{"id":12829,"date":"2016-04-21T09:46:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-21T13:46:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12829"},"modified":"2025-02-18T19:10:19","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T00:10:19","slug":"spirit-child","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12829","title":{"rendered":"Spirit Child (by AC1830)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>On his way home, Joe encounters a Spring snow storm and has to wait it out in a line shack. He has a visit from an unusual child who tells him troubling things about Adam, who has been gone for years. \u00a0Adam, in the mean time has suffered a great loss and has returned home. He and Hoss head into the mountains to meet with Joe. \u00a0Joe is desperate to get to Adam when he learns from the child that Adam has been injured on his way to the shack. \u00a0The brothers reconnect but soon learn the child is part of a terrible tragedy in Adam’s life. Will Adam find healing or more sorrow on his way home with his brothers?<\/p>\n

This story began as a St. Patrick’s Day Tall Tale short story challenge (Joe’s story), but Adam’s story begged to be told as well.<\/p>\n

Word count – 8814\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rating K+<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Spirit Child<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Snow had been falling heavily for only an hour yet several inches had already covered the trail Joe was following. He was trying to get home from Placerville but a sudden March snowstorm came across the mountains just after he crossed onto the southern section of the Ponderosa. Before he left Placerville he saw the clouds building, so he decided to send a wire home to let his family know his route and plans to get home.\u00a0 For the last week he had been in Placerville negotiating a contract for beef.\u00a0 He urgently needed to get the contract papers home so he made the decision to push on.\u00a0 Moving from line shack to line shack Joe figured he could make it home more easily.<\/p>\n

Checking his bearings, Joe calculated he had a couple more miles until the next shack. It was getting late in the day and he was anxious to get settled before darkness fell.\u00a0 Knowing it was well stocked he and Cochise would hold up there to let the storm pass.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Cooch, we\u2019re almost there.\u00a0 This is the next to last shack, before home.\u00a0 I think I see some smoke up ahead.\u00a0 Maybe someone else needed to get out of the storm, too.\u201d\u00a0 Cochise perked up her ears when Joe nudged her to move a little bit faster.\u00a0 She nickered in response as she increased her steps and Joe pulled his coat tighter around his neck and ears to keep the blowing snow out.<\/p>\n

After what seemed like hours they finally reached the shack.\u00a0\u00a0 Cochise stopped at the shed waiting patiently to be led inside.\u00a0 Joe stiffly dismounted feeling the cold through to his bones.\u00a0 He quickly unsaddled his horse and led her inside.\u00a0 He found some hay, a bucket for water and gave her some oats he was carrying with him.\u00a0 Satisfied that Cochise was safe and warm, Joe picked up his saddle bags and bedroll, and headed for the shack.\u00a0 The icy wind suddenly shifted around the door and he got a whiff of meat cooking but it was nothing he recognized and certainly nothing he expected out in the wilderness, miles from civilization.<\/p>\n

Deciding to be extra cautious he pulled his gun out and slowly opened the door and saw no one. In fact there was no evidence that anyone had been in the small one-room cabin. There was no fire and therefore no food cooking.\u00a0 Wrinkling his nose, Joe sniffed the air again and could have sworn he still smelled some kind of beef stew.\u00a0 Shrugging his shoulders with a bit of disappointment, he quickly set about building a fire and soon had hot beans, jerky and coffee for dinner. A can of peaches made a pretty good dessert to round out the meal.<\/p>\n

After Joe ate he cleaned up and sat for a while in the quiet of the shack, listening to the crackling of the fire and the wind howling outside.\u00a0 Feeling the effects of a long day of travel and the warm food in his belly, he decided to turn in. Joe stretched out on the cot, pulled the blanket up around him and was asleep in minutes.<\/p>\n

Hours later, Joe awoke to light in the room.\u00a0 He knew he had turned down the lamp but now it was brighter.\u00a0 He lay still and listened, he could hear someone breathing and humming.\u00a0 Without moving he slowly rolled his eyes around to try to find the source of the sounds.\u00a0 That\u2019s when he saw the intruder.\u00a0 His eyes told him it was a child of about four years old sitting by the fireplace stirring something in the large pot, but his brain was telling him that was impossible.\u00a0 Joe slowly reached for his gun and began to sit up.<\/p>\n

The visitor noticed Joe but didn\u2019t seem bothered by his presence in the least.\u00a0 The \u201cchild\u201d smiled pleasantly at him and went back to stirring the contents of the pot.\u00a0 Screwing up his face Joe tried to figure out just what he was looking at.\u00a0 The child appeared to be a young boy.\u00a0 His clothing consisted simply of pants and shirt, with no shoes. He had ebony black hair and the brightest green eyes Joe had ever seen.\u00a0 His skin was pale and milky white in color.\u00a0 He smiled at Joe with a warm bright smile and opened his mouth to speak.\u00a0 Joe was stunned to hear the child\u2019s voice.\u00a0 He spoke with an accent that was almost musical in tone and he spoke with a speech that was beyond his years.<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease call me Addyson. I hope you do not mind that I am here.\u00a0 I am not used to the cold and this structure was here.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been waiting for you to awaken. I have a message to give you.\u00a0 Oh, and you will not need your weapon; I will not harm you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMessage?\u00a0\u00a0 What… are you talking about?\u201d\u00a0 Joe managed to squeak out the questions.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can speak of that later.\u00a0 Would you like some stew?\u00a0 I do not know about you but I am very hungry,\u201d Addyson spoke in soothing tones.<\/p>\n

Joe began to relax in Addyson\u2019s presence so he put his gun away. \u201cYeah sure.\u00a0 By the way I\u2019m Joe, Joe Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n

Addyson smiled warmly, giving a simple nod of his head as if he already knew that.\u00a0 As the food was served Joe studied the visitor.\u00a0 Something seemed very familiar about his face.\u00a0 Maybe the eyes; oh, not the color, but the shape, and the dark hair.\u00a0 Joe shrugged to himself as he took the bowl from Addyson, who smiled again.\u00a0 Joe froze with his spoon halfway to his mouth. That was it.\u00a0 He had the same kind of smile as Adam, a little crooked and the dimples that pushed his cheeks toward his eyes.\u00a0\u00a0 Addyson reminded Joe of Adam.\u00a0 Well just in the face and the hair, nothing else was like his brother.<\/p>\n

Joe began to eat. He had to admit his mouth was watering despite having eaten a few hours ago. After a few bites he began to recognize the taste.\u00a0 He\u2019d had something like it at Annie O\u2019Toole\u2019s restaurant when she\u2019d first arrived at the silver camps.\u00a0 Joe thought hard to recall the name.\u00a0 As he let the memories of that crazy time run through his mind he suddenly remembered \u2013 Corned Beef and Cabbage stew. It\u2019s a good thing Hoss isn\u2019t here or there wouldn\u2019t be any stew left for me or Addyson.<\/em> Joe chuckled to himself.<\/p>\n

