{"id":2082,"date":"2009-10-11T17:00:28","date_gmt":"2009-10-11T21:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2082"},"modified":"2026-03-17T10:31:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-17T14:31:25","slug":"following-the-dream","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=2082","title":{"rendered":"Following the Dream (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>Ben has a difficult decision to make regarding a young Adam\u2019s future<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span> K+ (9,665 words)<\/p>\n

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Following the Dream<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ben Cartwright smiled at the small dark-haired child sitting beside him on the step. \u2018Be careful,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s very hot.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018It\u2019s good soup Pa,\u2019 said Adam, returning his father\u2019s smile with a grin of his own. \u2018You\u2019re good at cooking soup, ain\u2019t you?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben chuckled as he took a sip from his own tin mug. \u2018I\u2019m getting better son,\u2019 he said. \u2018Lottie\u2019s advice about which herbs to use sure helped.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well I like it,\u2019 said Adam happily.\u00a0 He took another sip of his soup and studied the yard in front of him. \u2018I reckon it\u2019s a good day fer soup, don\u2019t you Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben smiled as he glanced over at the leaves that were swirling around the small yard, whipped up by the wind that had become so persistent of late.\u00a0 Winter was going to be here before they knew it, he thought.\u00a0 Where had the time gone? \u2018It sure is son,\u2019 he said. \u2018It\u2019s chilly out here.\u2019\u00a0 He reached over and straightened up the little boy\u2019s jacket and patted him on the knee.\u00a0 We\u2019ll be able to light a fire in the fireplace soon.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Good,\u2019 said Adam, in the matter of fact way that he had of speaking. \u2018I like fires.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben smiled to himself.\u00a0 Even though his son was only four years old, there were many times that he had to remind himself of that fact.\u00a0 He\u2019d become so accustomed to talking to him on an adult level that it was often hard to remember that he was a child. All this time when they\u2019d only had each other to talk to had influenced the child and he was like a miniature adult in his speech and his gestures.\u00a0 It was something that the townsfolk here found quite amusing and Ben knew that Adam was more popular amongst them because of it.<\/p>\n

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When they\u2019d first come to the small town of Elwood Ben hadn\u2019t really known how to take the folks here.\u00a0 He supposed it was because he\u2019d been on the road for so long and forgotten how it was with folks to talk to on a permanent basis. He really hadn\u2019t intended to stay more than the time it took to earn a few dollars \u2026 just enough to get them past the next few towns really and into Illinios \u2026 but the longer he\u2019d stayed here the more he\u2019d come to like it and the closer he\u2019d become to the folks around these parts.\u00a0 Ben looked across the yard towards the small cluster of buildings that constituted the main township. Yes, there were times when he could almost have seen himself and Adam staying here. Ben shook his head firmly. \u2018No!\u2019 he said out loud.<\/p>\n

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Adam looked up at his father over the top of his mug of soup. \u2018No what Pa?\u2019 he asked, his hazel eyes widening at the sound of his father\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n

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Ben patted his little boy on the shoulder. \u2018Nothing son,\u2019 he said. \u2018I was just thinking out loud. Drink your soup up.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam nodded and focussed his attention back on the tin mug in his hand while his father gazed into the distance and allowed his thoughts to wander back to another time and another place.<\/p>\n

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Had it really only been a mere five years since he and Elizabeth had been married?\u00a0 It felt like a lifetime ago. Granted they had known each other for some years before they\u2019d taken the official step of marriage, but still \u2026 in Ben\u2019s heart he was still in many ways that awkward young seaman desperate to please the beautiful daughter of his captain and Elizabeth was \u2026 his eyes misted over as his mind came back to the present. Elizabeth was dead \u2026 he told himself flatly. Dead. Thank God he had his memories and his son as constant reminders of her though.<\/p>\n

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Five years ago \u2026 a lifetime ago \u2026 so much had happened in that time. So much to be thankful for \u2026. Yet.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s heart lurched with the familiar ache that he\u2019d become so accustomed to over the past five years.\u00a0 If only Elizabeth were here now.\u00a0 If only she had lived to see their son grow into the beautiful little boy he\u2019d become. If only \u2026<\/p>\n

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\u2018Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes son?\u2019\u00a0 Ben turned to see that Adam had stood up beside him, his empty soup mug on the ground beside him. His eyes looking at his father were full of concern.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Are you OK Pa?\u00a0 You look kinda sad.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben smiled at the sight of Elizabeth\u2019s hazel eyes so close to his own and he reached out, pulling his little boy closer to him. \u2018I\u2019m fine,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now how about we go and see if Lottie is back from her shopping, eh?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam giggled as his father began to tickle him and swung him over his shoulder as he stood up.\u00a0 Ben\u2019s heart rose at the sound of the child\u2019s laughter \u2026 a sound that he heard too infrequently for his liking.\u00a0 Adam had always been a serious little boy and Ben really didn\u2019t know if it was just his nature or the fact that he hadn\u2019t had many reasons so far to be light hearted in his short lifetime.<\/p>\n

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Whatever the reason, he was always glad to hear the carefree giggle of his little boy and he vowed that the child would have many reasons to laugh in the future.\u00a0 He\u2019d promised Elizabeth that he\u2019d take care of their child to the best of his ability and he aimed to bring up his son to be a man that they both would be proud of. \u2018Come on,\u2019 he said, tossing Adam into the air and then catching him again in his strong arms. \u2018Let\u2019s see if we can find Lottie.\u2019<\/p>\n

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xxxxxxxxxx<\/p>\n

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Lottie Perkins rolled the pastry over and over again until it was as flat as a pancake, then picked it up and placed it carefully into the tin pan.\u00a0 As she picked up her knife and began to cut around the edges to even it up, she smiled at the sound of the back screen door opening. \u2018Well hello,\u2019 she said without looking up. \u2018You two Cartwrights certainly took your time.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018How\u2019d ya know it was us Aunt Lottie?\u2019 asked Adam, climbing up on a chair next to the woman and giving her an intense look.<\/p>\n

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Lottie smiled at the child. \u2018And why wouldn\u2019t it be?\u2019 she said teasingly. \u2018I could tell by the sound of your footsteps.\u00a0 Your father\u2019s long stride and your small ones.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Oh.\u2019\u00a0 Adam looked thoughtful for a moment as if storing her words away for future consideration. He was always doing that, thought the woman.\u00a0 The child had an old head on that little body for sure.<\/p>\n

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Lottie smiled at Ben. \u2018I take it you\u2019ll both be staying for supper?\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

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Ben shook his head. \u2018We just came to say hello,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019re not stopping for supper.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018We had soup for our supper,\u2019 Adam informed her. \u2018Pa made it.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Soup?\u2019 said the woman, putting her hands on her hips and pretending to be amazed. \u2018And what kind of meal is that for a growing child Ben Cartwright? Soup indeed!\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018It was good soup,\u2019 said Adam, putting his finger into the mixing bowl and bringing it out again with a glob of spicy apple mixture on it. He put it into his mouth and sucked on it happily, ignoring his father\u2019s frown.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Soup is all very well for a first course,\u2019 said Lottie. \u2018But you\u2019ll both be putting more into your stomachs than soup tonight.\u2019\u00a0 She gestured towards the stove from whence came a whiff of something appetising cooking. \u2018I\u2019m not preparing all this for just myself and Frank you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Lottie we can\u2019t,\u2019 said Ben, although he knew that his protests were useless. \u2018We\u2019ve been here three times this week already.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Three times,\u2019 Adam informed her, holding up three fingers.<\/p>\n

