{"id":46898,"date":"2003-12-21T09:19:59","date_gmt":"2003-12-21T14:19:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46898"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:08:44","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:08:44","slug":"strength-by-amg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46898","title":{"rendered":"Strength (by AMG)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: Due to his weight, Hoss hurts Adam accidentally in a cart accident (pun not intended) and for the first time feels extremely bad about his own size. The family is trying to help.
\nRating and Reader Alerts:\u00a0 PG, descriptions of pain
\nWords:\u00a0 5,500<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

The Brandsters have included this story by this author in our project: Preserving Their Legacy<\/a>. To preserve the legacy of the author, we have decided to give their work a home in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library.\u00a0 The author will always be the owner of this work of fanfiction, and should they wish us to remove their story, we will.<\/p>\n

\n

Strength<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Hoss moved slightly, coming round for a short moment. He faintly recalled the cart falling down, Adam jumping, and himself, too… It caused dizziness to come over him again. Another small movement – he felt something like a branch give way under him – somebody cried out in pain – Adam! Struggling for consciousness, he fell into the darkness again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was suspended in a state between unconsciousness and full awareness. Dull pain came in waves, robbing him of breath. Once he cried out, as most extreme pain shot through him; then a fit of coughing seized him, his lungs fighting for air against the crushing force. Something pressed hard against his chest; he gasped for breath, coughing with effort. In this condition, he was just conscious enough to be cognisant of pain and a fairly elusive anxiety. What was this thing he should do so promptly? Pain would not let him think, all that was left to him were his instincts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss opened his eyes with effort. He felt awfully sick. Nausea came suddenly and weakened him further. One usually felt better when the feeling left one, but in the back of his mind Hoss gained a terrible certainty that under him there trembled a body. He realised that the moans intermixed into the almost ceaseless spasms of coughing just beside his head had become audible some time ago. The deep voice could only belong to Adam. So… this body Hoss lay on top of, the body trembling with every fit of cough, had to belong to his brother as well!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss moved slightly, wanting to help his brother. Immediately, he heard a loud cry of pain, followed by gasping and a wheezing breath. His own head was so heavy, and it was dark, and silent…\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam would have gladly howled with the sudden pain waves; he just couldn\u2019t get enough air into and enough room for his lungs. The specific sound and movement of the pressure upon him led him to the conclusion Hoss was lying on his chest, and was sick. He must have been hurt in some way; he had to be taken care of! And if he stayed there?… Adam felt he was suffocating in panic; Hoss was heavy enough to break all his bones that way, or simply make him choke to death! Between coughing and moaning, he began whispering a repeated plea towards his brother.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss realised at some point that the voice had been repeating the words over and over again ever since he gained the faintest awareness of reality. Eventually, he came to an understanding of what he\u2019d been hearing for so long.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, wake up… I beg you, Hoss, wake up and get off me… wake up, Hoss, please… I can\u2019t breathe… please get off me, Hoss, I beg you…\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another fit of coughing shook the slender body under him, producing new cries and groans.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I beg you, I beseech you… please get off me…\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss suddenly remembered the sickness which befell him earlier. He had to be careful with moving. Ever so slowly, inch by inch, second by second, stopping every so often to catch his breath, with the greatest delicacy, and as carefully as possible, minding to avoid the proof of his sickness, he slipped off Adam. It would never go in the other direction, it might have taken longer and Adam would have suffered greatly, as it was exactly this side that caused the most pain.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They both lay gasping for a while; Hoss anxious to stop the waves of nausea, Adam wanting to fill his lungs quickly with the life-giving oxygen. However, with greater awareness of reality, the pain also grew stronger, cutting his arm into strips, inciting his stomach to revolt, exploding in his head, no longer undefined and dull, but strong and very, very real.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He had to help Hoss, he knew that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss…\u201d, he managed to whisper at last. \u201cHoss… how d\u2019you feel?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He heard his brother moving.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, are you all right?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why can\u2019t that boy just answer a simple question!…\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah… how d\u2019you feel?… Nausea…? You\u2019re… hurt?…\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBit nauseous, \u201c Hoss admitted in a whisper. \u201cAnd… how are you?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam coughed, winced and moaned almost simultaneously. \u201cPerfectly all right,\u201d he wheezed out, pain written all over his face. \u201cHave a headache?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYeah… You were moaning, Adam.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShut up,\u201d he gasped. \u201cAny head injuries?…\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They were both lying on their back now. Hoss carefully touched his head in several places.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA few bumps and bruises,\u201d he reported. \u201cAre you injured, Adam?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam concentrated. All right, he knew now where the pain came from.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSomething wrong with my arm… maybe just grew numb,\u201d he carefully turned his head to Hoss. \u201cYou may have a concussion, be careful with moving.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing, Adam,\u201d now Hoss turned his head to face his brother. Adam\u2019s right arm lay on his chest, it looked broken; his face was drawn and ashen from the pain it must have been causing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They had to get up the slope, to the road, where somebody would find them and help them get home. Hoss tried to get up, determined to get them up there. He was the strong one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