Addyson glanced up with his green eyes sparkling.\u00a0 \u201cHoss is your brother, yes?\u00a0 Does he like to eat Irish food?\u00a0 There will be plenty for him as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe coughed and sputtered, trying not to choke on the food in his mouth.\u00a0 After he swallowed, he frowned. Addyson\u2019s face was completely innocent.\u00a0 \u201cI…I didn\u2019t say anything about Hoss. How did you know what I was thinking?\u201d<\/p>\n

Addyson\u2019s giggle sounded like tiny bells.\u00a0 \u201cI am sorry.\u00a0 You are not able to read thoughts.\u00a0 I will refrain from doing that.\u201d\u00a0 He dipped his head and finished his food in silence.<\/p>\n

Puzzled, Joe went back to eating as well.\u00a0 When he finished he rinsed his bowl and placed it near the fire to dry.\u00a0 Looking at Addyson he spoke quietly.\u00a0 \u201cHoss is my brother.\u00a0 He\u2019s a lot bigger than I am and he loves food of all kinds.\u00a0 He is also very kind and gentle.\u201d<\/p>\n

Addyson nodded and began to clean up all the food and dishes.\u00a0 Afterward he sat on the floor by the fire drawing his knees up under his chin.\u00a0\u00a0 As Joe went to stretch out on the cot Addyson studied him with a melancholy smile.\u00a0 Joe caught a glimpse of it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it?\u00a0 Is there something else you haven\u2019t told me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lowering his head, Addyson sighed and continued. \u201cYou have another brother, correct?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe eyed him suspiciously.\u00a0 He answered cautiously, \u201cYes. His name is Adam.\u201d\u00a0 Joe hadn\u2019t seen Adam in years.\u00a0 He could not understand how this child could know about Adam, or any of them for that matter.<\/p>\n

Addyson\u2019s eyes widened and the green in them flared with gold sparks.\u00a0 A lone tear trickled down his cheek.<\/p>\n

Seeing Addyson\u2019s eyes change Joe moved and crouched where Addyson sat by the fire. Any calm Joe felt was suddenly gone.<\/p>\n

Addyson regarded Joe with nervous eyes.\u00a0 What he had to tell this man would be very difficult.\u00a0 He could not reveal too much.\u00a0 What a mess!\u00a0 Addyson sighed.\u00a0 \u201cPlease sit down Joe.\u201d\u00a0 Joe pulled a chair around and straddled it with his arms propped on the back.\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI knew you would be here.\u00a0 Your brothers are on their way.\u00a0 They are not far but they encountered the storm, and\u2026 something else. It did not go well with Adam.\u00a0 He was badly injured.\u201d\u00a0 Addyson peered into the fire.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t want to see harm come to this family; they were too special.<\/p>\n

Joe absorbed what he had just heard.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re coming here?\u00a0 Adam\u2019s home?\u00a0 No, it can\u2019t be; he\u2019s been gone for years. Last we heard he was somewhere in England. Wait, what do you mean Adam\u2019s hurt?\u00a0 Where are they?\u00a0 I\u2019ve got to get to them now.\u201d\u00a0 He jumped up and began putting his coat on.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe.\u00a0 That will not help.\u00a0 They are too far yet.\u00a0 I am sorry.\u201d\u00a0 Addyson stared at Joe, his green eyes dark with sorrow.<\/p>\n

Joe froze at Addyson\u2019s words, and then spun so quickly he made the flames dance in the fireplace with the shift of air.\u00a0 \u201cWhat the hell do you mean?\u00a0 You said he\u2019s hurt, or\u2026oh God\u2026.no\u2026.not dead.\u201d\u00a0 Joe sank to the floor and ran his hands across his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not know the outcome, only that he was badly injured.\u00a0 I did what I could to help him, and then I came here…to wait for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you mean you \u2018did what you could\u2019?\u00a0 What are you talking about?\u201d Joe\u2019s voice was climbing higher as he tried hard to control his emotions. \u201cNone of this is making any sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI am sorry Joe.\u00a0 I cannot reveal any more.\u00a0 Trust me when I say this is all I can do, to make you aware of the situation.\u201d\u00a0 There was so much more he wanted to say but he didn\u2019t dare.<\/p>\n

Joe started pacing around the small room and threw his hands into the air.\u00a0 \u201cOh that\u2019s just fine.\u00a0 Very helpful!\u00a0 You show up, tell me Adam\u2019s home and he\u2019s hurt badly and I can\u2019t even go do anything about it.\u201d\u00a0 In two steps Joe was in front of Addyson and yanked the boy off the floor by the shoulders.\u00a0 \u201cTell me right now where Adam is, then we\u2019re both going out to find him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite his position of dangling above the floor, Addyson spoke calmly, \u201cNo Joe.\u00a0 You must wait here.\u00a0 Your brother Hoss will bring him here.\u00a0 You can help him here, not out there.\u201d\u00a0 Joe put him down. Addyson tipped his head toward the dark window.\u00a0 \u201cYou must sleep.\u00a0 They will be here in a few hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe began to complain about not being the least bit sleepy, but he found he was actually growing drowsy.\u00a0 He moved to the cot and stretched out on it.\u00a0 After wrapping up in his blanket he closed his eyes and fell asleep.\u00a0 Addyson looked on with a mixture of sadness and peace in his eyes.\u00a0 He liked this man. Perhaps he would be able to stay near and watch over them all.<\/p>\n

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

Joe\u2019s body jumped and he bolted straight up, acutely aware of having heard a loud voice or thump.\u00a0 Disoriented he quickly scanned the shack.\u00a0 Sunlight was just coming into the window.\u00a0 The lamp had gone out but there was a nice fire still blazing.\u00a0 The black pot was near the fire with steam rising out of it.\u00a0 Joe could tell it held the remains of last night\u2019s stew, but all traces of Addyson were gone. Joe shook his head to clear the misty images swirling around in his thoughts.\u00a0 Did he just dream all that last night?<\/p>\n

Just then Joe heard a horse whinny and was concerned that Cochise was in trouble.\u00a0 He sprang to the door and yanked it open.\u00a0 He was not prepared for what he saw.\u00a0 Suddenly, painfully, Addyson\u2019s words came roaring back into his head.<\/p>\n