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\u2018And tonight it\u2019ll make it four,\u2019 said the woman firmly. \u2018I\u2019ll not have all this food going to waste Ben Cartwright, especially as I\u2019ve made apple pie just for the person who I know loves it best.\u2019\u00a0 She tweaked Adam\u2019s nose playfully and the little boy grinned at her before giving his father a pleading look.<\/p>\n

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Ben raised his hands in a gesture of hopelessness. \u2018What chance do I have against the two of you?\u2019 he said with a laugh. \u2018Thank you Lottie.\u00a0 We\u2019d be happy to join you and Frank.\u2019\u00a0 The two adults smiled at each other as Adam dipped his finger into the bowl again.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Where\u2019s Uncle Frank?\u2019 asked the child suddenly.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Out back,\u2019 said Lottie as she poured a cup of coffee for Ben and motioned for him to sit down. \u2018I guess he\u2019s been waiting for a certain little boy to help him milk that cow of ours.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam gave his father a hopeful look and Ben nodded.\u00a0 Adam climbed down from his chair and headed out of the back door, banging it as he left the room. Lottie shook her head. \u2018The dear little thing,\u2019 she said. \u2018You know that Frank and I bless the day that you brought him to Elwood, don\u2019t you Ben?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben tried to look offended. \u2018And here I was thinking that it was my company you were craving\u2026 not my son\u2019s.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Lottie flashed a smile at him. \u2018You know we love having you both,\u2019 she said. \u2018It\u2019s just that your little one really brightens up our lives Ben. He\u2019s a beautiful child and you\u2019ve done so well with him considering.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Thank you,\u2019 said Ben. His eyes clouded over for an instant. \u2018Only \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

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Lottie glanced at him, alerted by the change of tone in his voice. \u2018Only what?\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Only \u2026 sometimes I wonder if I\u2019m being fair to him.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018What do you mean?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Dragging him across the country like this.\u00a0 We\u2019ve been on the road since he was less than a year old you know Lottie and this is the first time we\u2019ve stopped long enough for him to put down any kind of roots at all.\u00a0 It does my heart good to see him relate to you and Frank in this way and get to know a few children in the town, but \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018But there\u2019s always the thought in the back of your mind that you\u2019ll be moving on.\u2019 Lottie finished for him.<\/p>\n

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Ben nodded as he fiddled with a spoon on the table. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Then why go?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben hesitated for a moment before replying in a low voice. \u2018I have to,\u2019 he said. \u2018I don\u2019t know if I can explain this properly Lottie \u2026 it\u2019s hard to find the words \u2026 but I just know that there\u2019s something out there waiting for Adam and myself and I have to find it.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Lottie sat down beside him and put her hand over his as it rested on the table. \u2018How do you know that what you\u2019re looking for isn\u2019t here?\u2019 she said gently.<\/p>\n

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Ben smiled at the older woman. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said. \u2018I just do.\u2019\u00a0 He patted her hand and stood up to look out of the window at the mountains in the distance. \u2018Since as long as I can remember Elizabeth and I always talked about following our dream,\u2019 he said. \u2018It was something that we started planning since just after we first met. Following the dream,\u2019 he said in a soft voice.<\/p>\n

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Lottie shook her head. \u2018And while you\u2019re following this dream of yours,\u2019 she said. \u2018What do you think is going to happen to your son?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben turned to face her. \u2018My son?\u2019 he said. \u2018What do you mean?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well you just said yourself that you wonder at times if you\u2019re being fair to him,\u2019 Lottie replied. \u2018Children need stability Ben.\u00a0 They need security.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Adam has all that with me,\u2019 said Ben defensively.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes of course he does,\u2019 replied the woman. \u2018It\u2019s obvious to anyone with eyes in their head that you\u2019re very close.\u00a0 You\u2019re a wonderful father to the boy Ben, but \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018But?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Lottie took a deep breath. \u2018He\u2019s a bright little thing Ben.\u00a0 How are you going to make sure that he gets the education that he needs?\u00a0 He\u2019s nearly five years old \u2026 you should be thinking about putting him into school soon.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben frowned at the woman\u2019s words. \u2018I can teach him,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m not completely stupid you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Lottie shook her head and put her hands on her hips. \u2018Now don\u2019t you carry on like that with me Benjamin Cartwright,\u2019 she admonished the young man. \u2018I meant that Adam needs children of his own age to learn with.\u2019\u00a0 Her voice softened. \u2018I\u2019m only thinking of the child Ben.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben nodded. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said. \u2018Only \u2026 staying here \u2026 it seems like I\u2019d be giving up on all that Elizabeth and I dreamt of.\u00a0 It would be like giving up on our dream \u2026 giving up on her.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Lottie hesitated before speaking. \u2018Ben \u2026 she\u2019s dead,\u2019 she said softly.<\/p>\n

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Ben hung his head. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said. \u2018You don\u2019t have to remind me of that fact.\u00a0 I know it every time I look at Adam and see her in him.\u2019\u00a0 He looked out of the window again at the far distant mountains. \u2018All I know is that I have to do what we talked about \u2026 I have to follow the dream.\u2019<\/p>\n

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The back door was flung open and Adam came hurtling through it pulling an elderly man by the hand. \u2018I milked the cow by myself Pa!\u2019 he said happily. \u2018Didn\u2019t I Uncle Frank?\u2019<\/p>\n

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He certainly did,\u2019 said Frank, giving the boy an affectionate look. \u2018You would have been proud of him if you\u2019d seen it Ben.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019m proud of him all the time,\u2019 said Ben, swooping the little boy up into his arms and giving him a hug.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Now you three men get washed up,\u2019 said Lottie, pointing her spoon at them. \u2018I\u2019ll not have dirty hands at my table!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam giggled and turned to his father. \u2018Aunt Lottie thinks I\u2019m a man Pa,\u2019 he said delightedly.<\/p>\n

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\u2018And so you are,\u2019 said Ben, giving him another squeeze. \u2018You\u2019re my little man.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben stroked the dark hair on the pillow and smiled at his son as Adam lay staring up at his father in the dim light of the lamp. \u2018Sleepy?\u2019 Ben asked.<\/p>\n

