Family Apart #2 – Kinda Awesome<\/strong><\/p>\n“But why, Pa?” protested Joe.<\/p>\n
Ben eyed him sternly from over his breakfast plate. “I want no argument on this, Joseph. Tim has to learn about ranch work and duties. Hoss is repairing the barn roof and hayloft, so this leaves you.” His eyes swept around the table, over their faces, as he spoke about each son. All four, like him, had a growing feeling that this was not going to be a pleasant family meal anymore.<\/p>\n
“And Adam?”<\/p>\n
“Adam has to check over the mine. Tim is not yet as familiar with his surroundings as you are, and I\u2019m sure he wouldn\u2019t mind having your company. Is it too much to ask of you? To accompany your own brother?”<\/p>\n
Joe puffed with annoyance. “Pa, he calls only Adam \u2018a brother\u2019! I\u2019m just a \u2018kid\u2019 to him, and he doesn\u2019t even call you \u2018Pa\u2019, or \u2018father\u2019, or anything like that!”<\/p>\n
“Joseph, that\u2019s enough!” roared Ben.<\/p>\n
Tim glanced levelly at Adam, who averted his eyes and seemed to have suddenly lost his appetite.<\/p>\n
Adam was wearing his customary black clothes and occupying his accustomed place opposite his father. Tim chose a different place at each meal, depending on his momentary decision – today he sat beside Hoss – but he had made it a custom to wear white, or, at the most, cream shirts. It lightened his mien, giving him an appearance of innocence.<\/p>\n
“Maybe he\u2019s right, Ben,” Tim said impartially. Adam was easy to understand. Hoss was easy to get on with. The kid was slightly unnerving, though.
“Yes, Pa,” Adam reacted automatically.<\/p>\n
Ben noticed Adam\u2019s disheartened tone, but didn\u2019t comment. Adam was the strongest, if not the only bridge between Tim and the Cartwrights. Tim\u2019s adjustment to his new family might have been even more difficult for Adam than for Tim.\u00a0 Acutely aware of his role as mediator, Adam offered quietly, “Tim, Joe, I’ll accompany you a-ways.”<\/p>\n
Joe puffed – not at Adam\u2019s offer, just generally, as a man tried very hard. He pushed his plate away and got up. Tim gazed at Adam rather than Joe, so the youngest Cartwight wordlessly left the table and went outside.<\/p>\n
Tim shrugged his shoulders in an innocent, repentant manner. “I\u2019ve never had a brother before, much less a younger one. What do I do?”<\/p>\n
Adam shrugged his shoulders, in turn. He said nothing though, letting his head rest in his hands – a picture of abject misery.<\/p>\n
“Can we accompany you to the mine rather than dragging you to the pastures?” offered Tim. “Maybe we\u2019ll work something out on the way.”<\/p>\n
Hoss shuffled with his chair, plate empty. “That\u2019d be it, Pa. I\u2019d better get to work. Uhm… Tim, where exactly are you headed?”<\/p>\n
“South pastures, as far as I know,” Tim scratched his nose in Adam\u2019s manner. “After we leave Adam at the mine. Care to join us, peacemaker?”<\/p>\n
Hoss sighed aloud, yet with a smile, and went out after Joe. Though maybe he wasn\u2019t as fond of Tim as Adam was, he definitely wasn\u2019t as much against him as Joe. A brother was a brother. It was sometimes strange to think Adam and Tim were \u2018more\u2019 brothers than Hoss, Joe and Adam, but that didn\u2019t essentially matter. Surely, he had acted as a peacemaker more than once – often between Adam and Joe, recently between Tim and Joe. Such similarity only proved Joe and Tim\u2019s brotherhood, didn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n
***
\u201cAnybody in there? ANYONE IN THERE?!\u201d he yelled.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, don\u2019t think so!\u201d \u201cNo!\u201d \u201cHaven\u2019t seen anybody!\u201d answered some voices.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne man! One man!\u201d came a shout, and a miner ran up to Jackson. \u201cAdam Cartwright, he went in there. I don\u2019t know if he came out – it was just a moment ago.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGet the shovels, men!\u201d Jackson yelled over to the other miners, hurrying for a shovel himself.<\/p>\n
***
\u201cIt\u2019s okay,\u201d he said automatically. \u201cIt\u2019s fine; everything\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
The wheeze broke off dramatically.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s okay, brother,\u201d he took on a calmer, softer tone. \u201cNow, don\u2019t get panicked without a reason. It\u2019s fine. I\u2019m here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTim…\u201d The other got the sob almost completely strangled. Almost. \u201c… that you?… I thought… I called you… so long… hours I think…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI just woke,\u201d\u00a0 he explained calmly. \u201cTake it easy, brother.\u201d<\/p>\n
He was almost sure the voice belonged to Adam, although he was surprised at the emotional state he must have been in, judging by the voice. Could he be injured? Shock maybe… Confusion… He felt strange in the complete darkness himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t hear… Joe… still…\u201d came the weak voice again from somewhere in the darkness.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe he hadn\u2019t wakened yet. How long was I out?\u201d he probed what was around him. He seemed to be trapped from the waist down. No, the hips were free.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know… long enough…\u201d The voice sounded calmer now.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe he\u2019ll wake in a moment. He could be deafened by the ruckus, as well. I mean, temporarily. Can you move?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m… er… stuck… I think…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo am I, as it seems. Can you move at all?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot… too much. You?…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA bit. You\u2019re injured? You seem to have problems speaking.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo… not sure… \u2018m not sure. Confused.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou might have hit your head,\u201d offered Tim. That might explain why his brother had worked himself up like that. He wasn\u2019t thinking clearly. And the darkness was suffocating; more so when it was silent.<\/p>\n
\u201c… don\u2019t know… maybe… hurts… I think… – Confused,\u201d explained Adam wearily.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow are you stuck?\u201d Since they were already talking, it was a good reason to prolong the dialogue, thought Tim. It would be good to know their position. And Adam seemed to grow calmer every time he heard Tim\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n
