he was fixin\u2019 to leave. He never even hinted\u2026\u201d Hoss said in a low, troubled voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He turned around to face Adam. Adam could see the broken hearted expression on the rotund face and it caused his own heart to skip a beat. For the first time in a very long time, Adam\u2019s own expression showed his worry and concern. The mask had fallen and his true feelings were exposed to his middle brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Adam said quietly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI think I\u2019m the reason that Joe left,\u201d Adam muttered in a disheartened voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 brows moved upward slightly as he moved closer to his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYa gotta be kiddin\u2019? Why\u2019d ya think a thing like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam moved to perch himself on a bale of hay. His head was low as he played with a long piece of straw.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been riding him pretty hard the last couple of months\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss saw his brother\u2019s expressions darken but kept quite, letting Adam have his say.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve worked the boy hard\u2026almost to the point of him not being able to carry on. And when he\u2019d take a break\u2026I jumped down his neck about goofing off, and I\u2019ve said things that probably\u2026knowing Joe, he took the wrong way. I\u2019m sure he thought I was making jabs at him\u2026who knows, Hoss\u2026maybe I was\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026and I\u2019ve laughed at\u2019em when he\u2019d mess up\u2026that\u2019s been a lot lately too, come to think of it. Could be, he was tryin\u2019 too hard, and ya know\u2026sometimes when ya try so hard\u2026things get worse. That ain\u2019t all, Adam, I\u2019ve been teasin\u2019 \u2018em too, about being the runt. Goshdangit, Big Brother\u2026ya reckon the little scamp took all we been sayin\u2019 to\u2019em, to heart?\u201d Hoss stated. \u201cYa reckon he got his feelin\u2019s hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up at long last. His composure was strained and when he spoke, his voice was thick with feelings that he hadn\u2019t remembered feeling for a very long time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cProbably. You know as well as I do, Joe takes everything to heart\u2026especially the things that you and I say to him. He\u2019s probably gone off to sulk\u2026lick his wounds.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood to his feet and grabbed his saddle. The mask was back and with it, Adam turned his thinking around, giving thought to what Joe might actually be up too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo doubt he\u2019s aiming on making us worry for a few days, he\u2019ll be home by the end of the week\u2026I guarantee it,\u201d Adam said in a lighter mood. \u201cCome on big boy, let\u2019s not brood\u2026we have a ton of work to do, especially now, with Joe gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam went about saddling his horse. Hoss was slower to get into action and lingered a bit longer.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa seemed awfully worried, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust another one of Joe\u2019s little tricks.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow can ya say that? What if\u2019n Joe don\u2019t come home by the end of the week, we gonna go lookin\u2019 for\u2019em?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam had led Sport out of the stall, stopping in the doorway to turn to Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can say that because I know our kid brother. And if he doesn\u2019t come home by the end of the week\u2026I\u2019m not going to do a thing, but wait\u2026he\u2019s just a kid, Hoss\u2026he\u2019ll never be able to last out in the real world on his own. Joe will either get in trouble somewhere or\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGet himself hurt,\u201d added Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPrecisely\u2026and if that happens, you know as well as I do, the first person he\u2019ll yell for is Pa,\u201d Adam grinned. \u201cHe thinks he\u2019s a man\u2026eighteen isn\u2019t a man\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou were a man at eighteen\u2026so was I\u2026almost\u2026what makes it so different with Joe?\u201d Hoss questioned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam made a dull little chuckling sound, deep in the back of his throat.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was never a kid, Hoss\u2026I never got the chance to be a little boy, not like Joe. I don\u2019t blame Pa for that\u2026it was just my lot in life. And you,\u201d he laughed for real this time, \u201chave always been as big as a man, so naturally everyone just thought of you as a man\u2026but with Joe\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam paused and seemed to be thinking. His offhanded mood mellowed some.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe it\u2019s because he\u2019s the youngest, Hoss. Maybe because neither you nor I\u2026or Pa\u2026wants to face the fact that Joe\u2019s growing up. I know he tries hard\u2026at everything the boy does he puts his all into it. And that\u2019s good\u2026but a lot of the things he does, shows how much of a kid he still is\u2026like this\u2026running away\u2026or taking off, whichever you want to call it. I think it\u2019s a ploy to get our attention\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he just needs to prove to himself that he\u2019s capable of standing on his own two feet, without one of us always around to pick him up and set him back on his feet every time he falls.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss spun around surprised to find that their father had appeared, unannounced.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a young man bordering on manhood, and he\u2019s tired of the way we treat him,\u201d said Ben from the doorway where he stood listening to the conversation.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe resents us\u2026he can\u2019t stand to be around us anymore because he feels that he can\u2019t meet our expectations of what he should be\u2026he\u2019s hurt\u2026yes Adam, he\u2019s probably sulking, licking his wounds\u2026wounds that the three of us inflected upon him,\u201d grumbled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I can only pray to God that my son will be safe and that one day soon, he\u2019ll come home, where he belongs\u2026where he\u2019s loved\u2026not just by me, but by the two of you as well. He\u2019s going to find out that he needs us, just as the three of us need him. This is his home; and every man should have a haven in which to return\u2026a special place to call home\u2026and Little Joe\u2019s is here, on the Ponderosa with the three of us where he is a part of everything that we cherish\u2026and hold dear.