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Adam shook his head. \u2018Nope,\u2019 he said, his drooping eyes betraying his words. \u2018Can I listen to the music box Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben nodded, although his heart sank at the child\u2019s words. He could never listen to Elizabeth\u2019s music box without feeling an intense sadness overwhelm him and yet he knew that Adam loved it so. He reached over and lifted the lid of the small box which he\u2019d placed on the dresser beside his son\u2019s bed and closed his eyes as the tinkling sound once more enveloped him and the sadness returned to tug at his heart strings yet again.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben forced his eyes open and looked down into Elizabeth\u2019s hazel eyes. \u2018Yes Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018You OK?\u00a0 You\u2019re looking sad again.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben bent down and kissed the little boy. \u2018I\u2019m fine,\u2019 he said. \u2018Go to sleep now.\u2019\u00a0 He watched as Adam fought the sleep that was threatening to overtake him and marvelled at the way in which the dark curling hair and the long dark lashes as they lay on the soft cheeks reminded him of another love \u2026. in another time and another place.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Ben Cartwright, are you listening to me?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

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Ben forced his eyes open again and smiled at the dark-haired beauty in front of him. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m listening.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u2018Well you could have fooled me,\u2019 said Elizabeth, pretending to be indignant and not quite succeeding. \u2018What was I saying?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

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Ben gave her one of his best smiles … the smile that he knew always managed to melt her anger. \u2018You were talking about your favourite topic.\u2019\u00a0 He smiled again. \u2018Our favourite topic.\u2019\u00a0 He placed a hand on her growing stomach and felt the life within it. \u2018It\u2019s moving again,\u2019 he said delightedly.<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u2018Well of course it is,\u2019 she replied complacently. \u2018Babies tend to do that you know. He probably wants to come out and see his father.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u2018He?\u2019 said Ben, amused. \u2018And how, pray tell, would you know that it\u2019s a he? And it isn\u2019t time yet so he has to learn to be patient.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u2018Mothers know these things,\u2019 said Elizabeth smugly. \u2018And I wish it was time.\u2019\u00a0 Her eyes took on a faraway look. \u2018The sooner this baby is born the better. Then we can start preparing.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u2018There\u2019s time enough,\u2019 said Ben, rolling onto his stomach and looking at the clouds lazily. He flinched as Elizabeth hit him on the arm. <\/em><\/p>\n

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\u2018Don\u2019t tell me you\u2019re giving up on all our plans?\u2019 she said indignantly. \u2018Ben Cartwright!\u00a0 After all the things we\u2019ve talked about \u2026 all the plans we\u2019ve made!\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u2018Of course I\u2019m not,\u2019 replied Ben, rubbing his arms. \u2018Only with a new baby and all \u2026 it\u2019ll be some time now before we can start off. This puts things back a bit \u2026 you said so yourself.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u2018Well yes,\u2019 she replied. \u2018But only a bit.\u00a0 Ben \u2026\u2019 she looked at him pleadingly. \u2018Please tell me again \u2026 tell me what it\u2019s going to be like.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

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Ben propped himself up on one arm and smiled at her. \u2018We should be able to go next spring,\u2019 he assured her. \u2018This little one should be ready by then to travel \u2026 you and him both.\u2019\u00a0 He looked towards the west where the sun was sinking below the mountains. \u2018We\u2019ll take it easier of course.\u00a0 Probably take longer now, but we\u2019ll get there some day.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

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Elizabeth<\/em> snuggled close to him and he put a protective arm around her shoulders. \u2018We\u2019ll get where?\u2019 she asked, although she already knew the answer.<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