About twenty feet away were his brothers.\u00a0 Hoss was trying to get Adam off Chubb while standing in nearly two feet of snow.\u00a0 Joe flew out and slogged through the snow as fast as he could.\u00a0 He took the feet of his unconscious brother and together they got him into the shelter and onto the cot.\u00a0 Joe then went back out to get the horses into the lean-to with Cochise.\u00a0 He made sure they were settled then ran back to the shack.\u00a0 By the time he returned, Hoss had Adam\u2019s wet clothes off and had moved the cot near the fire to begin warming his brother up.\u00a0 When Joe came in Hoss turned his head away to hide his frightened expression, but Joe had seen it.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s heart dropped to his feet.\u00a0 He carefully moved over to the cot and knelt beside it.\u00a0 He took Adam\u2019s cold hand and absentmindedly rubbed it while tears stained his face; Addyson\u2019s words were ringing in his head.\u00a0 Hoss had moved over to the pot of stew and gave it a slow, absentminded stir.<\/p>\n

Joe could barely find his voice. \u201cHoss, tell me what happened.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss didn\u2019t turn around.\u00a0 His voice was shaky.\u00a0 \u201cAdam got home while you were in Placerville. He got mule-headed about surprisin\u2019 you on the trail so we came. It was late yesterday. We was about five miles from here makin\u2019 our way down the trail.\u00a0 It was then that we hit the bad snow.\u00a0 I was leadin\u2019 the way when there was an unearthly scream behind me.\u00a0 I turned as fast as I could drawin\u2019 my rifle, and saw Sport rear up and Adam flew off his back.\u00a0 I saw something big and dark fly over them. There was a flash of green then everything was still. When I got to Adam, he was lyin\u2019 all crooked and his arm was dislocated. I fixed him up the best I could and got him on Chubb.\u00a0 I thought we\u2019d never make it here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe stared at his bigger brother.\u00a0 \u201cYou rode all night?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss simply nodded.\u00a0 He chucked his hands into his pockets and sank down heavily in the chair.<\/p>\n

Joe looked Adam over and decided he needed better dressings for his injuries.\u00a0 Letting Hoss sit and rest he got out the first aid supplies and went to work.\u00a0 A while later he sat by the black pot and dished up some stew for himself and Hoss.\u00a0 Not realizing how hungry he was, Hoss wolfed it down and asked for more.\u00a0 Joe willingly obliged him.\u00a0 Joe was secretly glad Hoss was too preoccupied with their troubles to ask about the stew.\u00a0 He wouldn\u2019t have known how to explain it anyway.<\/p>\n

After both brothers had had their fill they settled on the floor near Adam and Hoss fell asleep almost immediately.\u00a0 Joe tried to keep a vigil over Adam but eventually succumbed to sleep as well.\u00a0 When Joe awoke it was dark.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s hand had dropped down on top of Joe\u2019s head.\u00a0 Joe sprang to his knees to check on Adam and saw his brother\u2019s eyes were open.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, big brother.\u201d Joe forced a smile he didn\u2019t feel.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019d say welcome home but this isn\u2019t exactly home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam gave a slight smile at seeing Joe. \u201cJoe\u2026what happened?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss said something spooked Sport. He reared up and you fell off.\u00a0 Hit your head and shoulder pretty bad.\u00a0 Now no more talk for a while. You need to rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grabbed for Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cJoe I saw something…he caught me when I fell\u2026green eyes like shamrocks, he touched me\u2026It was…my\u2026son.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s weak voice trailed off.<\/p>\n

Joe was stunned.\u00a0 \u201cAdam?\u00a0 What son?\u00a0 What are you talking about?\u201d\u00a0 Joe\u2019s mind was swirling recalling how Addyson looked so much like Adam.<\/p>\n

Adam reached for Joe and had sorrow in his eyes.\u00a0 \u201cHe died from fever…was only four\u2026Last month\u2026Oh Addy\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Adam reached up toward the window and Joe saw his brother looking at something Joe couldn\u2019t see.\u00a0 \u201cAddy, please\u2026don\u2019t\u2026 go\u2026\u201d\u00a0 Adam dropped his arm and closed his eyes.<\/p>\n

Joe saw a lone tear drift down his brother\u2019s cheek.\u00a0 Unable to comprehend all that Adam had said Joe gazed up toward the darkened window and caught the faintest glimmer of green sparks outside, and at the same time he heard a quiet laugh that sounded like tiny bells.\u00a0 Joe\u2019s breath caught in his chest.\u00a0 Addy…son??\u00a0 Addy – Adam…Adam\u2019s son!!\u00a0 <\/em>Joe shivered but managed a small smile as he watched the green sparkles appear to dance after he\u2019d figured it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam<\/p>\n

As dawn approached the next day and the gray light in the room began to brighten, Hoss sat against the log wall by the fireplace, his long legs stretched out on the floor.\u00a0 The only sounds in the small room were the crackling of the fire and the soft snores of his two brothers.\u00a0 The quiet atmosphere helped Hoss relax after what he had observed when he\u2019d first awakened a few hours before.\u00a0 At that time, Joe and Adam were talking in hushed tones. Hoss, not wanting to disturb them, laid still until the room grew quiet.\u00a0 Now Adam was resting comfortably.\u00a0 His face relaxed with no sign of distress.\u00a0 Joe had fallen asleep leaning sideways against the cot with his hand resting on Adam\u2019s injured shoulder.<\/p>\n

Hoss now was pondering just what he had seen and heard the previous night.\u00a0 Did he really hear Adam mention having a son who had died from a fever?\u00a0 How could he see him?\u00a0 And Hoss kept wondering about those green lights he\u2019d seen on the trail when Adam fell and then again at the cabin a few hours ago.\u00a0 He just couldn\u2019t make sense of any of it and didn\u2019t even know how to bring it up with his brothers.<\/p>\n

His anxious thoughts wandered back to a few days ago when Adam surprised him and Pa\u00a0 by showing up at home.\u00a0 Their father was so thrilled to see his eldest son he didn\u2019t seem to notice how tired and drawn Adam appeared to be.\u00a0 But Hoss noticed.\u00a0 He even tried to ask Adam about it but, as usual, his older brother smoothly side-stepped the question by redirection.\u00a0 Hoss left the issue alone but let Adam know he was available to listen at any time.<\/p>\n

After they received Joe\u2019s telegram about the snow storm and his travel plans, Adam insisted that both brothers go to meet Joe part of the way and ride home with him.\u00a0 Hoss voiced his concerns that Adam didn\u2019t appear to have all his energy back from his trip, but Adam sidestepped it again and very firmly said he was going; end of discussion.\u00a0 Hoss somehow knew right then that something bad had happened to Adam and he had come home for one of two reasons – to get away from it or to heal from it.\u00a0 Hoss determined right then to find out the truth so his brother could heal and return to his old self.<\/p>\n