\u201c… don\u2019t know…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on, Adam, you\u2019re being lazy. My legs are stuck – the rest moves quite freely. No serious pain. Now, your turn.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c… don\u2019t know…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam, you\u2019re being stubborn just to be stubborn. Can you move your arms, legs, body, head?\u201d<\/p>\n
A sigh. \u201cCan\u2019t move… much. Can … breathe. I mean… chest free.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s something. Arms? Legs?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI… think… I can… move… one… arm.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood,\u201d Tim smiled in the darkness. \u201cCan you reach out to me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot… really… Can\u2019t even… say… where you are…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell… you\u2019re somewhere in front of me,\u201d offered Tim.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot… helping…\u201d there came some stirring. \u201cYou could be… over me… behind me… front o\u2019 me… to th\u2019 side… Wait.\u201d There came some more stirring. Then Adam seemed to settle, with a moan.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHeadache,\u201d came the weak reply. \u201cFree… left arm. Legs… probably… stuck. Wall… behind me. Can\u2019t say… how far goes.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim tried to imagine that. \u201cYou\u2019re between walls?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRather… niche. Wall on my left… can\u2019t say… what on right… Tired.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCan you reach out to your right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEr… right arm… stuck somehow… with left… hard… not far.\u201d<\/p>\n
For a longer moment, Tim just listened to Adam\u2019s heavy panting.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou… heard Joe?\u201d Of course, Adam\u2019s first and foremost worry.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYet…\u201d he heard Adam smile. He must have recognised the attempt to calm his worries down.<\/p>\n
***
After a few movements of the shovel, they could see a part of a boot. Everybody sighed with relief.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo way to ask him if he feels it,\u201d remarked somebody.<\/p>\n
Tim concentrated on the feeling in his leg. It was creeping upwards. He understood they had been found. He thought he heard them already.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam,\u201d he whispered insistently.<\/p>\n
He again received no answer.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe wall will collapse.\u201d The miner scratched his nose worriedly and turned to the others. \u201cWe have to get him out as quickly as possible, and run for our lives. There won\u2019t be much left of the corridor here after it goes down. Good thing he is just one to get out, I wouldn\u2019t come back here for all the money in the world after it all goes down.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere wouldn\u2019t be much to come back for,\u201d muttered Jackson in affirmation, looking at the wall closely. \u201cRemember to hurry out of here when we\u2019ve got him, men. It\u2019s all collapsible right now. With luck, the entrance to the mine will survive.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s dig to him, men.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim patiently waited for the unseen hands to reach his thighs. Adam never responded. The question was, would the wall hold, and if so, for how long?<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe!\u201d he tried again. He was really concerned now. As far as he could remember, Joe was a bit further ahead into the mine – stupid kid! – and Adam said there were walls. If he could just see something – anything!<\/p>\n
The hands on his legs suddenly got a good grip and started pulling him out carefully. A shudder went through the wall. Tim felt a cold shiver run through him – it would collapse! It would collapse – Adam. Joe.<\/p>\n
He pulled himself together and shot out in the darkness ahead. The ground shook as the stone wall roared in anger, trying to capture the fugitive with its hundred stony hands.<\/p>\n
Then there was quiet.<\/p>\n
***
\u201cAdam?\u201d he asked almost breathlessly.<\/p>\n
The miner nodded. Ben reached for the sideboard to steady himself. \u201cWhat happened?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was in the mine. It collapsed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben took a long breath; he sensed Hoss\u2019 calming presence beside him. \u201cDid you try…?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe tried to get him out,\u201d affirmed the man. \u201cThe wall collapsed.\u201d He lowered his head in defeat. \u201cSome men are still trying, but we don\u2019t expect… You never know, however,\u201d he tried to diminish the amount of bad news. \u201cThey\u2019re still trying. They have a longer way to go through now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll saddle the horses,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cYou\u2019ll need a rested pair of hands,\u201d he showed his huge palms. \u201cWe have to get him out, he\u2019ll go crazy all alone in the darkness. I hate darkness myself,\u201d he confessed in the doorway. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben breathed a heavy sigh – yet Hoss\u2019 optimism calmed him some. Such things happened, and until now all his sons had come out of them living and without permanent damage. \u201cYes, saddle my horse. I have to be there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Once at the spot, Hoss rolled up his sleeves and stepped into the mine, Ben following close behind.<\/p>\n