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\u2018To the place of our dreams,\u2019 he said in a low voice. \u2018We\u2019ll follow our dream until we find it.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And how will we know it?\u2019 she asked teasingly. \u2018How will we know when we\u2019ve found it?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben grinned at her. \u2018How do I know?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I\u2019m counting on you to tell me when we\u2019re there.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Elizabeth<\/em>\u2019s smile faded and she sat up suddenly. \u2018Ben I want you to promise me something,\u2019 she said seriously.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That if \u2026 if something happens to me then you won\u2019t give up.\u00a0 Promise me that you\u2019ll still follow the dream even if I\u2019m not there with you.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben pulled her close to him. \u2018Oh for heaven\u2019s sake Liz,\u2019 he said. \u2018What on earth could possibly ever happen to you?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Promise me Ben,\u2019 she said insistently, pulling away from him and looking deeply into his dark brown eyes. \u2018Promise me that no matter what you won\u2019t give up.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put up his hand and chuckled. \u2018I promise,\u2019 he said in a mock serious tone. \u2018I promise that I won\u2019t give up.\u2019\u00a0 He drew her towards him and they snuggled together again. \u2018There\u2019ll be no more talk of giving up,\u2019 he said. \u2018You and I are going to follow that dream of ours together.\u2019\u00a0 He didn\u2019t see the momentary frown that crossed his young wife\u2019s face, but he felt her shiver in his arms. \u2018Cold?\u2019 he said.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No,\u2019 she replied. \u2018Not cold \u2026 just \u2026\u2019\u00a0 She forced a smile on her face. \u2018It\u2019s wonderful to think of our son living with our dream, isn\u2019t it Ben darling?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on her stomach and felt the small fluttering movements there again. \u2018Yes it is,\u2019 he said. \u2018Our son will grow up somewhere with the wind on his face and freedom in his heart.\u00a0 We\u2019ll find a place with plenty of space where we can watch him grow to be a man to be proud of Liz.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared down at the slumbering child beside him and reached out his hand to stroke the soft curling hair \u2026 so like Elizabeth\u2019s. He didn\u2019t know what force had led her to say the things she had that day \u2026 but he was glad that she had.\u00a0 He knew without doubt that he had to continue to follow the dream that had been theirs \u2026 and was now his and Adam\u2019s \u2026. and nothing, not even this wonderful town of Elwood and its people, could stop them from doing that.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know where they would eventually settle, but something deep within him told him that this wasn\u2019t the place.\u00a0 Even though they were happy here \u2026 this still wasn\u2019t the place.\u00a0 One day he would find it \u2026 one day they<\/em> would find it \u2026. and Elizabeth\u2019s spirit would be at peace when they did.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018No luck yet?\u2019 Ben asked teasingly as Adam frowned at the still water in front of them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u2018No Pa,\u2019 he said seriously. \u2018No luck yet.\u00a0 Maybe them fish just isn\u2019t hungry today.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smothered a chuckle. \u2018Maybe not,\u2019 he agreed. \u2018Sure is a shame is they\u2019re not though.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded his head. \u2018Sure is a shame,\u2019 he agreed. He glanced over at his father who was propped up against a tree holding his own fishing line as it dangled in the water, his long legs crossed in front of him. Adam straightened his own little legs out in front of him and crossed them in imitation of his father\u2019s before turning his attention back to the water again. \u2018Looks like we isn\u2019t gonna have any fish for supper tonight,\u2019 he declared.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t give up yet son,\u2019 said Ben easily. \u2018There\u2019s plenty of time.\u2019 He gave a great yawn.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You tired Pa?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018A bit,\u2019 admitted Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You been working too hard in that Livery Stable,\u2019 Adam admonished him. \u2018That\u2019s what aunt Lottie says.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018And aunt Lottie would be right,\u2019 said a voice behind them. \u2018She just might have to speak to that boss of yours about it.\u2019\u00a0 She shot her husband Frank a stern look which he returned with a carefree grin as he baited his hook. \u2018Are you three men coming to eat this picnic lunch I\u2019ve taken the trouble to make or aren\u2019t you?\u2019 she asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben made a face. \u2018Now how could I turn down some of your wonderful chicken?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I\u2019m coming Lottie.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam gave his father a pleading look. \u2018Can\u2019t I try just a bit longer Pa?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I reckon them fish is just waiting to be caught.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018All right,\u2019 said Ben as he stood up. \u2018Just for a bit longer.\u00a0 We\u2019ll be eating just over here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll save you a piece of my special pie,\u2019 said Lottie, patting the little boy on the head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Apple?\u2019 asked Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course,\u2019 she replied. \u2018What else would I make when I know that it\u2019s your favourite?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben, Frank and Lottie settled themselves down on the rug and were soon eating heartily as they watched Adam fish. \u2018I\u2019m glad that you invited us today,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018There\u2019s something I want to talk to you both about.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lottie shot Frank a concerned look. \u2018And what would that be?\u2019 she asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben bit his lip and hesitated before replying, knowing that his words wouldn\u2019t be pleasant for the couple to hear. \u2018I\u2019ve been thinking that it\u2019s about time Adam and I moved on,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve saved enough to get us quite a bit further on thanks to the job you gave me Frank.\u2019\u00a0 He shot the man a grateful look. \u2018And its time we were on our way soon.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Why now?\u2019 asked Frank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I want to get as far as possible before the winter sets in,\u2019 explained Ben. \u2018I don\u2019t think it\u2019s fair to expect Adam to travel in the cold. By winter I hope we\u2019ll have found somewhere to wait out the snows.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018Do you think it\u2019s fair for him to travel at all?\u2019\u00a0 asked Lottie in a low voice.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked away. \u2018We\u2019ve been through this before,\u2019 he said. \u2018I know what you think about me travelling with the boy and I realise that it\u2019s hard on you both since you\u2019ve grown so fond of Adam.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019ve grown fond of both of you,\u2019 said Lottie, putting her hand on top of his.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded. \u2018As I have of both of you,\u2019 he said. \u2018Please don\u2019t make this any harder than it already is. Adam and I have to leave some time.\u00a0 You both know that. We\u2019ve probably stayed too long as it is.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Meaning?\u2019 asked Frank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Meaning that the longer we stay the harder it is becoming to leave,\u2019 said Ben wistfully.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So why go?\u2019 persisted Lottie. \u2018Surely you\u2019re both happy here?\u00a0 You\u2019ve seen the way Adam has blossomed since you arrived and there\u2019s school here for the boy as well.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben said nothing for a few minutes and then broke the silence that hung around them all. \u2018I have to follow the dream,\u2019 he said at last. \u2018I promised Elizabeth.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Frank looked at Lottie who nodded slightly. \u2018We understand son,\u2019 he said. \u2018But there\u2019s something that Lottie and I want to say to you.\u00a0 Something we\u2019ve discussed at great length.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked up at the man in surprise. \u2018What?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018It\u2019s about Adam,\u2019 said Frank. \u2018Why don\u2019t you leave him here with us?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben blinked a couple of times and he jerked backwards from the man. \u2018Are you mad?\u2019 he said. \u2018Leave Adam?\u00a0 Leave my son?\u00a0 Absolutely not!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We don\u2019t mean forever,\u2019 said Lottie quickly. \u2018We mean just for a little while.\u00a0 Long enough for you to travel on and find whatever it is you\u2019re looking for and then you could come back to fetch him.\u00a0 You\u2019d travel a lot quicker without the boy and you know that he\u2019d be well cared for here.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well of course I know that,\u2019 agreed Ben. \u2018That\u2019s not really the point.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Then what is?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The point is that I don\u2019t want to leave him,\u2019 said Ben firmly. \u2018Not even for a little while.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know,\u2019 said Lottie gently. \u2018But think of the child Ben.\u00a0 What kind of life is it for him?\u00a0 Travelling like you have been with no one place to call home?\u00a0 Lord knows you\u2019ve been a wonderful father to him up until now, but what\u2019s going to happen when your money runs out next time?\u00a0 You\u2019ve told us yourself how hard it was for you before you arrived in Ohio and you don\u2019t want to subject the boy to any unnecessary hardships again, do you?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well no \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018And then there\u2019s the school house,\u2019 interrupted Frank. \u2018Adam deserves to go to a proper school Ben \u2026 even if only for a while until you come back for him. He\u2019s of the age when he needs to have that mind of his stimulated.\u00a0 He\u2019s a bright boy you know.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018I do know,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018All we\u2019re asking is that you think about it,\u2019 said Lottie. \u2018We don\u2019t want to take your son away from you Ben.\u00a0 We only want to help.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018I promised Elizabeth,\u2019 said Ben stubbornly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018And we\u2019re not asking you to break that promise,\u2019 insisted Lottie. \u2018We\u2019re only saying that perhaps it would be best for you to go on ahead for a while and find whatever it is you\u2019re looking for, knowing that we will watch over Adam for you until you return to fetch him.\u00a0 We\u2019d care for him as if he were our own.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Only say you\u2019ll think about it,\u2019 said Frank.\u00a0 \u2018That\u2019s all we\u2019re asking.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018All right,\u2019 said Ben, staring at the small dark-haired child near the river. \u2018I\u2019ll think about it.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben led the horse out of the Livery Stable and smiled to see his small son crouched down near the building with another boy next to him.\u00a0 Adam was patiently explaining to the other child why the ants were walking in a straight line and Ben paused for a moment to see if his son got his facts straight.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018Couldn\u2019t have explained it better myself,\u2019 he said, bursting with pride at the little boy\u2019s succinct explanation.<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018What Pa?\u2019 asked Adam, looking up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Nothing,\u2019 said Ben, ruffling his son\u2019s hair. \u2018Hello Jake.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hello Mr Cartwright,\u2019 said Jake Ellis standing up. He was a year older than Adam, but to listen to the two boys during their many conversation, Ben could have sworn that his son was the older of the two.\u00a0 \u2018I gotta go now,\u2019 said Jake. \u2018Ma said to be home fer lunch. Bye Adam!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

\u2018Bye,\u2019 said Adam, waving to his friend and smiling happily. Watching him, Ben\u2019s heart lurched with the memory of the conversation he\u2019d had with Lottie and Frank the day before. They\u2019d certainly been right about one thing \u2026 He\u2019d never seen Adam more carefree than he was here amongst his new friends and the conversation he\u2019d just witnessed only served to impress that fact upon him even more.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018We\u2019d better head home for our lunch too, young man,\u2019 said Ben, tying up the horse and holding out his hand to his son. \u2018Come on.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Adam swung happily on his father\u2019s hand as they headed down the street, passing the small schoolhouse on the way where the children could be seen spilling out of the doorway for their lunch break.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s eyes widened at the sight. \u2018That\u2019s the school Pa,\u2019 he informed his father.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018I know.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Jake is going there next month,\u2019 said Adam wistfully. \u2018He\u2019s says he\u2019s big enough now.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018Does he?\u00a0 I suppose he would be. He\u2019s older than you.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018What\u2019s a month?\u2019 asked Adam curiously.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Four weeks.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh.\u00a0 How many days is a week?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Seven.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