Now Hoss sat in a line shack, contemplating his older brother who was seriously injured, mourning the loss of a son, and his younger brother troubled by some truth that had yet to be spoken and not wanting to leave Adam\u2019s side at all.\u00a0 Hoss knew both his brothers shared some information and he was going to find out what it was as soon as they were awake.<\/p>\n

As the sunlight broke through the window, Hoss rose quietly and went to tend to the stock.\u00a0 As he fed the horses and brushed them down, he felt a chilly breeze brush by him.\u00a0\u00a0 Hoss turned expecting to see Joe but instead saw nothing.\u00a0 He heard something that sounded like a child\u2019s laugh.\u00a0 Since he was finished with the horses he headed back to the shack to check on Joe and Adam.\u00a0 Seeing they were still asleep, Hoss quietly closed the door and decided to prepare some snares. If they stayed one more day, they would need food so he figured he\u2019d set some snares later in the morning.\u00a0 As he headed to the shed, he saw movement out of the corner of his eye, then he heard the laughter again.\u00a0 As he turned his large frame he nearly knocked down a small child with black hair and green eyes.<\/p>\n

Before Hoss could say anything, the boy spun around and ran into the woods.\u00a0 Hoss followed as fast as his big frame would let him, but the child was too fast and Hoss had lost him.\u00a0 Just as he turned to head back he saw a green light and then lots of little dancing lights all around him.\u00a0 The last thing he remembered was the sound of tiny bells ringing, then all was clear and silent.\u00a0 The woods were just as they had been before he entered them.\u00a0 Hoss slowly walked back to the shack trying to understand everything when he saw Joe coming out of the shack.\u00a0 He jogged up and grabbed his little brother\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe.\u00a0 You won\u2019t believe what I just saw.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

A couple of hours later Joe and Hoss sat on the tiny stoop outside the shack.\u00a0 After Hoss had told Joe what he\u2019d\u00a0 experienced Joe filled Hoss in on his visit with Addyson.\u00a0 Neither brother knew what to do with what they knew so they agreed to move on to some chores while Adam slept.\u00a0 The storm had passed and the temperature was warming up allowing the snow to begin to melt. Hoss set some snares hoping to catch something for dinner while Joe led the horses to a small field and stream behind the shack.\u00a0 He hobbled them and let them graze. Returning to the shack, Joe made a small breakfast from some stores that Adam and Hoss had brought.\u00a0 After he and Hoss ate Joe prepared a broth for Adam for when he woke up.\u00a0 Joe checked on Adam and was satisfied to see his brother resting peacefully.\u00a0 Hoss suggested trying to wake Adam later for lunch and Joe agreed.<\/p>\n

Outside Hoss cleaned out the makeshift stable as he and Joe discussed the situation. Joe was impatient to find out the whole story from Adam, and Hoss was trying get him to see the need to wait it out.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe I want ta know just as bad as you but ya cain\u2019t just go an\u2019 start talkin\u2019 about it.\u00a0 This is somethin\u2019 that\u2019s affected our brother deeply.\u00a0 You didn\u2019t see him when he got home.\u00a0 He was pale, very tired and looked like he\u2019d lost weight. Now that I know what\u2019s happened I realized it was sorrow I saw in his eyes. We gotta let him tell us what happened when he\u2019s ready. An\u2019 don\u2019t ya go sayin\u2019 nothin\u2019 about our little visitor neither, ya hear?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hear, brother.\u00a0 I just can\u2019t imagine what happened.\u00a0 And where is his wife, Addy\u2019s mother?\u00a0 Did she die too? We didn\u2019t even know he had a family, Hoss.\u201d\u00a0 Joe sighed as he cleaned off the saddles and set them on some rails.\u00a0 Hoss turned and saw Joe leaning his head on Adam\u2019s saddle, his shoulders shaking.\u00a0 Hoss rested his large hand gently on Joe\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, it\u2019s gonna be all right.\u00a0 We just need to let Adam tell his story then we\u2019ll pull together like we always do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe straightened up and nodded once, not looking at his brother.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ll go check the horses.\u00a0 Why don\u2019t you see if we have any meat for lunch?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss watched Joe walk off then set off to check his snares.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

After a simple lunch of rabbit stew, Joe added the scraps to the broth for Adam. The brothers decided it was time to wake him.\u00a0 At first it was difficult to rouse him but he eventually woke up enough to sit and take some broth.\u00a0 After he ate Joe changed the bandages for his head and his shoulder, and saw to his other needs.\u00a0 As the afternoon wore on Adam sat and stared out the door. They had left it open to allow some fresh Spring air inside.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss kept busy with some little chores, anything to keep from sitting and waiting for Adam to speak.<\/p>\n