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His leaving has left a mighty big hole in my life,\u201d Ben swallowed hard, \u201cI think the two of you will find out what I mean soon enough,\u201d sighed Ben as he turned, leaving Adam and Hoss to ponder his words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The two brothers stood silent, each head was low and racing through their minds were the harsh, pain filled words that their father had spoken. Adam glanced up toward his father and caught a glimpse of the man as he walked through the front door. The younger man could not help but notice how sluggish his father\u2019s pace was or how slumped the broad shoulders hung\u2026and Adam knew, his brother\u2019s leaving was going to hard on the man who had given the kid life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If Adam and Hoss had thought for one moment, that Joe\u2019s leaving would be hard for them, their brother\u2019s going had been multiplied by ten, for their concerned father. Two weeks had gone by and during that time, Ben had eaten little, slept practically none and his appearance had begun to wither, making him appear older than his actual years. The grieving father moped around the house, leaving the running of the ranch to his two able-bodied sons. He showed no interest in anything other than to stare at a picture of his missing son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, Pa ain\u2019t lookin\u2019 so good,\u201d Hoss said one day while he and his older brother were mending fences. \u201cI think it\u2019s about time we fetch Joe home, what do ya think?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced up from his hammering and turned to watch his father who had accompanied them to the north pasture. Ben stood alone, leaning against a massive Ponderosa pine. The elder Cartwright\u2019s eyes were focused on the tall mountains that towered majestically over the crystal blue lake below. Ben appeared to be miles from where he stood\u2026miles away, somewhere out there, with his youngest son.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHis heart\u2019s up there,\u201d Adam commented, returning to his repair work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glanced toward the tall peaks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2019s never said where he thought Joe might have wandered. Suppose the boy went to the high country\u2026and Pa just ain\u2019t wantin\u2019 us know?\u201d pondered the gentle giant as he tugged on the fencing, drawing the wire taunt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMost likely,\u201d Adam answered, quickly glancing over his shoulder once again at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt breaks my heart, Adam, seein\u2019s how Pa\u2019s grievin\u2019 and such.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam took a deep breath and let it out slowly, straightening his back. His eyes followed his brother\u2019s gaze and fell again on his father. Ben was toying with something in his hands and then the brothers watched as their father swiped one hand across the front of his face. Without having to comment, the pair swapped knowing looks; Hoss sighed deeply.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wish there was somethin\u2019 we could do\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there\u2019s not. We could, as you suggested, go look for Joe\u2026we could even haul his butt back home, but Pa wouldn\u2019t like that\u2026and neither would our little brother,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I suppose ya right. Joe\u2019d only resent us, and Pa would say that when he was ready, Joe\u2019d come home on his own,\u201d muttered Hoss. \u201cBut what\u2019ll we do till then?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tossed the supplies into the back of the wagon, shrugging his shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait, I suppose\u2026give the kid more time to figure out what\u2019s important to him and what\u2019s not\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d a thought his family\u2026and his home\u2026was what is important\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt is\u2026Joe just has to come to his senses enough to figure that out for himself,\u201d offered Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss made a chuckling sound deep in his throat. \u201cI sure \u2018nough miss the little scamp. I had no idea his leavin\u2019 would affect me like it done. What about you, Adam\u2026ya miss\u2019em too, don\u2019t ya?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam paused in what he was doing and noted the quiver to the big man\u2019s chin. He made a crooked little grin and nodded his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026I miss the rascal too\u2026but don\u2019t you ever tell him I said so\u2026I wouldn\u2019t want the boy to think he\u2019s one up on me,\u201d laughed Adam lightly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Far away on a mountaintop, Joe stood perched against a tall oak, gazing down at the valley he could see below. Deep in his heart, there had grown an ache so strong that it made the young man feel sick to his stomach. He imagined in his mind, that he was able to see the big log ranch house that had always been his home. A smile caused his lips to twitch slightly, his mind\u2019s eye envisioned his family moving about the yard, doing their daily chores. Just as quickly as the smile appeared, it disappeared, the boy refusing to allow himself the luxury of dreaming about what he had willing turned his back on.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Turning, a frown replacing the smile, Joe went back to work on the old dilapidated shed that housed the two horses. He had almost finished reconstructing the small building that had been in dire need of repair. Joe had worked for two weeks, making the old, line shack more livable and as he looked about at his accomplishments, a sense of pride swelled in his chest, causing him to smile in satisfaction.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot bad,\u201d he said aloud to himself as he went back to work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the end of the fourth week, Ben did nothing more than pace the floor and snap sharply at his two sons. His face had taken on a continuous frown; his eyes bore dark circles from lack of sleep and when sitting at the dining room table the man did nothing more than poke and jab at his food.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben wiped his mouth and flung his napkin down on the table. Adam and Hoss tried not to glance their father\u2019s way, for fear of being reprimanded for things that they were not guilty of. Both kept their eyes on their plates and ate in silence, keenly aware that with the scraping of the chair legs on the wooden floor, Ben had risen.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Ben rounded the table, headed for the front door, Adam and Hoss exchanged worried glances.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s he headed?\u201d whispered Hoss behind his napkin.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMust you whisper behind my back like I\u2019m not even here?\u201d growled Ben, pivoting on his heels and giving each an angry glare. \u201cThat\u2019s another reason why my son has left home\u2026the likes of the two of you\u2026constantly whispering and snickering behind his back\u2026no wonder\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben suddenly fell silent. Adam and Hoss had risen from their places at the table and had joined their father at the door. Ben was almost finished strapping on his gun belt when he paused and looked at the two young men standing solemnly in front of him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo you do blame us,\u201d muttered Adam in a hurt tone. \u201cI thought as much\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNO!\u201d gulped Ben. \u201cNo, son\u2026I don\u2019t blame you, or you either Hoss\u2026I blame myself for your brother\u2019s leaving. It\u2019s not your faults\u2026honest, I\u2019m sorry, I shouldn\u2019t have said those things\u2026they aren\u2019t true,\u201d apologized Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben turned to reach for his hat and then faced his sons for the second time.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPlease\u2026I didn\u2019t mean what I just said. I\u2019m sorry,\u201d Ben said again as he grasped the latch and flung wide the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026wait!\u201d Adam demanded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stopped but refused to turn around. Adam lowered his voice and softened his tone, his father was hurting something fierce and he had no notion of adding to the hurt.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are you going?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo find Joe\u2026to tell him I\u2019m sorry\u2026to plead with him, if need be\u2026to come home,\u201d said Ben in a whispered voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Slowly he turned and faced the pair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWithout Little Joe\u2026this place has no spirit\u2026the heart has gone from my home\u2026our home, from my life\u2026even from my soul. I love all of my sons equally, as I\u2019m sure the two of you know. And had either one of you been the one to go\u2026I would still feel this way. Maybe because your brother is my youngest son\u2026my\u2026baby\u2026do I feel a bit differently. I\u2019m sorry, Adam, I\u2019m sorry, Hoss,\u201d Ben said in broken words, \u201cbut my life seems empty without him\u2026I never knew I could miss someone as badly as I do, Joseph. I\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben took a deep breath and wiped his hand across the front of his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI worry for him\u2026he\u2019s never been completely on his own\u2026perhaps I fear so for him because I\u2019m afraid that in some way, I have failed to teach him how to survive without me. It\u2019s my sin\u2026and my punishment for failing him as I have\u2026is\u2026his leaving.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026you can\u2019t mean that? You\u2019ve not failed Joe\u2026if he hasn\u2019t learned from you by now\u2026it\u2019s because he wasn\u2019t paying attention to the lessons\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026it was only because he was so young\u2026and had so much to learn. He still has a lot to learn\u2026don\u2019t either of you see? He still needs us\u2026and we need him. You can\u2019t stand there and tell me that you aren\u2019t worried about him, or that you don\u2019t miss him\u2026can you?\u201d growled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss had lowered his head. Tears swelled in his sky blue eyes but he willed them away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo sir,\u201d mumbled Hoss. \u201cI miss him somethin\u2019 terrible,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI do, too,\u201d Adam freely admitted. \u201cIt\u2019s too quiet around here without him\u2026nothing ever happens anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam made a soft smile. \u201cThere\u2019s no one to yell at,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s expression softened at his son\u2019s words and he placed a hand on each of his sons\u2019 shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThen what are we waiting for?\u201d Ben asked with the first real smile that either Hoss or Adam had seen in over a month.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do ya mean, Pa?\u201d Hoss asked curiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go find that brother of yours and tell him how we really feel. Maybe he\u2019ll decide on his own then, that it\u2019s time to come home. What about it, you boys with me?\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss and Adam both grinned broadly and nodded their heads.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll saddle the horses,\u201d Hoss volunteered, already running for the barn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019ll have Hop Sing prepare us some supplies,\u201d laughed Adam, hurrying back in the house.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Miles away, Joe was having his own troubling thoughts. Thoughts of home and family had gone as far as to invade his dreams for the last several nights. The images had left a longing in his heart for what he was missing and the people whom he cared most about.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s resentment at his family, especially for his brothers had, over the course of time, faded to such that the resentment was now something of the past. Feelings of loneliness and emptiness had come in the wake of the bitterness, surprising Joe that he had missed the comradeship of the very ones whom he had complained of being responsible for his leaving in the first place.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A desire to belong, to be a part of, began gnawing at the core of his being and tugging on his heartstrings in such a way that Joe had decided that it was about time for him to swallow his pride and go home. He missed his family and his father more than he cared to admit to himself. He longed for the comfort of his father\u2019s deep voice and the soft, tender way in which Ben had always looked at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Though he hated to admit it, he even missed his brothers\u2019 teasing, the sound of their laughter and more than anything else Joe missed being included in his family\u2019s lives. Each one played such an important role in his own life, his own happiness that Joe had finally come to the conclusion that it was better to be somewhere, where he was loved, than to be anywhere, where no one cared at all. Home and family, concluded Joe, was all a man really needed to be happy\u2026a place where he belonged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe picked up his ax, smiling to himself as he made his way to the woodpile. He loved his family, even if Adam was too bossy, and Hoss teased too much. He loved his father, too, even when Ben shouted loud enough to rattle the windows. At least there\u2026at home\u2026thought Joe, he was loved in spite of his short temper, and his impulsiveness\u2026even when he was in trouble, his family had always stood by him\u2026something that a lot of men could not claim. Pa had called it \u2018unconditional love\u2019. Joe smiled again, just as he swung at the piece of wood he placed on the chopping block<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He\u2019d been chopping wood for the fire for over an hour and was on the last log when unexpectedly, the head of the ax broke and flew through the air. At first, Joe had snickered at his clumsiness, until the flat side of the tool hit the log he had been attempting to chop and flew backwards, burying its sharp edged blade deeply into his upper thigh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