There was silence for a long time as Adam digested this information. Finally he spoke again. \u2018I reckon I\u2019ll have to get my sticks out later to work that one out, huh Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018I guess so son,\u2019 said Ben. Lately Adam had begun to stockpile a collection of sticks, which he was using whenever the computations he needed to work out went beyond his fingers.\u00a0 Privately, Ben thought his son showed great initiative doing so, but today the thought of the child\u2019s method of counting only served to remind him of his need for an education and the lack of it that he\u2019d have on the trail when they left.\u00a0 Suddenly he pulled Adam to the side of the street and sat down on the edge of the sidewalk, looking directly into his small intelligent face.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam son I want to ask you something and I want you to tell me the truth,\u2019 he said. \u2018Would you like to stay here in Elwood and go to school?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was not the slightest hesitation in the child\u2019s face and Ben\u2019s heart lurched at the sparkle that came immediately into his hazel eyes. \u2018Ya mean it Pa?\u2019 he asked delightedly. \u2018Can I really go to school too?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m just asking if you\u2019d like to,\u2019 said Ben warily. \u2018What would you think about that?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes!\u2019 said Adam, clapping his hands. \u2018I could learn them big numbers and I wouldn\u2019t need my sticks no more.\u2019\u00a0 He put his head on one side and thought for a moment. \u2018Would I learn to read in school too?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes.\u00a0 They teach reading in school.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Reading books?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes \u2026 reading books.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded decisively. \u2018Then I\u2019d like to stay and go to school,\u2019 he said firmly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Ben closed his eyes for a moment. \u2018I see,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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Adam studied his father\u2019s face for a moment. \u2018Are you OK Pa?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019m fine son,\u2019 said Ben, standing up. \u2018Let\u2019s get home for lunch now, shall we?\u2019\u00a0 He led the little boy past the schoolhouse and up the street towards the small couple of rooms he rented for the two of them, his heart sinking with each step that Adam so conscientiously counted out beside him as they walked.<\/p>\n

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\u2018How\u2019s it going?\u2019\u00a0 Ben looked down from the wagon at Frank who was leaning against the wall of the livery Stable watching him as he worked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m just checking things,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I haven\u2019t taken the wagon out since I got here and I\u2019m just checking that everything is OK before I get my things loaded.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Your<\/em> things,\u2019 said Frank, his eyebrow lifting slightly. \u2018Do I take it from that remark that you\u2019ve decided not to take Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben avoided the man\u2019s gaze and bent his head to continue working. \u2018I\u2019m not sure,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018To be honest the argument you and Lottie put forward the other day made a lot of sense and I can\u2019t get it out of my head.\u00a0 Perhaps you\u2019re right \u2026. I know that Adam desperately wants to go to school, but \u2026\u2019 His voice trailed away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But you don\u2019t want to leave him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Ben shook his head firmly. \u2018No,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018I don\u2019t want to leave him, but \u2026. Well I can\u2019t shake the feeling that I\u2019m being selfish if I do.\u2019\u00a0 He shook his head. \u2018I just don\u2019t know what to do.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Frank stared at the younger man for a moment without speaking and then straightened. \u2018Perhaps you should talk to Adam about it?\u2019 he suggested.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at him for the first time. \u2018He\u2019s only four years old,\u2019 he said. \u2018I couldn\u2019t possibly ask him to make such a difficult decision.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Ben, that boy has an old head on his little shoulders,\u2019 said Frank. \u2018I think that you\u2019ll find he knows his own mind.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head decisively. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018I can\u2019t do that to him. I\u2019m the parent and I\u2019ll decide what\u2019s best for him.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018I guess that\u2019s the point isn\u2019t it?\u2019 said Frank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What do you mean?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018You said what\u2019s best for him<\/em>.\u00a0 Just keep that in mind when you make your decision Ben.\u00a0 It\u2019s what is best for Adam that counts isn\u2019t it? Not you or me or anyone else.\u2019\u00a0 He reached up and patted Ben on the shoulder and smiled at him. \u2018Well you think about it,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll see you at supper.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben stared after Frank for a long time before turning back to his work again, the man\u2019s parting words whirling around and around in his head as he did.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019ve made my decision,\u2019 said Ben, entering the kitchen with his hat in his hands. Lottie and Frank looked up, both of them noting the white knuckles on the young man\u2019s hands as he twisted his hat around and around in his anxiety. They both stared at him, waiting for his next words. \u2018If you\u2019re still willing, I\u2019ll leave Adam here with you for a few months,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I owe it to him to give him the best chance I can \u2026 and this way he can go to school until I come back for him.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Lottie stood up and placed her hands on the young man\u2019s shoulders. \u2018You know that we\u2019ll look after him as if he were our own,\u2019 she said gently.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I know.\u2019\u00a0 Ben\u2019s troubled brown eyes looked at her intently.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018And we\u2019ll make sure \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben turned away. \u2018I\u2019ll be leaving in the morning,\u2019 he interrupted. \u2018I\u2019m going to tell Adam tonight.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018You don\u2019t think that you should just slip away quietly?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018No.\u00a0 I don\u2019t want to leave without explaining to him why I\u2019m doing this.\u00a0 I have to try and make him understand what\u2019s going on. I owe him that.\u2019\u00a0 He walked out side again, closing the door quietly behind him.<\/p>\n

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\u2018He\u2019s one brave young man,\u2019 said Lottie quietly after a moment of silence. \u2018And a wonderful father to that boy.\u00a0 This is killing him to do this.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018All the more reason to admire him for it,\u2019 said Frank.<\/p>\n

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Ben pulled his little boy\u2019s nightshirt over the dark curly head. \u2018There,\u2019 he said. \u2018Now into bed young man.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam held up his arms to his father. \u2018Story Pa?\u2019 he said pleadingly. \u2018Can\u2019t I have just one story?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben\u2019s heart constricted at the sight of the child and he bent down and clasped him to his heart for a few moments tightly. \u2018Of course,\u2019 he said, when he could speak again. \u2018I do have a story to tell you tonight.\u2019\u00a0 He carried Adam over to the chair in the corner of the room next to the small window and settled down with him on his lap.\u00a0 He stroked the soft dark hair and wished with all his heart that this were one story that he didn\u2019t have to tell his son.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well,\u2019 he said when he settled with the child. \u2018This is a story about a little boy who was four years old.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam held up four fingers. \u2018I\u2019m four too,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Ben, hugging him tighter. \u2018He was a very smart little boy and a very brave little boy too.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018What was his name?\u2019 asked Adam, snuggling into his father\u2019s chest and looking up trustingly at the man.<\/p>\n

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\u2018His name was \u2026. Adam,\u2019 said Ben.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Same as me,\u2019 said Adam with a loud yawn.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes.\u00a0 Well Adam was such a smart and clever little boy that his father decided to send him to school when he was just four years old,\u2019 continued Ben. \u2018Adam knew that he would really like school and so he was very excited to go.\u00a0 He knew that he would make lots of friends there and that he would be able to learn lots of interesting things.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Like reading books,\u2019 said Adam excitedly.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018And counting big numbers.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes. So Adam said to his Pa that he would like to go to school. But his Pa had a problem.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam sat up and looked at his father with the intense gaze that Ben grown so used to.<\/p>\n