Adam drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly.\u00a0 \u201cAll right.\u00a0 You two might as well sit down before you wear yourselves out trying to keep out of my way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss exchanged glances and moved the chairs to sit near Adam who was propped up on the cot.\u00a0 Adam looked at each of his brothers for a moment then returned to looking out the door.\u00a0 He drew in a deep, shuddering breath and released it as he brushed his free hand over his face.\u00a0 He stared out at the trees as he began his story.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter I left the Ponderosa five years ago I spent time in Boston visiting friends and working.\u00a0 I worked for an Engineering firm and earned enough money to sail to England.\u00a0 The firm had an office there and offered me as much work as I wanted.\u00a0 When I arrived in London, I worked for them part time and toured the country the rest of the time.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile I visited the smaller towns I stayed with local farmers or shop keepers.\u00a0 It gave me a chance to experience rural life in England firsthand.\u00a0 On one particular farm in northern England, I actually stayed for several weeks during the summer.\u00a0 Some recent wind storms had damaged their buildings so I offered to help the family rebuild in exchange for room and board.\u00a0 It was there that I met Alannah.\u00a0 She was a young Irish woman, around twenty, who was taking care of the family\u2019s eight children.\u00a0 Her father had died in an accident on their farm and her mother gave up living after that.\u00a0 Alannah told me she worked hard to leave Ireland so she could survive. Traveling any way she could she made it to northern England.\u00a0 The family took her in and let her stay if she agreed to help with their young children.\u00a0 She had been there for five years when I arrived.\u00a0 The youngest child, a girl, was almost five and ready to start helping her mother, so when I arrived Alannah\u2019s time with the family was drawing to a close.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam paused and drank some water.\u00a0 He had a soft smile on his face as he recalled the first weeks with Alannah. His voice was quiet and seemed to reach back over the years.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was attracted to her from the first time we were introduced.\u00a0 She had a smile that lit up the room and her hazel green eyes reflected the green of the rolling hills around us.\u00a0 She always wore her wavy auburn hair in a braid down her back.\u00a0 She was very gentle with the children and had a wicked sense of humor.\u00a0 She had a wild sort of independence but was also able to calm a turbulent situation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe family had taught her to read and write.\u00a0 She loved to read anything she could and was fascinated by the American books I carried with me.\u00a0 We spent many evenings together reading and talking.\u00a0 I told her about America and the Ponderosa.\u00a0 She told me about her family farm in Ireland and her life there before the accident.\u00a0 The difference in our ages never seemed important to either of us.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne warm summer evening, I asked Alannah to marry me.\u201d\u00a0 Adam paused and seemed to drift away.\u00a0 In his thoughts he was back on the farm in England. He and Alannah had gone for a walk after dinner and sat on a stone fence overlooking the rolling hills.\u00a0 A gentle breeze carried a whiff of freshly cut hay and the sound of cattle lowing in the next pasture.\u00a0 Adam studied Alannah and noticed how content she seemed.\u00a0 When she turned to look at him he took her hands in his and asked her right then to marry him.\u00a0 She answered with her next breath that she would.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s heart raced with the joy he felt at that moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam\u2026You okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam was abruptly brought back to the present when Joe called his name.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I\u2019m fine.\u00a0 Just got lost in thought.\u201d\u00a0 Adam remained silent as the mists of memory cleared his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what happened.\u00a0 I assume she said yes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHmm?\u00a0 Oh, yeah, she accepted and within a month we married and headed back to London. We took several weeks to get back to London as I wanted to show Alannah other parts of England.\u00a0 By that time we had decided to head to America so I booked passage on the next ship.\u00a0 On our journey across the ocean we discovered she was with child.\u00a0 When we arrived in New York, she was too far along to handle the trip to Boston.\u00a0 We stayed with a friend of mine from college until Addy was born.\u00a0 A couple of months after that we moved to Boston.\u00a0 I returned to work for the Engineering firm until Addy was older and able to make the trip to Nevada.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s voice trailed off as he closed his eyes.\u00a0 Hoss noticed a grimace and moved to see if Adam was all right.\u00a0 \u201cIf you don\u2019t mind I need to rest for a while, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss gently helped Adam lay down.\u00a0 He was asleep in minutes.\u00a0 It was nearly dinner time so the brothers set about getting ready to eat and tending to the horses.<\/p>\n

Adam slept deeply through all the preparations for dinner and woke up again in time to eat some fresh stew.\u00a0 After supper, Adam said he was ready to tell the rest of the story.<\/p>\n

He took a few moments to gather his thoughts.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss exchanged concerned looks.\u00a0 They knew this was going to be the more difficult part of the story.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s quiet voice drew them out of their own anxious thoughts.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe ended up staying in Boston for four more years. Alannah had been with child a couple more times but she miscarried both times and couldn\u2019t travel for a while afterwards.\u00a0 A year after the last time I finally convinced her it was time for my family to meet her and Addy.\u00a0 We were all set to leave when\u2026.when\u2026.\u201d Adam quickly turned away and wouldn\u2019t speak any more.<\/p>\n

Hoss rested his hand on Adam\u2019s leg and waited. Finally, he prompted his older brother.\u00a0 \u201cIs that when she and Addy got sick?\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded.\u00a0 \u201cThey came down with Typhus.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t imagine how.\u00a0 We were in an upper class area of Boston with good living conditions.\u00a0 But Alannah had been volunteering for several months at an orphanage across town. When the doctor told me what it was I was forced to put them in a hospital in insolation.\u00a0 I wasn\u2019t sick so I couldn\u2019t even see them.\u00a0 Addy cried and was so frightened.\u00a0 At least they let him stay near Alannah.\u00a0 I never left the hospital.\u00a0 For nearly two weeks several of my friends brought me food and changes of clothes.\u00a0 I was determined to be there when my wife and child recovered.\u201d\u00a0 Adam abruptly shifted on the cot and turned his back to his brothers.\u00a0 He lay silently refusing to talk anymore.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss were at a loss what to do so they sat silently until Adam was able to continue the story.\u00a0 After several long minutes, Joe was the first to speak, his voice was low and gentle.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, what happened to Alannah and Addy?\u00a0 Please tell us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam took a slow breath and answered so quietly his brothers had to strain to hear him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey didn\u2019t recover.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss knew it was coming but it was still so hard to hear.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, Joe and I\u2026We\u2019re so sorry\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam pushed himself up and glared at his brothers.\u00a0 \u201cI don\u2019t need your damn pity or platitudes.\u00a0 My wife and child are dead!\u00a0 That\u2019s it.\u00a0 End of story.\u00a0 I couldn\u2019t even have a decent funeral for them!\u00a0 Because of the damned disease they had to be cremated\u2026Oh God, I never got to say good-bye.\u00a0 I never knew if they suffered or if they were even together.\u201d\u00a0 Through his tirade and bolstered by his anger, Adam managed to stand up.\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019ve got to get out of here.\u201d\u00a0 He took a few\u00a0 faltering steps before falling.\u00a0 Joe managed to grab hold of him to keep him from landing on his injured shoulder.\u00a0 Hoss knelt beside Adam and helped him back up.\u00a0 With Joe on the other side the three brothers made their way outside.\u00a0 Joe went back in for a chair for Adam so he could sit on the stoop.\u00a0 Hoss and Joe moved away to give their brother some time to be alone.<\/p>\n

Adam stared at the stars and reflected on all the times he had spent showing them to Alannah and Addy.\u00a0 He was lost in thought when a memory struck him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI saw him.\u00a0 Hoss, I saw Addy, when I fell off Sport.\u00a0 He was there and somehow kept me from hitting the ground so hard.\u00a0 How could he do that?\u00a0 I saw green lights and\u2026 and his green eyes.\u00a0 I\u2019d know those eyes anywhere.\u00a0 He had black hair like mine but had his mother\u2019s green eyes.\u00a0 Hoss, how could I see him?\u00a0 He\u2019s gone\u2026 He\u2019s\u2026.gone\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam put his head down and wept.\u00a0 \u201cThey\u2019re both gone.\u00a0 I\u2019ll never see them again.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Joe stood silently by their brother as he finally released his grief.\u00a0 Their hearts broke for their brother.\u00a0 Neither one wanted to tell him what they had seen.\u00a0 Both shook their heads in agreement to keep those stories to themselves.\u00a0 Adam had grieved hard the rest of the night allowing more of the story to come out.\u00a0 After a memorial service, Adam\u2019s friends convinced him to travel home, back to Nevada.\u00a0 They took care of all the travel arrangements and sent him on his way.\u00a0 When he arrived home he had not slept nor eaten for several days.\u00a0 And at that time had not grieved for his wife and son.\u00a0 Now, in a tiny cabin in the Sierras with his two brothers, Adam had let everything go and could rest his soul as well as his body.\u00a0 It was nearly midnight by the time everyone succumbed to sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Alannah and Addy<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dawn over the Sierras was slow to make its appearance.\u00a0 Joe lay on his bedroll willing the sun\u2019s rays to come and chase the dark shadows of night away.\u00a0 He needed to put the nightmares of the previous day behind him.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t stay asleep last night with Adam\u2019s tragic story running through his mind.\u00a0 He kept wondering how Adam had dealt with it every day and finally realized his brother hadn\u2019t dealt with it at all.\u00a0 Feeling guilt for his earlier thoughts, Joe realized the great burden Adam carried with him would be with him the rest of his life. He began to wonder if Adam would ever heal from it, like Hoss believed he could.<\/p>\n