\u201cPa, can\u2019t you stay outside?\u201d grumbled Hoss. \u201cYou\u2019ll only be in the way.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll stay behind you,\u201d his father\u2019s eyes gleamed with determination in the darkness. \u201cI have to see myself that he is fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss sighed with annoyance, but they have already reached the workers. The miners recognised the coming men in the light of two lanterns, and some shifted to make a place for Hoss. Somebody pressed a free shovel in his hand. They worked quietly, slowly, careful not to disturb the balance of the walls.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow long now?\u201d breathed Hoss quietly.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome two hours, maybe more.\u201d The miner looked closely at the big man. \u201cMaybe we won\u2019t find what you\u2019re searching for,\u201d he lowered his voice, careful that Ben could not hear what was said. \u201cIt was a bad cave-in.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was alive?\u201d asked Hoss, determined to believe his brother was all right. \u201cDid you get to him?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d the miner stopped to wipe the sweat from his face. \u201cWe already had his legs, when he suddenly jumped forward, I mean from us, not to us. Then it collapsed. Don\u2019t know what he was thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou couldn\u2019t see what was on the other side,\u201d stated Hoss. \u201cMaybe he had to.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe,\u201d agreed the miner. \u201cI could understand if they was two,\u201d he added. \u201cAdam is like that, to protect others. But maybe he had to move like that,\u201d he nodded. \u201cWho knows?\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss stopped suddenly, breathing hard. After a second he asked cautiously, \u201cBut it\u2019s only him in there?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSimps saw only him,\u201d answered the miner wearily. \u201cI heard him tell the two others to go and wait for him at the pastures.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey were here? Tim and Joe?\u201d Hoss worked on, a distinct disturbing thought materialising in his head. \u201cBut they left, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI just heard him tell them so, I guess they left,\u201d said the miner. After a moment he stopped and looked at Hoss in sudden alarm. \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he said in a hushed voice.<\/p>\n
Hoss\u2019 jaw outlined itself clearly against the side of his face. \u201cLet\u2019s get to work,\u201d he said with new urgency in his voice.<\/p>\n
Further back, he heard Ben\u2019s question, \u201cHow far yet?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCould take hours, Mr Cartwright.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben stepped back to give the workers more space, though not before he whispered to Hoss, \u201cI can almost hear him call us to hurry.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss nodded, not stopping to turn back to his father. He thought he could hear Adam\u2019s voice, too, calling, but not this brother.<\/p>\n
***
A quick breath.<\/p>\n
\u201cTiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiim!!!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t yell, I can hear you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam almost cried with relief. \u201cFor goodness\u2019 sake – don\u2019t do that – to me! I thought – you were dead!\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim carefully got up and dusted off a bit – at least it felt so. The darkness was as impenetrable as ever. And suffocating.<\/p>\n
\u201cTim? Tim!\u201d<\/p>\n
Why does he always worry.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t panic, Adam. What\u2019s wrong with you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s -\u201c Adam almost choked at Tim\u2019s question. \u201cI\u2019ve been sitting here – for hours – thinking I was alone – and you dead – and you ask me what\u2019s wrong!?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStop yelling. You\u2019re using up air and energy.\u201d<\/p>\n
With only the quick, nervous breathing to guide him, however, Tim stopped, uncertain.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, Adam, I won\u2019t find you that way. Talk to me – just don\u2019t yell.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou heard – Joe?\u201d Right, what else would he ask.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll go get him in a second. First I want to know where you are. Go on.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI heard a wall collapse – I think – nothing shifted here – just more dirt.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood. Go on.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI – uhm – I – you fine?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust dustier than ever,\u201d Tim sneezed.<\/p>\n
\u201cBless you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you. I think I\u2019m almost there\u2026 Some wall.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYour voice is closer. – I think – you\u2019re in front o\u2019 me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you\u2019re to my side. Okay – okay\u2026 Hm. Is that you?\u201d<\/p>\n
A hand grabbed his searching arm and squeezed weakly. \u201cAnd is that you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim laughed. \u201cThat\u2019s me all right. Now, that\u2019s your shirt. I think I\u2019m getting up to your face.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou think – right.\u201d Adam\u2019s chest heaved heavily – alarmingly. He still spoke haltingly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s your chin?\u201d<\/p>\n
The spot he was touching moved slightly in affirmation. \u201cYes, it is.\u201d<\/p>\n
There was some roughness – dirt, blood, who knows – then something rough, and sticky underneath. Tim sniffed, alarmed. Blood.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou hit your head, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n
Silence. But then he felt something move under his hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere\u2026 Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n
Keeps asking. How many times has he already answered that – and Adam still asks.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam, have you felt sick?\u201d he wanted to know. He needed to check the symptoms to confirm his suspicions as to Adam\u2019s condition.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes\u2026 where\u2026 Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam – Adam, listen to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes?\u2026\u201d
\u201cAdam, you have a concussion. Don\u2019t try to move much, okay? I\u2019m going to find Joe now. I don\u2019t know if I can hear you call, so just wait patiently. Is that clear?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t\u2026 leave me\u2026 Tim\u2026\u201d Something like – fear? His condition must be really bad, thought Tim.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have to find Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n
He felt Adam\u2019s forehead wrinkle; there was a small moan.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy head\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou hit your head, Adam. Stay here and wait for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2026 Sleep?\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, don\u2019t sleep until I call you, okay? I must hear you to find you again.\u201d<\/p>\n
A moment of silence.<\/p>\n