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\u2018What was his Pa\u2019s problem?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n

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Ben took a deep breath. \u2018His Pa knew that he couldn\u2019t stay in the town where the school was while Adam went there.\u00a0 He had to go and find a spot for them to live \u2026\u2019 He looked away from the child\u2019s eyes which had clouded over. \u2018And so he left Adam with some wonderful people who would look after him until he got back.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam swallowed before opening his mouth. \u2018Was they called aunt Lottie and uncle Frank?\u2019 he asked in a small voice.<\/p>\n

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Ben nodded, wiling himself to remain cheerful, at least in the eyes of his small son. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018And Adam\u2019s father knew that Adam would be very happy staying with them until he came back.\u2019 He stopped and looked at the little boy whose bottom lip had begun to tremble.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I don\u2019t wanna stay here without you Pa,\u2019 Adam said.<\/p>\n

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Ben stroked the dark hair. \u2018It\u2019ll only be for a little while,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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\u2018How long?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018A few months.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam hesitated. \u2018You said a month is four weeks,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018How many months?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019m not sure.\u00a0 A few.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam swallowed. \u2018I guess I\u2019d need lots of sticks to count it then,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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Ben drew his son towards him. \u2018I think so,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 There was silence for a moment and then he added. \u2018But once you get to school you\u2019ll be able to learn all about those big numbers and it won\u2019t seem so long.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam drew away from his father and shook his head. \u2018I don\u2019t wanna go to school,\u2019 he said firmly. \u2018I changed my mind.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Adam \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam shook his little head firmly. \u2018I don\u2019t wanna go no more,\u2019 he said. \u2018I can bring lot of sticks when we leave Pa and use em to count.\u00a0 I don\u2019t need ta learn them big numbers no more.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Adam \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam clutched hold of his father\u2019s waist, drawing his little body as close as he could get to him. \u2018Please don\u2019t make me stay here Pa!\u2019 he cried. \u2018Please take me with you!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben\u2019s heart constricted as he tried desperately to be strong for the child in his arms. \u2018Adam, it\u2019s for the best,\u2019 he said quietly.<\/p>\n

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Adam sniffled against his father\u2019s chest. \u2018Don\u2019t you love me any more Pa?\u2019 he asked in a small voice.<\/p>\n

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Ben closed his eyes momentarily. \u2018Of course I love you!\u2019 he said. \u2018Don\u2019t you ever think for one moment that I don\u2019t!\u00a0 I just think that you\u2019ll have fun living here with aunt Lottie and uncle Frank while Pa goes to find where we\u2019re going to live. As soon as I find it I\u2019ll come back for you.\u2019\u00a0 Adam was silent in his father\u2019s arms, apart from the sniffling. Ben continued to stroke the dark hair against his chest. \u2018I love you so much Adam,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018I just want what\u2019s best for you son.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018It\u2019s best for me to come with you,\u2019 said Adam, beginning to hiccup in between his sniffles.<\/p>\n

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Ben laid his face in the dark hair. \u2018We\u2019ll be together again,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just give it some time.\u2019 \u00a0He listened to the sniffles and the hiccups of the small child on his lap as he rocked him.<\/p>\n

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Adam stared at Ben with his big hazel eyes as his father clambered down from the wagon. The little boy gripped Lottie\u2019s hand tightly and she smiled down at him.\u00a0 Adam didn\u2019t return the smile, but continued to stare at his father with a serious expression.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Well,\u2019 said Frank, sensing the tension in the air and trying to appear more cheerfully because of it. \u2018It seems like you\u2019re all set young man.\u2019\u00a0 He held out his hand to shake Ben\u2019s. \u2018You take care of yourself Ben.\u00a0 We\u2019ll see you when you get back.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben nodded as he returned the handshake. \u2018Thank you for everything Frank,\u2019 he said. \u2018I honestly don\u2019t know how I would have managed without you \u2026 both of you,\u2019 he added, looking over at Lottie.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Don\u2019t you mention it,\u2019 said Frank sincerely. \u2018You\u2019ve been the best darn worker in that Livery Stable that I\u2019ve ever had.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I don\u2019t just mean the job,\u2019 said Ben meaningfully.<\/p>\n

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Frank nodded. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said patting the other man on the shoulder. \u2018You take care of yourself now and make sure that you write and let us know where you are.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018And when you\u2019ll be back,\u2019 added Lottie, with a significant look at Adam.<\/p>\n

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Ben nodded and walked over to give the woman a hug. \u2018You don\u2019t know how grateful I am to you for doing this,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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Lottie returned the hug. \u2018You know how we feel about him,\u2019 she said gently. \u2018It\u2019s a pleasure for us.\u2019\u00a0 She smiled at the young man. \u2018Now you just go and find that dream of yours you\u2019re always talking about and know that your precious little man will be here for you to come back to when you do,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

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Ben nodded again, unable to reply to her due to the emotions that were welling up inside him.\u00a0 He took a deep breath as he knelt down and stared at the little boy by her side. Adam stared back at his father, his hand still gripping Lottie\u2019s tightly. Ben reached over and stroked the dark hair as he tried to smile at his son. \u2018Well Adam,\u2019 he said gently. \u2018Its time for me to go now.\u2019\u00a0 He gathered the child into his arms, noting that the little body was stiff within his grasp. He hugged him towards himself, feeling that Adam couldn\u2019t help but feel his heart, which seemed to be nearly bursting through his chest.<\/p>\n

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Ben stroked his son\u2019s hair, not knowing what to say and not knowing if he could say it even if he had the words. After a few moments, he held Adam back from him and looked intently into his eyes. \u2018Pa loves you very much,\u2019 he said. \u2018And I\u2019ll be back for you as soon as I can.\u2019 Adam nodded silently as he stared at his father with wide eyes that showed too little sleep from the night before. Ben swallowed and then handed the little boy over to Lottie, who grasped him firmly by the hand. \u2018You be good,\u2019 he said as he stood up.\u00a0 Adam nodded silently again and stuck his thumb into his mouth, something that Ben noted at once.\u00a0 He hadn\u2019t seen him do it for years and the sight of the gesture tore at his heart.<\/p>\n

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Ben turned before he could weaken and give in to his urge to gather his son up into his arms and carry him onto the wagon with him.\u00a0 With his heart breaking, he took a step away and then turned as he heard a small voice behind him.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Bye Pa.\u00a0 I love you.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben crouched down and held out his arms, gathering Adam to him as the child dropped Lottie\u2019s hand and ran towards his father.\u00a0 He stood up with Adam in his arms and closed his eyes as he tried to imprint the feel of his little boy onto his brain for future reference.\u00a0 \u2018Goodbye Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll be back soon.\u2019\u00a0 He held the child out to Lottie and got into the wagon without another word, not daring to look back.<\/p>\n