—\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you take me?\u201d, complained Joe. \u201cWhy Hoss?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shrugged his shoulders, annoyed at Joe\u2019s persistence. \u201cBecause of his size and strength. Frankly speaking, I\u2019m not going to do most of the job myself. With Hoss, it will go quick and easy. Recently, we\u2019ve had problems getting home because of a certain quarrel, remember? Without your company, Hoss is problem-proof.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not being nice,\u201d Joe snorted.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am being sincere. You can\u2019t have it both ways,\u201d Adam put his jacket on and nodded at Hoss. \u201cLet\u2019s go before our little brother here gets really mad at me.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the door, he stopped for a moment and smiled almost apologetically.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNext time, Joe.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

—\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, don\u2019t get up!\u201d, snapped Adam. \u201cYou have a concussion, stay where you are! Don\u2019t expect me to drag you!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss persisted in trying when unexpectedly everything went black around him.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, boy,\u201d Adam puffed angrily. Slowly but with desperation he sat up, looked carefully around, still light-headed, and reached to Hoss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe listened to the rain tapping on the roof, and absent-mindedly turned another page of the book.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure glad I didn\u2019t go with them,\u201d he noticed aloud. \u201cDo you think they were on their way back?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This question he directed towards his father, who was quietly reading. Ben shrugged his shoulders.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t really know, son. I suppose they might have been. Anyway, the supplies will get wet, and that\u2019s bad. Hopefully, they won\u2019t catch a cold or anything like that.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For a moment Joe considered the situation his brothers were in, and shook his head. \u201cPhew! As much as I hate to say that, I\u2019m grateful to Adam for not taking me. The fire here feels really good…\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He stretched his legs with a delighted expression. \u201cI\u2019d like to see them come back now, in the midst of rain…\u201d, he chuckled.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam was looking with certain interest at the rare sight: a wall of rain some 50 meters away. The cloud was apparently going to pass them, and so was the rain. It seemed as though somebody had put a great windowpane between them and the rain. They were as dry as a bone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He felt Hoss was shifting. \u201cDon\u2019t move, Hoss,\u201d he said weakly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss realised he was sitting under a tree more or less at the time he heard Adam speaking. His eldest brother was sitting next to him, resting his head on Hoss\u2019 shoulder. \u201cDon\u2019t move,\u201d he repeated, coughing again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss raised his hand under the blanket to feel the fabric. It was the old blanket they used to put under the load of supplies. Adam wasn\u2019t covered with it, however. He wasn\u2019t covered with anything. His arm was obviously broken, and strangely twisted, as Hoss observed. It looked as though it hadn\u2019t been taken any care of.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, your arm\u2019s broken.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s reaction was delayed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d he answered indifferently. \u201cAre you warm?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am, Adam, but somebody has to set your arm,\u201d noticed Hoss worriedly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam sighed. \u201cI suppose,\u201d he admitted strangely obediently. \u201cI guess I need to take care of the shoulder first, it seems I\u2019ve dislocated it while jumping out of the cart.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss looked down. The cart was crashed, but it had been closer before… they were now closer to the road. Hoss realised Adam had to drag him there.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou carried me?\u201d, he asked in amazement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam snorted.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot since you were seven.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He sat upright, carefully palpating his shoulder. \u201cNo pain in the chest?\u201d, he asked so as to reassure himself. Hoss was not the one to hide pain unnecessarily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss shook his head. \u201cNope, why?