\u201cI won\u2019t sleep. Find Joe?\u201d Adam had somehow pulled himself together; his voice was stronger and more certain.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will. Just be patient.\u201d<\/p>\n
The wall ended abruptly, and Tim stopped in uncertainty.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe?\u201d he tried.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim\u2019s heart stopped for a moment, then exploded with banging. \u201cYou fine, kid?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think I am – I\u2019m just a bit dizzy. I must have hit my head.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCan you move about?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes. There was something holding me before it all shook – I hadn\u2019t heard you before. You fine? Both of you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim stopped against the wall. It reached only to his waist, as he checked.<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe there was a wall that just collapsed,\u201d he offered. \u201cWe couldn\u2019t hear you either.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI called you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo I thought. Can you follow my voice, kid?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah – damn!\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe? Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI hit my knee – I think it\u2019s badly bruised or something, hurts badly; I must have hit it before, too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCan you walk?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I think so.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCareful, there is a part of wall in front of me. You have to get through it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll be careful.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, just walk slowly towards my voice, okay? I will stay in one place\u2026\u201d
\u201cA bit – but I slept mostly.\u201d The voice was much closer now.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m reaching out towards you, okay? Do the same now. I think you\u2019re quite close to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
He reached out as far as he could into the darkness, praying to make contact at last; however, the touch electrified him. The relief was so intense it almost buckled his knees.
The young man leaned over the wall and embraced the elder one.<\/p>\n
\u201cTim, Tim, I\u2019m so sorry I quarrelled with you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEasy, buddy,\u201d Tim reached over the wall to lift Joe and help him to the other side. Only then did he hug the boy.<\/p>\n
\u201cHi, I\u2019ve missed you,\u201d he smiled at him. \u201cCan you walk?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI- think so.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim sensed the hesitation. \u201cI\u2019ll carry you. Try to call Adam from time to time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIs he fine?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust stuck. We have to hear him to find him. We\u2019ll go along the wall. Can you touch it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on, Adam, don\u2019t go to sleep on me!\u201d yelled Tim. \u201cYou promised!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam!\u201d Joe was almost crying with concern. \u201cAdam!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2026 didn\u2019\u2026 promise\u2026 \u201d<\/p>\n
Tim gasped both with relief and from the weight in his arms. \u201cYes, you did. I\u2019m bringing you a surprise.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe?\u2026\u201d Anticipation. Relief. Voice further weakened.<\/p>\n
\u201cTalk to me, Adam. We have to find you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNow you have to walk, Joe – hold my hand – I need a free hand to find Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c\u2026 here\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know you\u2019re \u2018here\u2019, Adam, I just have to find out where \u2018here\u2019 is.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHere…\u201d offered Adam with a smile in his voice.<\/p>\n
Suddenly, they were both startled at the touch. It was difficult to assess the distance in complete darkness.<\/p>\n
\u201cGive me your hand, Adam.\u201d Tim pulled Joe closer and joined their hands. \u201cNow, this is Joe\u2019s hand you\u2019re holding, Adam. I\u2019m going to look at your head now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYanks… hard-headed…\u201d In Tim\u2019s opinion, Adam sounded more like himself now,.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve heard that somewhere before,\u201d agreed Tim. \u201cLie still.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe felt a feeble pull on his hand. He couldn\u2019t remember Adam ever being so weak. \u201cJoe… you… fine?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m fine, Adam. I just think I hit my knee.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBad…ly?…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can walk on it. Tim says there was a wall between you and me, and it had to collapse when it all shook again.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGood… couldn\u2019… hear you…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI couldn\u2019t hear you either, Adam. It must have been the wall.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMmm.\u201d A sound of protest.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam, I have to see to your head.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNonsense… not… see… too dark…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA figure of speech, okay?\u201d Tim seemed slightly irritated. \u201cAnd don\u2019t you give me such a scare again, falling asleep with a concussion.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot… sleep…\u201d the voice sounded offended.<\/p>\n
\u201cSure you didn\u2019t,\u201d snorted Tim. \u201cJust why didn\u2019t you respond to my calling before and now, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c… calling?…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I was calling you, for some time, I must say.\u201d<\/p>\n
Silence.<\/p>\n
\u201c… fell… asleep?…\u201d Surprise.<\/p>\n
\u201cEither that or you passed out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMmm…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t move your head, I said.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe felt another slight squeeze.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe… you… hurt?…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou asked that before,\u201d Tim reminded him. Adam went thoughtfully quiet for a time.<\/p>\n