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As Ben drove away from the town, he heard the sniffles of his little boy behind him as the child dissolved into tears.\u00a0 His own heart breaking, he sat resolutely on the seat and willed his body to keep the wagon moving.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Is he asleep?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I think so,\u2019 said Lottie as she sat down heavily at the kitchen table.\u00a0 \u2018He\u2019s finally stopped crying at least.\u2019\u00a0 She sighed. \u2018Poor child,\u2019 she said.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Poor Ben,\u2019 said Frank as he lit his pipe.\u00a0 \u2018The boy will adapt in time Lottie, but that young man is going to find these next few months hard.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018They both will,\u2019 his wife replied thoughtfully. \u2018They both will.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben sat and stared into the fire mournfully, a cold morning chill settling around him as he meditated on the events of the day before.\u00a0 He still didn\u2019t know how he had managed to leave the most precious thing he had in this world and simply walk away from his son \u2026 but do it he had.\u00a0 It was only his strength of character that had enabled him to do so.<\/p>\n

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He knew in his head that he had done the best thing for his child, but he wondered in his heart how they were both going to cope in the coming months. Last night he had felt the loss keenly as he had tossed and turned without once feeling the warm little body beside him as usual and when the dawn had finally broken his eyes were red rimmed and bloodshot.\u00a0 Ben supposed that in time he\u2019d get used to the fact that he was alone now, but he knew that he\u2019d never get used to the ache in his heart that was there with every breath that he took.<\/p>\n

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He sighed as he began to douse the small fire on which he\u2019d hearted his coffee and began to gather up his meagre belongings to pack onto the wagon.\u00a0 One thing he had noticed even in this short time was that he had managed to travel faster than he ever had before and he was determined now to cover as much ground as possible in as short time as he could.\u00a0 With every mile that he covered he was one mile closer to finding his destination and one mile closer to his son.\u00a0 He packed his things into the wagon with a fierce determination in his heart and a conviction in his soul that he was doing the right thing.<\/p>\n

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As he hopped up into the wagon and began to hitch up the reins of the horses, he spoke aloud for the first time that morning. \u2018Off we go then,\u2019 he shouted and then stopped abruptly.\u00a0 Every morning since he\u2019d bought the wagon all that time ago, he and Adam had started off the day by shouting this phrase together.\u00a0 It had become part of their morning ritual and now all he heard was the hollow sound of his own voice without the lilting treble one beside him.\u00a0 His heart nearly burst with the ache that constricted it and he bent his head and wept the bitter tears that he\u2019d longed to during the past twenty-four hours.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Oh Liz,\u2019 he said in a broken whisper. \u2018I hope I\u2019ve done the right thing \u2026 please let me know that I\u2019ve done the right thing.\u2019<\/p>\n

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At that moment he heard a shout and he jerked his head up and wiped his eyes on his sleeve, turning around and staring into the early morning light.\u00a0 He waited as four men rode into the clearing, Frank at the head of the group. \u2018Frank!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018Where did you spring from?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Frank drew his horse to a halt beside the wagon. \u2018Ben!\u2019 he cried. \u2018Thank God we found you!\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben went pale. \u2018What is it?\u2019 he said anxiously. \u2018Adam?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Frank nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he replied.\u00a0 \u2018Lottie went to check on him late last night before we went to bed and he\u2019d gone.\u00a0 Out the window by the look of it.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben began to breathe deeply as the shock of the man\u2019s words set in. \u2018What?\u2019 he said. \u2018How?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Frank shook his head. \u2018We thought he was asleep, but obviously not,\u2019 he continued. \u2018He was naturally upset after you left and Lottie had only just got him settled for an hour or so before we noticed him gone.\u00a0 We\u2019ve spent the night searching the whole town but he isn\u2019t there.\u00a0 His tracks lead out of town \u2026 he\u2019s coming after you Ben.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018There\u2019s no way that a child of that age could have caught up with me,\u2019 said Ben, his eyes wild. \u2018Where is he?\u00a0 Where is my son?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Frank leant over and put his hand on Ben\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Now calm down,\u2019 he said. \u2018He\u2019s obviously somewhere between here and the town.\u00a0 We\u2019ll find him.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018But you\u2019ve just come along the trail,\u2019 said Ben as he began to turn the wagon around to face the way he\u2019d just come. \u2018You would have seen him surely.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018It was still dark along part of it Ben,\u2019 said one of the other men. \u2018A child that size \u2026 we could have easily missed him.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018We\u2019ll find him on the way back for sure,\u2019 said Frank. \u2018Don\u2019t you worry.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben hitched up the reins of the horses and drove them back the way he\u2019d come without another word.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I just don\u2019t understand it,\u2019 said Ben, running his hands through his dark hair in a frustrated gesture.\u00a0 He must be on the trail, so why haven\u2019t we come across him?\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018Maybe he didn\u2019t come this way?\u2019 suggested one of the men.<\/p>\n

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Ben shook his head. \u2018He knew the way I came,\u2019 he said. \u2018This is the main trail out of town and he would know to follow the wagon tracks.\u2019 He gazed into the town in front of him. \u2018I\u2019m going back again,\u2019 he said turning the horse around for a second time. \u2018We must have missed him.\u2019<\/p>\n

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\u2018I\u2019m coming with you,\u2019 said Frank. \u2018Bert \u2026 you and the others get into town and round up as many men as you can.\u00a0 There\u2019s no telling what could have happened to a child that small out here.\u2019\u00a0 He stopped and stared at Ben, an appalled expression on his face. \u2018Ben I\u2019m sorry,\u2019 he said. \u2018I didn\u2019t mean to say that.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben took a deep breath. \u2018It\u2019s all right Frank,\u2019 he said. \u2018You only said what we\u2019 re all thinking.\u00a0 A child the size of Adam \u2026 who knows what \u2026\u2019\u00a0 His voice trailed away and he hung his head. \u2018Let\u2019s get going,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019m going to find my son if its the last thing I do.\u2019<\/p>\n

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xxxxxxxxxx<\/p>\n

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\u2018Ben!\u2019 shouted Frank as he bent down and studied the ground in front of him. \u2018Over here!\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben jumped down from the wagon and ran over to the other man, crouching down beside him. \u2018What?\u2019 he said. \u2018Did you find something?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Frank pointed to the small footprint in the dirt. \u2018Well we know he got this far,\u2019 he said. \u2018He sure is a plucky little one isn\u2019t he?\u2019\u00a0 He scratched his chin thoughtfully. \u2018The tracks don\u2019t seem to go any further.\u00a0 He looked into the bushes by the side of the trail. \u2018You go down that way and I\u2019ll try up here,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded and set off down the slight slope, his heart in his mouth as it had been for the past hour as they searched up and down the trail for Adam.\u00a0 They had tried to narrow down the search to a shorter distance along the trail, judging the distance a four year old child could have travelled at night, yet still Ben wondered if they were accurate in their estimations.\u00a0 He was just about to call Frank and discuss it with him, when he heard a slight snuffling noise in the bushes.\u00a0 He strode over to them and cautiously pulled them back to reveal the tear-streaked face of his little son. \u2018Adam!\u2019 he shouted as he pulled the boy into his arms. \u2018Frank!\u00a0 I\u2019ve found him!\u2019<\/p>\n