An ear-piercing scream shattered the peaceful solitude of his surroundings as Joe sank to the ground in a heap of misery and pain. Blood spurted from the gash where the ax head had buried itself into his flesh. Joe grabbed his leg, instinctively drawing it to his chest with both hands. For several agonizing moments, the wounded boy remained as such, withering on the ground, his teeth grinding together as the pain blossomed and consumed his entire body in a way that sent paralyzing spasms surging from his leg outward, in all directions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moaned loudly, whimpering as he forced himself to gain enough courage to pull the sharp edged metal from his leg. Again the young man screamed out, clamping his opened hand over the wound where the blood began running freely. Everything about Joe\u2019s world swirled in front of his eyes. Yet the boy told himself that to faint now would mean to bleed to death, so he willed away the dizziness in his head as he tried to squelch the loss of blood by wrapping a strip of cloth, torn from his shirt, around the leg. Easing himself backward in order to undo his belt, Joe pulled the leather from around his waist and hurried to fashion a tourniquet above the gash to ensure that the bleeding would stop until he could tend to the wound in a more proper manner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time that Joe had the makeshift bandage and tourniquet in place, he was breathing hard, gasping for every breath he took. Pinching his lips tightly, Joe pushed himself to his feet, bracing himself against the pain as he tried to walk. Favoring the wounded leg, he hobbled back to the old shack. Every step he took, drove the pain deeper and deeper into his muscles, until by the time he managed to reach the door, tears had welled in his eyes and ran freely down the front of his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe pushed the door opened and staggered inside. The heat emitting from the old stove engulfed him in way that caused the injured man to feel as if he were smothering. The room began to spin around him. The stove seemed to fly passed his eyes, along with his cot and the table and the two chairs, even the walls and windows sailed by in front of his eyes. The heat became overpowering. Joe tried to take a step, he tottered from side to side, clumsily groping for a handhold and finding none. With a soft moan, everything went black as Joe slumped to the floor in a heap, no longer aware of the permeating pain that had invaded his body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d called Hoss. \u201cYa got any ideay where Joe might have gone to?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reined in his mount and waited while his middle son caught up to him. While Hoss and Adam moved to either side of their father\u2019s horse, Ben pulled the cork from his canteen and took a long sip of the cool water. As he wiped his mouth, Ben pushed the cork back into the opening and laid the strap across his saddle horn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe said he might spend the winter in the high country\u2026he wanted to be alone and have time to think about things,\u201d answered Ben. \u201cThe only place I know where a man could winter in relative comfort is Oblivion\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut that\u2019s still on Ponderosa land,\u201d muttered Hoss.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben couldn\u2019t stop the smile that spread across his face. \u201cI know,\u201d he said smugly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam started to laugh softly, drawing his middle brother\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t get it, what\u2019s so funny?\u201d Hoss said, finding nothing amusing about his questions.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you see, Hoss\u2026Joe wanted to get away alright\u2026but not from home\u2026from us, you, me\u2026and Pa. But the boy didn\u2019t want to get so far from home that he couldn\u2019t get home quickly\u2026if he\u2019d a mind too,\u201d laughed Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled as well; he was feeling more peace in his troubled soul than he had in the month that Joe had been gone.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI guess the joke\u2019s on us,\u201d Ben chuckled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoke? What joke?\u201d Hoss said, smiling slightly at the expressions on his family\u2019s faces.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSon\u2026Joe must surely have been trying to show us\u2026without putting it into words\u2026cause he figured we would just crack jokes\u2026just what we\u2019d be missing if he went away and stayed away. And he was right\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut what about what he would be missing?\u201d Adam had to ask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I wouldn\u2019t want to bet against it, but something tells me that Joe has learned something as well from all of this\u2026\u201d Ben explained. \u201cCome on, daylight\u2019s burning, let\u2019s ride.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The fire in the stove had burned itself out and after several hours, the chill in the room had become considerably noticeable. The prone figure on the floor moaned softly. Long lashes fluttered while pain filled hazel eyes struggled to open. After several moments, Joe raised his head, crying out in pain as he pushed himself up, into a sitting position. His body shivered a time or two and after taking a deep breath to steady himself, Joe rubbed his hands together to bring warmth back into his fingers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOhhh,\u201d Joe moaned, gritting his teeth while he clung to the chair for support and hauled his body upright.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe used the furniture to hobble his way across the room to the cold stove. He grabbed a couple of pieces of wood from the firebox he\u2019d built the first day there and laid them atop the kindling he placed in the bottom. An old newspaper lay on the table, and being careful not to fall, Joe fetched it back to the stove and struck a match to the paper. Instantly the fire caught and Joe was able to light the wood. In minutes the fire was roaring, bringing back to the one room shack a measure of warmth.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Exhausted, Joe lowered his aching body into one of the old wooden chairs and untied the tourniquet, relieved to see that the bleeding had stopped. Carefully, he peeled back the bandage on his leg. The sight of the gash, the reddish and bluish hues that discolored his leg made him scrunch up his face in disgust.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Determined to clean his wound, Joe rose slowly, feeling the room beginning to spin again, he grabbed the half emptied whiskey bottle he had brought along for such emergencies and quickly sat back down.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhew,\u201d he breathed, gasping for each breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe used his teeth to pull the cork out of the mouth of the bottle and then took a long swig, coughing as the warm liquid flowed down his throat. Again, using his teeth, this time gritting against the pain he knew would ignite his body, Joe tilted the bottle upward until the liquor seeped slowly out the top and down, unto the opened gash.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s head snapped backward.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOH GOD! AWWW!\u201d he screamed, slamming the bottle down hard on the table.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