\u201c… Concussed?…\u201d he offered at last.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, that\u2019s what I told you a moment before.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c… won\u2019t remem…ber… huh?…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, you might not remember that in a moment, but we\u2019re here to remind you,\u201d Tim patted Adam\u2019s shirt. \u201cNow lie still.\u201d<\/p>\n
There was a sound of cloth being torn, then Adam moaned quietly.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s okay now,\u201d Tim\u2019s voice was soothing. \u201cAnything else hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam drew a deeper breath in silence. Tim could almost feel him concentrate.<\/p>\n
\u201cRight arm… caught…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll see to it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe… Joe… You\u2019re hurt?… Knee?…\u201d asked Adam hesitatingly.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, you do remember,\u201d Joe found Adam\u2019s face and stroked his cheek. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, I just hit it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam was clearly concussed, and Joe understood he had to be kept still. He was feeling a bit strange himself; with all the sleep he got, only now did he begin to feel uneasy about their situation. If it were not for the self-confident, matter-of-fact Tim whistling beside him, he\u2019d have been outwardly… well, uneasy. He wouldn\u2019t be scared, of course.<\/p>\n
\u201cOo…ww…\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim snorted. \u201cYou can\u2019t even say \u2018Ow\u2019 properly. You are lying on your arm, that\u2019s how it\u2019s caught. Why didn\u2019t you tell me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c… lying…?… didn\u2019 know…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay now, what hurts?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam felt Tim\u2019s hands travel over his ribs carefully.<\/p>\n
\u201cHead…\u201d he admitted meekly. \u201cArm… a bit… I think… legs…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cChest?\u201d Tim\u2019s mind raced. Adam\u2019s legs were trapped, they could have been damaged.<\/p>\n
\u201cFree… Cold…\u201d complained Adam. A shiver confirmed to Tim that Adam was coming out of the shock. His head would become clearer now. The pain would appear, and it should be easier to say what was damaged.<\/p>\n
The pain would appear.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam, you have problems speaking. Are you sure your chest is free?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFree…\u201d confirmed Adam. \u201c… too much… effort… speaking…\u201d he admitted after a second of hesitation. He began shivering.<\/p>\n
\u201cFine…\u201d mumbled Tim. \u201cLie still now, I have to see to Joe, just in case. Wait -\u201d he pulled off his vest and wrapped his twin brother in it as best as he could. \u201cThat\u2019s better, I think.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now, he carefully groped up to Joe\u2019s face, and found a crusty, lumpy spot. \u201cHere?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOw – here,\u201d confirmed Joe; his voice indicated that he was grimacing. His head turned in Tim\u2019s hands suddenly.<\/p>\n
\u201c… talk t\u2019 me…\u201d Adam. He must have pulled Joe\u2019s hand. \u201c… sleepy…\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe squeezed Adam\u2019s hand in response. \u201cWhat should I talk about?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnything…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEr… You remember as you got trapped in a cave-in with Mr Diederscheimer?\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam groaned. \u201cAnything PLEASANT…\u201d he managed.<\/p>\n
\u201cCome on, Adam, I can\u2019t think of anything else under the circumstances. Do you remember or not?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c… do…\u201d he gave in.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou never really told me what had happened down there.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c… cave-in…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam.\u201d Reproachfully.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just… sat there… and waited… for… someone… to… get… us… Couldn\u2019… hear Gill… like you… before…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou talked?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing… else… to do… couldn\u2019… get free… anyway…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI guess.\u201d<\/p>\n
They heard the sound of tearing cloth again. Joe hissed quietly, then pulled Adam\u2019s hand. \u201cHoss told me how he heard the alarm and immediately thought you had to be down there. Interesting how he came to the conclusion.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKnows… us… too… well…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen he told me how you travelled from one door to the other with Mr Diederscheimer\u2019s project. That sounded even more like you, if you get an idea in your head, you won\u2019t let go. I sometimes wonder which one of us is more stubborn.\u201d Joe smiled affectionately at Adam in the darkness.<\/p>\n
\u201cBoth… double… dose… Pa… an\u2019 mothers…\u201d Adam breathed with effort, as though it tired him. \u201cMust… tell you… know you… too… told you… you wouldn\u2019… make it…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the timber?\u201d guessed Joe, hissed suddenly in pain, then turned back to Adam. \u201cI thought you were teasing me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI… was…\u201d admitted Adam with a hint of a smile in his voice. \u201cKnew… you\u2019d do it… no matter… what… just to… show me…\u201d<\/p>\n
At that moment, he started coughing, and squeezed Joe\u2019s hand as though in pain. Hopefully, thought Joe worriedly, there was no problem with his ribs. \u201cYou know, you sometimes talk too much, brother,\u201d he tried to make his tone light. \u201cAt least I could help you that much then,\u201d he said, coming back to the prior mine accident. \u201cI was feeling bad, knowing that you got hurt and I wasn\u2019t there to help you. Hoss sounded real worried when he told me about it later. I think he was outright scared for you when he heard the alarm whistle.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWish… he heard it… now… too…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t worry, someone has surely sent for them.\u201d\u00a0 Joe squeezed Adam\u2019s hand reassuringly. \u201cGood ol\u2019 Hoss will have us out of here in no time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIf… someone… knows… we\u2019re here…\u201d Adam noticed, viewing the situation realistically. Tim thought that,\u00a0 given the precarious situation they were in and the need to stay calm, Adam\u2019s statement might not have been the right thing to say at this point. Sometimes Adam should really talk less, he agreed silently with Joe, tying the last strip around the young man\u2019s knee.<\/p>\n