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There was a rustling in the bushes behind him and Frank appeared, his face wreathed in smiles. \u2018Thank God!\u2019 the man breathed fervently.\u00a0 He watched as Ben crouched down on the ground and looked intently into his son\u2019s miserable face as he spoke to him.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Adam,\u2019 said Ben gently. \u2018We\u2019ve been looking for you everywhere.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam swallowed and looked at his father miserably. \u2018I ran away,\u2019 he said. \u2018Are you gonna tan me Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head. \u2018We\u2019ll talk about that later,\u2019 he said. \u2018Were you running to find me?\u2019 Adam nodded his head. \u2018But why did you hide?\u2019 Ben asked. \u2018We\u2019ve been up and down this trail all morning.\u00a0 You must have heard us.\u2019\u00a0 Adam nodded again. \u2018Then why?\u2019 asked Ben. \u2018Why did you hide?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam swallowed again. \u2018I didn\u2019t want to be found by anyone else,\u2019 he said, stealing a glance at Frank. \u2018I listened for your long footsteps like aunt Lottie said.\u2019\u00a0 He gave his father an earnest look. \u2018I wanted you to find me Pa.\u00a0 If someone else did then they\u2019d take me back.\u2019\u00a0 He flung his arms around his father and held onto his neck desperately. \u2018Please take me with you Pa,\u2019 he begged. \u2018Please don\u2019t send me back.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben looked at Frank over the top of his child\u2019s head. \u2018I can\u2019t do it,\u2019 he said in a low voice.<\/p>\n

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Frank nodded. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said. \u2018I figured as much.\u2019\u00a0 He leant down and ruffled Adam\u2019s dark hair. \u2018I reckon you two need to be together no matter what eh?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam drew back and stared into his father\u2019s face. \u2018Are you going away again Pa?\u2019 he asked tentatively.<\/p>\n

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Ben nodded. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

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\u2018And am I going with you this time?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben nodded again. \u2018Yes Adam,\u2019 he replied. \u2018You\u2019re going with me.\u00a0 We\u2019re going together like always.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam clung to his father again, his little face wreathed in smiles.\u00a0 Ben held the boy in his arms as he stood up and faced Frank. \u2018I suppose you think I\u2019m wrong to do this,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Frank shrugged. \u2018Ain\u2019t no wrong nor right about it boy,\u2019 he said. \u2018You do what\u2019s in your heart for you and that child.\u2019\u00a0 He held out a small bag. \u2018Me and Lottie figured it would come to this.\u00a0 Here\u2019s his things \u2026 she packed em before I left this morning.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Ben took the bag with a smiled. \u2018Tell her \u2026\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Frank held up his hand. \u2018Ain\u2019t no need to say anything son,\u2019 he said. \u2018You just look after that boy \u2026 and make sure you write and tell us how you\u2019re both getting on, you hear?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben shook the man\u2019s hand. \u2018I certainly will,\u2019 he said. \u2018I guess we two just belong together, eh Adam?\u2019 he said to the boy on his shoulder.<\/p>\n

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\u2018I guess so Pa,\u2019 said Adam happily.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Ben smiled at Frank again. \u2018I know that I still have to follow my dream,\u2019 he said. \u2018But I know now that it\u2019s not just mine \u2026 it belongs to Adam as well.\u00a0 It was meant for more than just me \u2026 and Adam has to be there every part of the way.\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t matter if it takes longer \u2026 we\u2019ll get there one day.\u00a0 The important thing is that we\u2019ll be together while we\u2019re doing it.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018What about his education?\u2019 asked Frank.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018He\u2019s a bright boy,\u2019 said Ben, ruffling Adam\u2019s hair.\u00a0 I\u2019ll teach him what I can and he\u2019ll get the rest of his education when the time is right for him.\u2019\u00a0 He grinned. \u2018Besides,\u2019 he said. \u2018Sometimes education can get in the way of thinking.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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Frank returned the grin. \u2018You write!\u2019 he said, pointing a finger at Ben as the other man lifted Adam up onto the wagon and climbed up himself.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018I promise,\u2019 said Ben.\u00a0 He waved to Frank and urged Adam to do the same as he hitched up the reins.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Bye uncle Frank!\u2019 called Adam happily and then turned to his father with a worried expression on his face. \u2018Pa!\u00a0 I didn\u2019t bring my sticks!\u2019 he said. \u2018I need em to count them big numbers.\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben smiled down at his son as he drew him towards him on the seat. \u2018We can gather more sticks on the way,\u2019 he said gently. \u2018There\u2019s plenty of sticks out there Adam and plenty of places to look for them.\u00a0 He grinned. \u2018Ready?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Adam nodded. \u2018Ready,\u2019 he said firmly.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Off we go then!\u2019 they both shouted together as the wagon lurched forward.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Pa?\u2019 Adam looked up at his father.<\/p>\n

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\u2018Yes son?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018Where are we going now?\u2019<\/p>\n

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Ben scratched his head under his hat. \u2018Well I\u2019m not really sure Adam,\u2019 he admitted. \u2018Wherever the dream takes us, I suppose.\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u2018What is the dream Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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 <\/p>\n

Ben shook his head again. \u2018I don\u2019t know son,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll know what it is when we find it though.\u2019 He drew Adam close to his side as the wagon rolled slowly west down the trail.<\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0Ben has a difficult decision to make regarding a young Adam\u2019s future<\/p>\n

Rated: K+ (9,665 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":8421,"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_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1016,23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2082","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-pa","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-1016-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1472,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/06\/Ben-Draw.jpg?fit=278%2C354&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":7338,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7338","url_meta":{"origin":2082,"position":0},"title":"Ben and Adam on the Road (by Sibylle)","author":"Sibylle","date":"February 27, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0WHB Inger My Love \u00a0Even Ben wasn\u00b4t always the perfect father. 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Rating: T (1,080 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\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14398,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14398","url_meta":{"origin":2082,"position":2},"title":"S*x Scenes (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"January 12, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0It all started over an argument about ... Rating: \u00a0T (3,125 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13702,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=13702","url_meta":{"origin":2082,"position":3},"title":"No Question About It (by Gillian)","author":"Gillian","date":"September 24, 2001","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 This is a pre-Inger story. Ben, with four-year-old Adam in tow, takes a job on a farm \u00a0but he is offered something he never expected. Rating:\u00a0 G (11,200 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\/2016\/10\/Young-Adam.png?fit=212%2C231&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":14389,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14389","url_meta":{"origin":2082,"position":4},"title":"When the Moon Hits Your Eye Like a Big Ponderosa Pie (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"January 12, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Inspired by the famous song sung by Perry Como and Dean Martin. Rating: \u00a0T \u00a0(1,500 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Humor"","block_context":{"text":"Humor","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/ARLE-e1497282889671.png?fit=570%2C416&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":12932,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=12932","url_meta":{"origin":2082,"position":5},"title":"Bed Time #1 – Before Bed Time (by Robin)","author":"profrobinw","date":"January 14, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 It's bed time on the Ponderosa for three-year old Little Joe. 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