Joe knew Hoss had been awake most of the night too, and wondered if Adam had slept any.\u00a0 Joe got his answer when he finally stood up and Adam had quietly asked for help to get outside to attend to his needs.\u00a0 Hoss followed a few minutes later.\u00a0 Afterwards, Adam wanted to remain on the stoop.\u00a0 Joe helped him into a chair and covered his brother with blankets to keep him warm in the chilled morning air. The sky was just beginning to brighten in the East and Joe knew dawn was about an hour away.\u00a0 He went back inside to begin breakfast while Hoss had gone out to see if his snares had caught any small animals.<\/p>\n

As dawn\u2019s golden lights finally began their warm reach over the mountain ranges, the brothers sat by the fire and made their plans for the day as they finished their breakfast.\u00a0 After his last bite, Joe looked over at Hoss. \u201cSo it\u2019s decided then.\u00a0 We head home and push hard to get there tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss nodded as he finished his beans and bacon. That\u2019s all they had to eat since the snares were empty.\u00a0 Adam just sat and stared at the fire as he sipped on his coffee.<\/p>\n

Joe spoke gently to get Adam\u2019s attention, \u201cAdam, you know you\u2019ll need to ride for the first hour or two until we get out of these high hills.\u00a0 After that we\u2019ll set up the travois for the rest of the trip.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I know.\u00a0 I can manage the ride.\u00a0 My head\u2019s better.\u201d\u00a0 His voice was flat, almost lifeless.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo ya want me ta lead Sport or can you handle him one handed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can try the lead.\u00a0 At least till we get down the steeper part of the slope.\u00a0 I should be able to take over from there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe and Hoss then began packing things up.\u00a0 Adam went to rest on the cot until they were ready to go.<\/p>\n

Outside, Joe asked Hoss if he still thought Adam would get over his loss and the grief.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you should know the answer to that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe raised his eyebrows in question and gave Hoss an exasperated look.<\/p>\n

Hoss ignored the look and focused on saddling the horses.\u00a0 \u201cThink of Pa, Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Silence, then, \u201cOh, yeah I guess you\u2019re right.\u00a0 Pa has always said it\u2019s easier than it was in the beginning but he still misses each of our mothers deeply.\u00a0 Sorry Hoss.\u00a0 It\u2019s just so shocking.\u00a0 I can\u2019t imagine myself going through what Adam\u2019s going through.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe ya don\u2019t need ta imagine it.\u00a0 Just be there for him when he needs ya.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, you\u2019re right, Hoss. Guess I better start loading up the gear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do that little brother, an\u2019 let Adam know we\u2019ll be ready ta go in a few minutes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe waved his acknowledgement as he headed toward the shack.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

The first part of the journey home was very rough on Adam.\u00a0 His concussion and injured shoulder made sitting atop Sport difficult at best.\u00a0 Their descent down the mountain was slow and tedious. After the heavy snow the ground was soft and still wet in areas. Hoss held Sport\u2019s lead rein so Adam could use the pummel to help keep his balance in the saddle.\u00a0 Sport seemed to sense a difference in his master\u2019s riding and adjusted his gate accordingly.\u00a0 Once the brothers made it out of the mountains and onto flatter land, they stopped for food and water and gave Adam a chance to rest. By that point Adam was shaking from the strain of riding and nearly fell on top of Hoss as he dismounted.\u00a0 They rested for a short time and let the horses graze. No one spoke as they had one thing on their minds \u2013 to get home by nightfall.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss set up the travois for Adam, letting Cochise pull it while Joe rode Sport. Soon the brothers were on their way again.<\/p>\n

Along the route, which led them near woods and streams, Hoss spotted some small game.\u00a0 He broke off and went hunting.\u00a0 In an hour he had caught up with Joe and Adam at camp, and had several rabbits and some fish for lunch and dinner.<\/p>\n

When the brothers stopped for lunch Adam sat with them around the fire while the fish cooked.\u00a0 Joe had found some berries and added them to the meal.\u00a0 Hoss noticed Adam had been very quiet which was not unexpected but his mood had become darker.\u00a0 Joe was sensing it too.\u00a0 After lunch Joe cleaned up and Hoss managed to talk Adam into a little walk.<\/p>\n

Hoss stuffed his hands in his pants pockets and looked around admiring the blue sky and being thrilled to hear the songs of nesting birds.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know brother, there\u2019s nothin\u2019 better than walkin\u2019 an\u2019 hearin\u2019 all the new life in them trees.\u00a0 Breathe that fresh air.\u00a0 It just clears the mind and soul, don\u2019t ya think?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss looked sideways at Adam to see if he\u2019d respond.\u00a0 He saw Adam roll his eyes as he sighed.\u00a0 It was working.\u00a0 At least Adam was listening.\u00a0 They walked a little farther before Adam wanted to stop and rest.\u00a0 They found a large log to sit on and watch the wildlife flit around them.<\/p>\n

Watching a pair of chipmunks scamper through the underbrush, Adam let his mind wander. He kept coming back to Hoss\u2019 words about the \u201cnew life\u201d in the trees.\u00a0 Hoss subtly observed his brother\u2019s expressions.\u00a0 He knew Adam was working through his loss and pain.\u00a0 What he didn\u2019t know was if Adam would share any of his thoughts with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, you\u2019re not very subtle sometimes.\u00a0 I guess you\u2019re trying to get me to talk it out.\u201d\u00a0 Adam glanced sideways and smirked at his brother.<\/p>\n

Hoss chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cI guess we know each other too well, Adam.\u00a0 I thought I\u2019d just give you some time to think and maybe iffn ya wanted ta talk, well then\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 He raised his big shoulders up and let them drop in an awkward shrug, not knowing what else to say.<\/p>\n