He patted Joe\u2019s thigh. \u201cDone. Listen, I\u2019m going over to the opposite wall and listen a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam shifted expectantly in spite of his uncomfortable position. \u201cYou think… they\u2019ll… find us…?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure, they know we\u2019re here,\u201d answered Tim, and sensed them relax. \u201cI felt them touch my legs before the wall collapsed anew. Maybe they are already back. You two stay together. Joe, you keep Adam awake.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, Tim.\u201d<\/p>\n
The wall was pretty close. Tim sat down carefully and put his ear to the wall. He thought he heard something – something that sounded like the murmur of voices.<\/p>\n
\u201cTim,\u201d Joe spoke up quietly. \u201cAdam says, take a rock, and knock with it on the wall. They may hear it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim thought for a second. \u201cI\u2019ll try. You\u2019re right, they should be able to hear that.\u201d<\/p>\n
After a moment there came Joe\u2019s voice again. \u201cAdam says they called them so when they were trapped in the mine, that is, Adam and Mr Diederscheimer.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay,\u201d Tim knocked hard at the wall a couple of times. \u201cYou must tell me more about the guy Diederwhoever when we\u2019re out of here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure thing, Tim.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey heard us!\u201d yelled Tim suddenly. \u201cThey\u2019re answering! They found us!\u201d<\/p>\n
***
\u201cYou think it\u2019s far yet?\u201d<\/p>\n
The miners shrugged their shoulders or simply didn\u2019t answer. Nobody knew that.
\u201cGive me a sign, brother,\u201d he muttered to the wall. \u201cGive me a sign you\u2019re there…\u201d<\/p>\n
He suddenly stopped in amazement. \u201cShhht!\u201d he quickly ordered. Now everybody stopped and gazed at him in surprise mixed with anticipation. \u201cI thought I heard something,\u201d he said slowly.
\u201cYes!\u201d Hoss remembered just in time not to shout, but he didn\u2019t quite whisper it. \u201cThank you, Lord.\u201d He grabbed a stone and knocked at the wall with all his force. \u201cWe\u2019re coming, brother. We\u2019re coming to get you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben let his tears fall freely.<\/p>\n
In response, the sound of knocking came from the other side again.<\/p>\n
***
\u201cAwake – but barely,\u201d Joe squeezed his elder brother\u2019s hand carefully. The squeeze in response was very weak, but still there.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs he in pain?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c… leg…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere might be something wrong with his leg,\u201d Joe relayed Adam\u2019s faint answer to Tim. \u201cYou think they are far?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot far,\u201d Tim knocked at the wall again in response to the knocking from the other side. Such \u2018conversation\u2019 had been going on for some time now. \u201cThey should get to us soon. Does the leg hurt him much?\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe was quiet for a moment, then answered, \u201cHe finds it difficult to say, he can\u2019t move the leg to check it.\u201d
Tim snorted despite himself. \u201cI get it. I\u2019m the \u2018big brother\u2019 here, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
He listened to the wall for a moment.
\u201cYou mean Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe says it\u2019s the shock.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMm – guess so. And how are you feeling, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe knee\u2019s a bit stiff – but I\u2019ll live. Are they close?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cCertainly. Closer every minute. Not to worry, big brother Tim is here,\u201d he grinned convincingly. He sensed them smile; then he sensed pain.<\/p>\n
\u201cDid Adam say something?\u201d he asked, uncertain.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe says it\u2019s good to have you here.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHonestly, kids!\u201d barked Tim, unconvinced.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019d like to get out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody would,\u201d grumbled Tim, loud enough for them to hear, then grew serious. \u201cHonestly, Adam, I have nothing for the pain, but they\u2019ll be here any minute, and you\u2019ll get to a doctor.\u201d
\u201cIt\u2019s okay, Adam,\u201d he said gently. Now he wondered at it himself. \u201cIt\u2019s okay.\u201d
\u201cHey! You there, Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHoss,\u201d whispered Tim. \u201cHoss!\u201d he yelled. \u201cHoss, we\u2019re all here! Adam\u2019s stuck, we can\u2019t get him out!\u201d
\u201cI\u2019m coming to you, guys!\u201d Hoss again. \u201cStep away from the wall!\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim hurried to Adam and held his head. \u201cThey\u2019re here, Adam. You\u2019ll be out soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMmm…\u201d Adam nodded carefully. He was clearly in pain. \u201cHurts…\u201d he admitted at last.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot much longer.\u201d\u00a0 Tim stroked his cheek and quickly turned to grasp Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cYou get out, kid. No protest! Tell them to get a doctor – and some stretchers. I have to stay with Adam, you go first. Go – I\u2019m telling you – go.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe\u2019s eyes flashed rebelliously. \u201cI wanna stay with Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI said go,\u201d Tim\u2019s voice grew cold. \u201cI\u2019m your eldest brother, and you\u2019re gonna listen to me. Hoss,\u201d he turned to the hole, \u201chelp Joe out, and get in here with a shovel.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure thing, Tim,\u201d boomed the voice from the other side.<\/p>\n
Joe feigned a piteous look. \u201cYou\u2019re worse than Adam,\u201d he accused Tim.<\/p>\n
At that, Adam suddenly coughed out some laughter. \u201cMusic… to my ears… worst comparison… for you…\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim shrugged his shoulders. He didn\u2019t seem offended.