His breath came in ragged gasps. Tears of anguish welled in his eyes; tiny droplets of blood oozed from his lower lip where he had bitten down too hard, to keep from crying out a second time. Joe\u2019s body quivered in agony, the room swam before him, forcing Joe to lay his head upon the table until the queasiness passed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a short spell, Joe cautiously made his way over to the lone cot that was in the corner. Slowly, feeling the burning in his thigh, he lowered himself down, drawing the blankets he\u2019d been using on pervious nights, around his body and up to his chin. Again and again, Joe shivered, wondering how it had gotten so cold in the room, so quickly. Exhausted and chilled to the bones, riddled with pain, Joe closed his eyes as an image of home and family taunted and teased his senses until he imagined himself back home, sitting before a roaring fire, with his loved ones. The fire in his dream, and the welcoming comfort of being with family served as a cloak that warmed the feverish body, and soon, Joe\u2019s shivering ceased.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d Joe murmured, lost once again in a sea of black obscurity.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Three nights on the trail had begun to take its toll on the weary travelers. Ben, who had been tired before starting the trek to find his son, sat slumped in the saddle. Adam had since taken the lead, winding around and around the mountainside, slowly climbing higher and higher into the edge of the freeze line where the furthermost line shack lay nestled in the last thick grove of pines, sheltered from the harsh winter elements. Above the shack, the land was barren, the freezing temperatures too cold for a strong growth of trees to survive the harsh winter weather that raged from early fall and sometimes far into spring.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWonder why we ain\u2019t seein\u2019 no smoke, Adam, the line shack ain\u2019t that far away now,\u201d Hoss pondered aloud as he followed behind his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was bringing up the rear, behind the pack animal that ambled along following Chubb.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWith our luck, Joe\u2019s not even there,\u201d grumbled Adam as he pulled his coat tighter about his neck in an effort to ward of the chilly wind.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s there,\u201d Ben said without looking up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss glanced back over his shoulder at his father and then up toward Adam. Adam had twisted around in the saddle as well to look back at his father, but he smiled instead at his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf Pa says Joe\u2019s there, then Joe\u2019s there,\u201d Adam snickered softly. \u201cLet\u2019s pick up the pace a bit\u2026I\u2019m freezing and it looks like it might start snowing any minute. The shack is just beyond those trees.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time that the trio had reached the tiny clearing, Ben was once again in the lead, feeling invigorated by the anticipation he felt at being reunited with his youngest son. The three riders pulled their mounts to a stop.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOE!\u201d Ben shouted, swinging down from the saddle. \u201cYou boys tend to the horses, I\u2019ll check inside, he might have gone hunting\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIn this weather?\u201d questioned Hoss. \u201cIt\u2019s been snowing for more\u2019n an hour\u2026Joe knows better\u2019n venturin\u2019 out in a storm, \u2018specially a snow storm.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe he left this morning and isn\u2019t back yet\u2026that would account for the lack of a fire,\u201d Ben reasoned. \u201cGo on, get those animals tended to, I\u2019ll start a fire, at least the shack will be warm when Joe gets back\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa, look,\u201d Adam called, pointing to the shed. \u201cCochise is here,\u201d he said, looking over toward his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe could have taken the pack horse\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it\u2019s here as well,\u201d Adam called from the door of the shed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben raised his brows, momentarily at a loss for an explanation. Shrugging his shoulders, he opened the door and stepped inside the poorly lit room. The man shivered from the cold blast of air that blew in behind him. Quickly, he shut the door and waited for his eyes to adjust to the lighting.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he could see, Ben glanced around at the disarray. The room looked as if it had been ransacked. On the table lay a toppled over bottle of whiskey. Seeing it caused Ben to envision his son having been drunk for days\u2026perhaps weeks. He shook his head, chasing the vision from his mind. As Ben approached the table, he spied a soiled strip of cloth lying on the floor. Picking it up, Ben gasped aloud. The cloth, obviously a part of his son\u2019s shirt, was coated in dried blood that had turned a nasty shade of brown.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With heart racing, Ben took another step forward, glancing at the empty cot. Moving around the chair, Ben\u2019s eyes widened in horror.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJOSEPH!\u201d shouted Ben at the top of his lungs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Quickly, Ben pushed aside the furniture that blocked his path and knelt down beside the unconscious boy. Gently, with hands that trembled, Ben turned Joe over onto his back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d the worried father said in a soft whisper. \u201cDear God,\u201d Ben said to no one, \u201cyou\u2019re burning up with fever!\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the time that Adam and Hoss had made their way to the shack, Ben had a fire blazing in the stove and Joe comfortable on the cot. He looked up from the bedside where he was leaning down, washing the sweat from his youngest son\u2019s brow.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s been hurt,\u201d Ben explained before either had a chance to ask.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss crossed the room to stand over the bed, gazing down into the colorless face of their sibling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLook at his leg,\u201d whispered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss reached down and pulled the blankets back, revealing the wound on his brother\u2019s left thigh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh Lordy\u2026wonder how he done that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Ben answered, wetting the cloth again and wringing it out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pressed his hand to Joe\u2019s cheek and gave his father a worried look.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHot\u2026too hot.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The expression on his father\u2019s face told Adam that Ben was worried\u2026and frightened.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get the supplies, that wound needs tending too,\u201d he said, turning to go.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d whispered Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Pa,\u201d Hoss said, barely able to take his eyes off his younger brother\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMake some coffee, please, I have a feeling it\u2019s going to be a long night,\u201d Ben said with a sigh.