Adam chuckled as well. \u201cYou know, being with you and Joe has been good.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know how I\u2019m going to get over this but I guess being here is better than being in Boston and not having you two buffoons around to keep me distracted.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss let out a guffaw at that and had to pull his big hand back.\u00a0 He was about to slap his brother on his back and quickly thought better of it.<\/p>\n

Adam put his hand on Hoss\u2019 knee and smiled at him.\u00a0 \u201cThanks, Hoss.\u201d\u00a0 The brothers shared a long deep look that went well beyond words.\u00a0 He allowed Hoss to help him up and Hoss put his arm gently around Adam\u2019s shoulders as they made their way back to camp, then home.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

Late that night, the brothers were nearing home.\u00a0 Adam was feeling stronger and wanted to ride Sport the rest of the way home, knowing it would speed up the trip, so after dinner they had packed up the pieces of the travois and discarded the long poles.\u00a0 A few miles from the house Joe rode ahead to let their father know they were home and to wake a couple of hands to help with the horses and gear.<\/p>\n

A short while later, Hoss and Adam slowly rode side by side into the yard. Lanterns had been lit and two ranch hands waited by the rails to take the horses.\u00a0 Hoss helped Adam off his horse and walked with him to the front door.\u00a0 Inside, Ben and Joe were sitting by the fire.\u00a0 Seeing the serious expressions Joe and his Pa wore, Hoss got a sense that something was not quite right.<\/p>\n

Ben stood and walked quickly over to Adam.\u00a0 He helped his son out of his jacket then led him over to the settee to sit down.\u00a0 Joe had told their father about the accident and Adam\u2019s injuries. During the conversation he realized his father didn\u2019t know about the deaths of Adam\u2019s family so Joe told him what had happened.\u00a0 But even with the news of Adam\u2019s accident and his family, Ben seemed more tense than expected.\u00a0 Joe just waited until Adam and Hoss got home to find out what was going on. Now that everyone was settled, Ben spoke up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I have something I need to discuss with you. I\u2019m afraid it\u2019s something rather disconcerting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam grimaced and held up his hand toward Ben. \u201cPa, I really need to get to bed.\u00a0 It\u2019s been a hard day and I\u2019m exhausted. I\u2019m sorry but whatever it is will need to wait until morning.\u201d\u00a0 Adam started to rise, but Ben stayed him with his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cSon, this won\u2019t wait.\u00a0 You received a telegram from Boston just after you and Hoss left.\u201d\u00a0 Adam\u2019s head snapped up at that information.<\/p>\n

Ben continued.\u00a0 \u201cAndy at the telegraph office said it appeared to be urgent so I took the liberty to look at it.\u201d\u00a0 Ben looked apologetic at his son for reading a private message, then his expression changed to one of seriousness and sorrow.\u00a0 \u201cSon, why didn\u2019t you tell me about your wife and son?\u00a0 I could have done something to help you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, I\u2019m sorry, I couldn\u2019t talk about it. It was too fresh, too painful.\u00a0 That\u2019s why I wanted to go meet up with Joe.\u00a0 I just needed to get away and sort things out.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben looked a bit hurt at that but continued.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, you need to read this telegram.\u00a0 There\u2019s something about Alannah and Addy that you don\u2019t know.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s control was slipping.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t bear any more news about his beloved wife and son.\u00a0 Hoss and Joe saw the struggle Adam was having and intervened.<\/p>\n

Hoss reached for the telegram. \u201cPa, may I see that?<\/p>\n

Hoss read the telegram and his face went ashen, losing all color. Joe jumped up and snatched the paper from Hoss and quickly scanned it.\u00a0 His mouth worked up and down without words and his eyes filled with confusion and surprise.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, how do we know this is true?\u00a0 What\u2019s the proof?\u00a0 I mean\u2026.\u201d\u00a0 Joe nearly fell back into his chair trying to make sense of what he\u2019d read.<\/p>\n

Adam studied each family member, and then his eyes landed on the paper in Joe\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe let me see that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The atmosphere in the room was thick enough with tension to choke the life out of each occupant there.\u00a0 Adam stared at the paper, and as if it had suddenly turned into a rattlesnake, he dropped it to the floor and jumped up off the settee to move away as quickly as he could.\u00a0 Adam paced the room, rubbing his free hand over his face and through his hair.\u00a0 Tears streamed down his face as he tried and failed to comprehend what he had just read.<\/p>\n

Ben moved to his eldest son and took him in his arms.\u00a0 Adam collapsed with such grief and pain Ben could barely support him.\u00a0 \u201cOh Pa.\u00a0 What do I do?\u00a0 It can\u2019t be true.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSon.\u201d\u00a0 Ben held his son so tight for fear he would fall apart otherwise.\u00a0 \u201cAdam, son, I need to tell more.\u00a0 You need to know that they\u2019re \u2026..\u201d<\/p>\n

A voice as soft as a breeze floating across an English hillside came from the stairs.\u00a0 \u201cAdam??\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s head shot up as his brothers spun around to face the speaker.\u00a0 Standing on the lower landing was a young lady, with long auburn waves falling about her shoulders.\u00a0 Her green eyes carried sorrow and love across the room.\u00a0 Just behind her flowing robe, peeked the bright green eyes and ebony head of a four year old child.\u00a0 No one dared move or breathe for fear of making the apparitions on the stairs disappear.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss were stunned to see the child they had encountered staring back at them.<\/p>\n

Adam glanced at his father for confirmation that they were real. Ben smiled and nodded, releasing his son from the embrace.\u00a0 Adam took a tentative step toward them and faltered.\u00a0 Ben caught him and supported his son as they both walked to the staircase.<\/p>\n

Shaking terribly, Adam reached out and touched his wife\u2019s hand.\u00a0 She took hold of his hand and nearly floated down the last few steps.\u00a0 The two fell together with heaving sobs, not daring to move until a gentle tug on Adam\u2019s pant leg broke them apart.\u00a0 A timid voice whispered, \u201cDa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam and Alannah released each other and together knelt down to enwrap their son in their arms.<\/p>\n

Ben stepped back to stand with his arms across the shoulders of his other sons.\u00a0 Looking upward through misty eyes, he acknowledged the One from whom all miracles come.\u00a0 For Adam this was truly two of those miracles.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Epilogue<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Dawn\u2019s early smile of golden light caressed the Ponderosa ranch house with tender tendrils.\u00a0 All was quiet after a tumultuous night.\u00a0 One lone figure silently moved down the hallway and stole a glance into each room.\u00a0 Joe and Hoss slept soundly in their beds. A glance into the last room revealed Adam lying with his good arm around Alannah, her head resting on his shoulder.\u00a0\u00a0 Addy was snuggled tightly in between them.\u00a0 Ben silently closed the door and slipped down the hall to the stair case.<\/p>\n