\u201cI will, Tim.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe carefully squeezed through the hole, and landed safely. His father\u2019s arms captured him immediately into a relieved hug.<\/p>\n
\u201cGet doc… for Adam,\u201d Joe managed into his father\u2019s shirt.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam is hurt?\u201d Ben\u2019s eyes searched his boy\u2019s face worriedly.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s concussed, and he has his legs caught. They might be hurting him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMight?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know Adam,\u201d Joe sat straight and massaged his thigh. In the light, the knee looked worse than he\u2019d thought. The trousers leg and the white strip dressing his knee were both carrying blood stains. \u201cTim stayed with him. He took care of us both. He\u2019s like Adam, but with less scruples.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you hurt, son? How did you get here, anyway?\u201d asked Ben. \u201cYou were supposed to be on the south pastures with Tim.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTim offered to accompany Adam to the mines, and… it seemed like a sensible thing to do at that moment.\u201d Joe shifted. \u201cI\u2019m fine. I think I hit my head and knee – and that\u2019s it. Tim dressed it,\u201d he added hastily, if unnecessarily.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Hoss carefully put the lamp through the hole, then eased himself to the opposite side. Tim smiled fleetingly at him and turned back to Adam, whom he was trying to support.
Between themselves, Tim and Hoss managed to lift Adam\u2019s torso far enough for him to pull his arm out. He then fell exhausted against Tim.<\/p>\n
\u201c… enough…\u201d he managed a moan.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want nothing else of you,\u201d Tim patted his arm soothingly. \u201cHoss will get you out.\u201d<\/p>\n
The shovel was already at work. Tim stayed with Adam, holding himself back from physical work. He was beginning to feel the strain of the last few hours.<\/p>\n
How many hours, actually?<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ve been here for around four hours,\u201d Hoss answered, methodically clearing away the wall.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t believe it,\u201d Tim shook his head in amazement. \u201cSeemed like a full day or more. Adam, don\u2019t fall asleep.\u201d\u00a0 He patted Adam\u2019s cheek, instinctively alarmed. His own eyelids were drooping, and he felt drained, now that they were all safe.<\/p>\n
\u201c… still… there… \u2018Sleep… y\u2019self…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not asleep,\u201d protested Tim, but it lacked the usual energy. \u201cAt least not yet.\u201d<\/p>\n
He was almost afraid to take a closer look at Adam. Shock, blood, pain. He knew what he would see. Hoss\u2019 first facial expression told him enough. He preferred to watch Hoss work at freeing Adam.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlmost done.\u201d After a few minutes, the giant straightened. \u201cAdam, can you move your legs?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c… not…\u201d protested Adam weakly.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t make him, Hoss,\u201d said Tim quickly. \u201cHe hurts enough. I think his leg is broken.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss brought the lantern closer. \u201cWhich one?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe right one.\u201d<\/p>\n
Adam jerked but could not prevent a miserable sound of pain escape, although his lips were pressed tightly together.<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry, Adam – seems broken all right,\u201d Hoss scratched his head worriedly. \u201cWe need to get you out of here, brother.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t… touch me… without… morphine…\u201d Adam turned his head weakly, seeking Tim\u2019s eyes and support. \u201c… \u2018t least… laudanum…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI won\u2019t let them,\u201d Tim assured him, holding him closer and stroking the bandaged head. He didn\u2019t dare look into the pleading eyes. \u201cGet him some pain-killer, Hoss, then we immobilise the leg, and get out comfortably, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow did you know his leg was broken – and which one,\u201d asked Hoss suddenly. Adam and Tim actually felt each other this time. It was like exchanging looks.<\/p>\n
\u201cI just know,\u201d said Tim awkwardly.<\/p>\n
Hoss digested that, thoughtfully observing the duo.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou think we can move him?\u201d he asked finally.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo. Not in that state,\u201d said Tim flatly.<\/p>\n
\u201cWill he pass out?\u201d asked Hoss, hope creeping into his voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s likely, but nothing I can predict for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll get the morphine. The wall seems stable enough.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHere,\u201d a new voice came through the hole, and the roundish figure of Dr Martin appeared beside them, panting slightly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hate mines,\u201d he confessed good-naturedly, carefully measuring off the amount of the drug. \u201cA dose of laudanum coming up. It will work in a minute. As to Joe, he will be fine. His knee may be a bit stiff for a time, but not long. His head is fine. Mild concussion, judging by the symptoms, and he\u2019ll be fine soon. He should stay in bed for a few days, at least as long you can keep him there. As to the present, he is either asleep by now, or falling asleep. Ben is taking care of him, and he is naturally worried sick about you two. You Cartwrights! According to my information, there should be just one person in here, and all of a sudden I have two and a half patients to take care of. I\u2019ll examine you too, Tim, whether you like it or not. Sweet dreams, Adam. Somebody get the stretchers ready.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim smiled wearily, nodding.<\/p>\n
Paul waved an \u2018okay\u2019 to Ben, passing by just behind the stretchers. Adam was obviously deeply submerged in painless oblivion. Then Hoss squeezed through the hole and landed safely, grumbling something about mouseholes. Tim came through right after him, joking, \u201cA man can\u2019t grow to a decent size without encountering constant challenges, can he?\u201d<\/p>\n
Hoss grinned at him, helping him to stand. \u201cAt least one person to understand this man\u2019s dilemma.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim was still slightly gasping for breath when he fell into Ben\u2019s fierce embrace.