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure \u2018nough\u2026I\u2019ll rustle us up somethin\u2019 to eat, too\u2026I\u2019m plum starvin\u2019 to death,\u201d Hoss said with a slight grin. \u201cYa just tend to Short Shanks, Adam and me, we\u2019ll see to everythin\u2019 else.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at the young man, placing a firm hand on Hoss\u2019 arm.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank you, son,\u201d Ben smiled. \u201cI\u2019m sure once we get this fever down\u2026Little Joe will be alright,\u201d he muttered, turning to look at the boy, who had begun to moan softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss offered one of the chairs to his father. Ben nodded his head in appreciation and sat down, doting over his ailing son. Joe had begun to toss his head from side to side, fighting a battle with the fever and pain that consumed his tortured body.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026\u201d whispered Ben, tenderly caressing the side of Joe\u2019s face. \u201cPa\u2019s here now\u2026and everything is going to be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben picked up Joe\u2019s hand and held it within his own. The fever had managed to make its way to the boy\u2019s fingertips, making Ben frown at the heat that emitted, even there. Several times over the course of as many hours, Ben placed damp, cool cloths to his son\u2019s brow, never leaving the boy\u2019s side.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Outside, the wind howled and snow fell in great, large flakes, quickly covering the ground in a solid blanket of white. Adam and Hoss took turns feeding the stove in order to keep the old cabin from getting cold and thus adding to their brother\u2019s uncomfortable condition.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe sure chopped enough wood,\u201d Hoss comment while carrying in a load from the porch where his younger, industrious brother had stacked it. \u201cHe must really have been plannin\u2019 on stayin\u2019 all winter.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe made repairs on the shed too, enlarged it in fact. I have to admit, Pa\u2026the boy did a good job, too\u2026good as any full-grown man could have,\u201d he said and then smiled when his father raised his head to look his way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cToo bad Joe didn\u2019t hear that,\u201d Ben said with a sad little smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moaned softly then, drawing his father\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d murmured Joe in a weak voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben leaned down so that Joe might be better able to hear him when he spoke.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here son\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDream\u2026I\u2019m\u2026dreaming\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled. \u201cWhat are you dreaming, son?\u201d he whispered, placing his lips close to Joe\u2019s ears.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHome\u2026home\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben felt a lump swell in his throat and he had to swallow several times to dislodge it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGoing\u2026home,\u201d muttered Joe, \u201csoon\u2026leg\u2026better\u2026go\u2026home\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss had moved closer and each stood watching the expressions on Joe\u2019s face. Hoss glanced at his father and when Ben looked up, he smiled encouragingly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTell him\u2026we\u2019ll all go home, just as soon as he can travel,\u201d Hoss suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded his head and leaned back down, picking up Joe\u2019s hand and holding it to his cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2026your brothers are here, too\u2026and when you\u2019re better\u2026we\u2019ll all go home, together, how\u2019s that?\u201d Ben said softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They watched as Joe\u2019s eyes squeezed tightly and tried to open. But the boy was still too weak to force them apart and too tired to say anything more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The long night had at last given way to the morning. The snow had stopped just before dawn, leaving everything within eyesight, looking like a winter wonderland. Ben stepped outside to make a quick survey of the conditions, amazed at the beauty of the fresh fallen snow. The sight was beautiful, but the snow posed a new problem for the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018How,\u2019 thought Ben as he stood and marveled at God\u2019s handiwork, \u2018am I ever to get my son off this mountain?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s resting easier now. Fever doesn\u2019t seem to be as high,\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The young man had joined his father and stood gazing out over the wonderland.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSure is pretty, isn\u2019t it?\u201d he commented.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2026beautiful\u2026but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Pa?\u201d Adam asked, seeing the anxious look on his father\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glanced at the sky and shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not over yet, Adam\u2026there\u2019s more snow coming and we\u2019ve got to get Joe out of here. He needs a doctor; that gash needs stitching\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t you do it?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben jerked his head around, looking Adam squarely in the eye. His expression was one of sheer surprise.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMe?\u201d he said coarsely. \u201cWhy\u2026I couldn\u2019t, Adam\u2026\u201d Ben stammered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gazed up at the clouds that were quickly forming and then again at his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no way we can get off this mountain before that next snow hits us\u2026and if you want to avoid an infection\u2026you might not have a choice, Pa\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s frown deepened and he sighed softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you think I\u2019ve considered that?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I could scar him something terrible\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe could die, too\u2026what would you rather see happen, Joe dying or living with a scar that no one would ever see\u2026except us? I\u2019d think nothing of seeing a scar\u2026and I\u2019ve already found out that it would be next to impossible to live without my kid brother\u2026he means more to me than I ever thought he could.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam griped his father\u2019s arm tightly with his fingers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve learned my lesson\u2026and I want my brother to come home\u2026alive. You have to sew up that cut, Pa\u2026and soon. It\u2019s a wonder that an infection hasn\u2019t already set in\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, son\u2026I know.