Once downstairs he built up the fire in the large stone fireplace. Settling into his favorite red chair, he wrapped his burgundy robe tighter about himself to keep warm until the fire took hold.\u00a0 Reaching over the left chair arm he found his journal and opened it to a clean page.\u00a0 Ben looked up at the ceiling and sighed, then began to write.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m not sure what to put on this page, or even how to describe what happened last night.\u00a0 All I know is that my son\u2019s life, Adam\u2019s life, has been restored to him in the forms of his wife and son.\u00a0 My daughter-in-law and grandson\u2026I never knew I had until just a few days ago.\u00a0 It began with the telegram with a cryptic message that I\u2019ll never forget \u2013 \u201cAdam \/ They\u2019re alive.\/ Horrible mistake \/ On way there \/ Sending letter with them \/ Stop.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Alannah and Addy arrived three days ago, weak and exhausted from travel.\u00a0 After a day of Hop Sing\u2019s ministrations, they were able to tell me their story.\u00a0 They had become very sick and were separated from Adam who remained healthy.\u00a0 After they recovered they learned that Adam had been told they had died and were cremated.\u00a0 That was actually another mother and child near them and the staff confused them since the medical ward was overflowing with sick women and children.\u00a0 Adam had left Boston just a couple of days before his wife and child were released from the hospital.<\/em><\/p>\n

Their friends were horrified and angered at the error and helped Alannah and Addy plan their trip to Nevada.\u00a0 A friend travelled with them and returned to Boston as soon as they were in my care.\u00a0 By the time they arrived here Adam was on his way with Hoss to meet up with Joe in the mountains. <\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0When Adam arrived home, I had never seen such torment and emptiness in my son.\u00a0 It was as if his body was devoid of all life.\u00a0 When he read the telegram he had gone so pale I was convinced what was left of his life blood had been drained from him. <\/em><\/p>\n

I have always been convinced that miracles exist, and events from the last few days have sealed my belief.\u00a0 My son returned home a lost and broken man, believing his wife and child were dead.\u00a0 When he returned with his brothers, he found his life force again when he saw, and touched, his wife and child.\u00a0 I saw him truly return to the land of the living in a matter of a few seconds. <\/em><\/p>\n

The other miracle, I refuse to call it a mystery, is that Addy somehow believes he was with Adam and his brothers in the mountains; watching over them and trying his best to let them know he and his mother were fine.\u00a0 Long past midnight Joe and I remained in the great room after everyone else had gone to bed.\u00a0 When I spoke to Joe of Addy\u2019s comments, his face went ashen and his eyes misted over.\u00a0 He looked at me with confusion and compassion in his hazel eyes.\u00a0 In a soft quiet voice he related the experiences he, Hoss and Adam had had with green lights, a child with green eyes and black hair, and a laugh that sounded like tiny bells.\u00a0 I nodded silently in understanding.\u00a0 Simultaneously, Joe and I looked up toward the ceiling that was also the floor to Adam\u2019s room.\u00a0 The love in that family in the room above us truly transcends all understanding.\u00a0 I believe it was the spirit of love from a child that was visited upon my sons in those mountains.\u00a0 Addy\u2019s spirit child. <\/em><\/p>\n

The End<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Tags:\u00a0 Adam Cartwright,\u00a0ESA,\u00a0Hoss Cartwright,\u00a0Joe \/ Little Joe Cartwright<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 On his way home, Joe encounters a Spring snow storm and has to wait it out in a line shack. He has a visit from an unusual child who tells him troubling things about Adam, who has been gone for years. \u00a0Adam, in the mean time has suffered a great loss and has returned home. He and Hoss head into the mountains to meet with Joe. \u00a0Joe is desperate to get to Adam when he learns from the child that Adam has been injured on his way to the shack. \u00a0The brothers reconnect but soon learn the child is part of a terrible tragedy in Adam’s life. Will Adam find healing or more sorrow on his way home with his brothers?<\/p>\n

Word count – 8814\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rating K+<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8333,"featured_media":12830,"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_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,41,32,29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12829","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","category-mystery","category-halloween","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id","wpcat-32-id","wpcat-29-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1736,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/Spirit-Child.jpg?fit=800%2C600&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":5297,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5297","url_meta":{"origin":12829,"position":0},"title":"The Line Shack Trip (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"April 9, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Based on a drabble by Lillian, here is my idea of why they were at that line shack. Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0(5,900 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\/line-shack.jpg?fit=640%2C426&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/line-shack.jpg?fit=640%2C426&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/line-shack.jpg?fit=640%2C426&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2162,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2162","url_meta":{"origin":12829,"position":1},"title":"Shelter (by pony)","author":"pony","date":"December 8, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0\u00a0Adam and Joe Cartwright are lost in a blizzard. Their only hope ... shelter. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K (1,390 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\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7124,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7124","url_meta":{"origin":12829,"position":2},"title":"A Winter’s Tale aka The Storm (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"August 7, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Caught in a storm together, Adam and Joe reminisce. Rated:\u00a0 K+ (2,100 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\/POEMS.jpg?fit=878%2C760&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/POEMS.jpg?fit=878%2C760&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/POEMS.jpg?fit=878%2C760&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/POEMS.jpg?fit=878%2C760&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5925,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5925","url_meta":{"origin":12829,"position":3},"title":"Brothers (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"November 19, 2003","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 While searching for a missing ranch hand in the snow, Joe and Adam learn what it really means to have a brother to rely on. Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0\u00a0(8,250 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\/05\/cowboy-snow1.jpg?fit=488%2C368&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":6756,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6756","url_meta":{"origin":12829,"position":4},"title":"The Crazy Lady (by Jayne)","author":"Jayne","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe and Hoss scare themselves one night, come to Adam's room and tell him the story of the crazy lady. Prequel\/Young Cartwrights\/Humor \u00a0Rated:\u00a0K+ \u00a0WC \u00a0700","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":19782,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=19782","url_meta":{"origin":12829,"position":5},"title":"A Brother Lost (by AC1830)","author":"AC1830","date":"January 27, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: One brother has gone astray and the other two brothers have come to take him home.\u00a0 Rating - G, Word Count - 1015","rel":"","context":"In "Chaps and Spurs"","block_context":{"text":"Chaps and Spurs","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=39"},"img":{"alt_text":"joe","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/First-Born.png?fit=840%2C678&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/First-Born.png?fit=840%2C678&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/First-Born.png?fit=840%2C678&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/01\/First-Born.png?fit=840%2C678&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12829","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\/8333"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=12829"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12829\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/12830"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=12829"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=12829"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=12829"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}