Tim coughed a bit, but grinned, \u201c It seems I\u2019m the only one who is.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben examined him closely, holding his face between his hands. \u201cWhat were you two thinking, going in with Adam? It\u2019s bad enough one would be in danger, why all three? Have you lost your mind?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEr… we didn\u2019t go in with Adam,\u201d protested Tim, leaning wearily into Ben. \u201cAdam went in after Joe, and I went in after Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?!\u201d Ben thought he could tear his youngest apart right now. He adjusted his grip on Tim, who was growing increasingly heavier.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe wanted to see inside,\u201d explained Tim.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you had to follow, of course,\u201d Ben frowned. \u201cHave you EVER been to a mine?\u201d
He yawned. He felt like falling asleep on the spot. \u201cAs far as I know, getting into trouble runs in the family,\u201d he grinned sleepily, when a force lifted him unexpectedly from the ground. Ben turned towards the exit, carrying his burden with ease. Both Adam and Tim had a rather light frame for their looks, probably due to a more delicate bones structure.<\/p>\n
Tim cleared his throat experimentally and carefully slipped his bare arm around Ben\u2019s neck. \u201cMay I?\u201d he asked cautiously.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlways, son,\u201d Ben winked at him. \u201cThat\u2019s what fathers are for.\u201d<\/p>\n
***
Adam waited patiently. He had a fairly good sensation of what was coming, but thought Tim should voice certain things himself.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know you take me for family, but all the things you did, you did together, and I\u2019m out of it. Like a bloody stranger,\u201d he complained bitterly.<\/p>\n
\u201cTim,\u201d Adam took his hand gently. \u201cWe didn\u2019t do everything together. You know I\u2019ve been to college – that\u2019s four years away. I doubt I\u2019ll ever know everything they did while I was gone – and whatever it was, I am… out of it, as you put it. I felt somewhat a \u2018bloody stranger\u2019 myself, when I got home. Such things take time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, time and shared experiences, I guess,\u201d Tim grimaced, remembering the mine.<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, I guess so.\u201d They smiled.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell,\u201d Tim squeezed Adam\u2019s hand. \u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019m keen on repeating the last one anytime soon.\u201d<\/p>\n
Their laughter drew Hoss and Joe to their room.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou should be in bed,\u201d rebuked Tim, wrapping Joe in Adam\u2019s dressing gown and making him sit on the bed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll take him there in a moment,\u201d Hoss grinned at them. \u201cHe says he has to move the knee to keep it fit, and besides he\u2019s just so awful to keep in bed. We wanted to see how Adam\u2019s doing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim left his arm around Joe\u2019s shoulders, and gazed at him inquiringly. \u201cAdam will live. Asking for a spanking, are you, kid?\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe grinned at him, and snuggled his curly head into Tim\u2019s chest. The man stiffened at first, much like Adam at times, then slowly relaxed. His arm didn\u2019t move from Joe\u2019s shoulders an inch.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoe told me you held everything in check there,\u201d said Hoss. \u201cHow did you actually feel in there?\u201d<\/p>\n
Tim carefully rested his chin on Joe\u2019s head; he considered the question for a moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cKinda awesome, Hoss,\u201d he said at last. \u201cAlmost like a real elder brother.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben smiled in the doorway, gazing at his children. Not to let the atmosphere become uncomfortably emotional, he asked, \u201cWhat do you say to dinner, boys?\u201d<\/p>\n
At the mention of food, Hoss brightened like the horizon at sunrise; Joe immediately turned on his charm, hoping for a meal downstairs. Tim had felt Adam drift off to sleep just a moment ago, and knew to let him.<\/p>\n
\u201cAdam will eat later, Ben,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cI mean – Dad.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ben blinked suddenly against the moisture in his eyes, and rubbed his eyes as though something was in them.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t get accustomed to that yet,\u201d passing by, Tim patted his shoulder with a smile that was close to being insolent. \u201cI have to get accustomed to it myself, first.\u201d<\/p>\n
THE END<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Summary: Adam\u2019s twin brother Tim is on the ranch, getting used to his family he hadn\u2019t known until recently. Involves a hurt Adam, a hurt Joe (know my good will, Joe-girls), and a little cave-in… Enjoy.