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben had Adam boil some water on the stove while he cleaned the wound again and sterilized the needles that were kept among the first aide supplies. Hoss helped his father tear away the old bandage and prepared the new ones for when Joe\u2019s leg was ready to be re-bandaged.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMove the lanterns closer, Hoss,\u201d Ben instructed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood at the washbasin, scrubbing his hands with the lye soap that was a part of their supplies. When he was certain they were clean enough, he held them over the warm stove to dry.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEverything\u2019s ready, Pa,\u201d Adam said. \u201cHoss, you better help me hold him down, this is going to hurt like hell.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glanced up hoping his father hadn\u2019t heard him use the cuss word. When Ben\u2019s eyes met Adam\u2019s, the younger man lowered his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry, Pa,\u201d Adam muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNever mind, son\u2026you spoke the truth,\u201d Ben answered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat down in the chair and leaned forward, studying Joe\u2019s face closely.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d he said and waited for a response.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When none was forth coming, he glanced at Adam and Hoss and nodded his head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you hold his shoulders\u2026Hoss, I\u2019ll need you down here, to hold his legs still,\u201d Ben said, taking a deep breath.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The father-turned-surgeon picked up the needle and the homespun thread. His sons watched as their father paused, lowering his head and listened to the softly mumbled prayer that Ben whispered. When Ben had finished, he looked up to find two pairs of eyes intently watching him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAre you ready?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both younger men nodded their heads. Outside, it had begun to snow once again. Inside, three men worked to save the life of their loved one. On the cot, Joe, in his unconscious state of mind, cried out and tried to pull away from the offending needle that continuously pierced his flesh. His soft muted whimpers tugged at his father\u2019s heartstrings and several times Ben was forced to stop long enough to catch his breath and give the boy a reprieve from his suffering before continuing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben worked as quickly as he dared, making tiny little stitches, hoping that the scar that would be left in the wake of his needlework would be practically non-existing and praying that he was closing the opened wound in the proper manner.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s brow beaded with tiny droplets of moisture as he worked. Hoss used his free hand to dab, with a towel at the beads, drying his father\u2019s brow. Joe had sank deeper into his trance and had stopped squirming, which made closing the wound easier for his father and the job of holding him down less taxing on his brothers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The gash was long and deep and it took nearly an hour for Ben to finish his job. But when it was complete, he leaned back and let out a long sigh of relief.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t look so bad, considering,\u201d he said, smiling up at both young men. \u201cI hope Joe is please,\u201d he said, almost as if he were teasing.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLooks fine, Pa,\u201d said Adam, with assurance.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDoc Martin couldn\u2019t have done finer,\u201d Hoss grinned. \u201cAnd if Joe ain\u2019t please\u2026I\u2019ll pound him for ya\u2026once he\u2019s on his feet again,\u201d chuckled Hoss, relieved that the ominous task was completed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Father and sons chuckled softly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s get this masterpiece bandaged up,\u201d Ben cautioned, \u201c before sleeping beauty decides to wake up.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was far into the night before Joe began stirring about. His soft cries woke his father, who had been catching forty winks curled in his bedroll close to his son\u2019s cot. As Ben rose, he glanced at Adam and Hoss who had not been awakened by their brother\u2019s moaning.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph?\u201d whispered Ben, pulling the blanket around his shoulders.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pressed his hand to the boy\u2019s brow, letting the air blow from his lungs.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThank goodness,\u201d he muttered to himself, relieved that Joe\u2019s fever had cooled off a bit.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan you open your eyes for me?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe moaned again as he turned his head and tried to do as requested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa?\u201d he groaned.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m here, son,\u201d Ben answered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s hand moved, searching the air for a handhold. Quickly Ben grasped his son\u2019s hand in his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u2026not dreaming\u2026am I? You\u2019re\u2026really\u2026here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes, sweetheart, I\u2019m really here,\u201d Ben said, smiling as the hazel eyes opened and looked up into his face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPa\u2026\u201d Joe said, trying to smile. \u201cI\u2026knew\u2026you\u2019d\u2026come\u2026\u201dhe murmured.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben saw the tears swell in the depths of Joe\u2019s eyes and he brought the boy\u2019s hand to his lips and kissed the tips of Joe\u2019s fingers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026prayed\u2026you\u2026would find\u2026me\u2026\u201d Joe said, closing his eyes and letting the droplets free to flow down from the corner of his eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShh\u2026don\u2019t cry, son\u2026you\u2019re going to be fine\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026not that\u2026I\u2026missed\u2026you\u2026all of\u2026you,\u201d Joe cried. \u201cWas\u2026going\u2026to start\u2026home\u2026but\u2026got hurt\u2026couldn\u2019t\u2026make\u2026it\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I see\u2026don\u2019t worry yourself, son, please. We\u2019re all here now\u2026and we\u2019re together,\u201d smiled Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked up, surprised to find that Adam and Hoss had joined him and Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe just woke up,\u201d Ben said with a happy ring to his voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam moved closer and smiled down at his brother.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey Little Buddy, how ya feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBetter\u2026now\u2026that\u2026I have\u2026my family\u2026back,\u201d Joe responded.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Hoss said, taking the boy\u2019s attention away from their older sibling.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi\u2026Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss swallowed the lump that had sprouted in his throat and tried to smile.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m glad we found ya in time\u2026ya sure \u2018nough gave a fright, Short Shanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe\u2019s eyes had closed but he strained to open them again.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t\u2026mean to, Hoss\u2026\u201d the boy muttered.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright, that\u2019s enough for now. I think Joe here needs to try to get some sleep,\u201d Ben instructed. \u201cThe sooner he gets better, the sooner we can get off this mountain and back home, where we belong,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBelong\u2026yes\u2026home\u2026with\u2026family\u2026\u201d whispered Joe.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When they looked down, a peaceful smile had replaced the worried expression and softened the boy\u2019s features.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben laid his son\u2019s hand back under the warm blanket and stood, leaning over and placing a kiss to Joe\u2019s brow. Tenderly, consumed with emotion, Ben brushed his fingers through the thick mass of roan colored curls. He knew that it would take several weeks before Joe was up and about, but now that the boy\u2019s demons had been battled and overcome, Ben could look forward to the day that life would be back to normal\u2026and he\u2019d have his son home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled again, unaware that he was being watched. His thoughts reflected on the lesson a snip of a boy bordering on manhood had taught him. Gazing down into the face of the young man on the cot\u2026Ben could only wonder what lessons his son might have learned, but he had a pretty good idea that the lessons were similar. Somehow, he felt sure he and Joe had reached the knowledge that no matter where they were as long as the four of them were together\u2026they were home, for \u2018home\u2019 was in the heart, where love dwelled.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When he was, at last able to pull himself away, he turned, seeing Adam and Hoss smiling at him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d he whispered, as he moved to the stove to add more wood to the fire.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust you\u2026and the boy,\u201d Adam said with a twinkle glimmering in his dark eyes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat down in one of the chairs and watched his father busying himself with the stove. For a long while he watched without saying a word and then it dawned on him, the change that had suddenly transformed his father. It was the first time in weeks that he had seen his father so relaxed.\u00a0\u00a0 He marveled at the ease in which a gentle touch and light kiss could transform a tired, worried expression into one of happiness and total contentment\u2026it was like a miracle\u2026but then, pondered the eldest Cartwright son, wasn\u2019t love just like that, a miracle?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

THE END<\/p>\n

November 2004<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

<\/g><\/svg><\/i> \"Loading\"<\/p>\n

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

Summary:\u00a0 Joe’s private search to find himself, leads him to learn one very important lesson, home is where love dwells, be it back at the ranch or in a far distant cabin surrounded by those he loves.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (9,200 Words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9052,"featured_media":4115,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[14,15,17,16],"class_list":["post-12165","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","tag-adam-cartwright","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1749,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/frontporch.jpg?fit=439%2C305&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":12160,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12160","url_meta":{"origin":12165,"position":0},"title":"Happy Birthday Pa! (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"February 1, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0\u00a0 Joe's down in Texas on Pa's birthday...but he hasn't forgotten his father's special day.\u00a0 He has written a letter home to wish Ben a Happy Birthday. Rated:\u00a0 G\u00a0 (780 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Ben-Draw.jpg?fit=278%2C354&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":12165,"position":1},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":17570,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=17570","url_meta":{"origin":12165,"position":2},"title":"Lessons In Love (by Hart4Ben)","author":"Hart4Ben","date":"June 1, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: A post canon letter from Jamie on life, love, and gratitude. References season 14 episode First Love. Rating = K WC = 1137","rel":"","context":"In "Jamie Hunter Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Jamie Hunter Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1011"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/The_Hunter-Jamie.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/The_Hunter-Jamie.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/The_Hunter-Jamie.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/The_Hunter-Jamie.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12162,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12162","url_meta":{"origin":12165,"position":3},"title":"Happy Mother’s Day, Pa (by DebbieB)","author":"DebbieB","date":"May 1, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Little Joe pays homage to his father, on Mother's Day Rating: \u00a0G\u00a0 (1,225 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/ben.jpg?fit=264%2C281&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":15658,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=15658","url_meta":{"origin":12165,"position":4},"title":"In the Mind’s Eye (by Hart4Ben)","author":"Hart4Ben","date":"January 7, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A farce on Bonanza FanFic with a twist. Rating: K+\u00a0 Word Count: 1099","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":6624,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6624","url_meta":{"origin":12165,"position":5},"title":"Forever (by Rider)","author":"Rider","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Part one of\u00a0my WHI \"Forever\" series \"Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Cartwright\" \u00a0Joe meets and marries Alice Harper. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (2,020 words) Forever Series, links to all the stories within the series included.","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/coming-soon-4.jpg?fit=320%2C240&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12165","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\/9052"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12165"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12165\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4115"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12165"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12165"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12165"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}