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFrom the fall,\u201d explained Adam, raising himself slowly and carefully stepping to Hoss\u2019 left side. Once there, he sat down, holding his arm tightly above the elbow. \u201cIt seems that you fell onto me, so the impact was lessened. Listen… hold my arm here, I have to put the shoulder back into shape. Just hold tightly.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From the way he swallowed Hoss concluded without much difficulty that Adam was indeed afraid to cause any further suffering to himself, his condition was bad enough.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, let me do that,\u201d Hoss gently took hold of his brother\u2019s arm and shoulder. \u201cIt\u2019ll be a moment. Now… look at… why, look at the rain!\u201d, he was amazed at the sight – but… it may absorb Adam just enough. \u201cHow come it rains so strangely?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, well…\u201d, Adam sighed nervously. \u201cIt happens, you know, the cloud must reach to this place and no further, it simply… Aaah!\u201d He twisted in pain in Hoss\u2019 hands, wheezing and gasping.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right,\u201d Hoss caught him in his arms, careful not to touch the broken forearm, and stroked Adam\u2019s face. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, it\u2019s popped back, the shoulder. It\u2019ll hurt you less now. It\u2019s all right.\u201d It hurt him to know that his own hands inflicted such pain upon his brother, but there was no other way to decrease his suffering.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cO-kay,\u201d Adam managed to get out eventually between quick, short breaths. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, it doesn\u2019t hurt.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He calmed down slowly. For some time he lay there in Hoss\u2019 arms, bringing his breathing under control, relishing the relief, be it partial, in his suffering.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Squinting at his brother\u2019s concerned face, he admitted:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, maybe it hurt a bit.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A faint smile assured Hoss that Adam remembered having some sense of humour.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have to set your arm,\u201d Hoss reminded his brother worriedly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam winced. \u201cSomebody will find us soon, let\u2019s wait.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey don\u2019t expect us in the city,\u201d argued Hoss patiently. \u201cAnd Pa won\u2019t look for us in the rain, he\u2019d rather expect us to wait in the city until it goes over.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A sigh was the only answer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCome on, Adam, I don\u2019t like it either! Listen, I\u2019ll get down for some splints…\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo way!\u201d, Adam snapped at him. \u201cI won\u2019t let you get up, you\u2019ll get sick or faint, I have no strength left to help you!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He sat upright with certain difficulty.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo protests, now,\u201d he said, more calmly. \u201cI get you the splints, damn it, just don\u2019t get up, you have a concussion to deal with.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018Damning\u2019 wasn\u2019t a part of Adam\u2019s usual vocabulary, but Hoss didn\u2019t say a word. Adam was irritated enough, and in too much pain to get anymore upset. He virtually crawled down to the cart and after a while brought something that could be used as splints.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHappy?\u201d, he gasped, almost falling onto Hoss. \u201cGot news – my wrist is sprained, you\u2019ll have to set that, too.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Meeting Hoss\u2019 gaze, he shrugged his left shoulder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m aching all over, and the whole arm is like in fire, I can\u2019t know exactly what\u2019s hurting.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He coughed and winced. \u201cMaybe apart from my ribs. Some may be cracked, be careful with me,\u201d he smiled unconvincingly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWell, the arm must be set,\u201d Hoss touched the broken limb.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam bit his lip immediately. \u201cWait… wait.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He breathed deeply. \u201cI appreciate your devotion and help… just… please, knock me out first,\u201d he asked. \u201cI… just do that, Hoss.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss looked at his brother\u2019s ghastly, pain-filled face, raised his fist – Adam closed his eyes and ducked his head subconsciously – then hit; a quick, strong, well-aimed hit. Adam collapsed without a sound.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss carefully palpated the broken forearm, took a deep breath and pulled. Adam startled and moaned quietly but did not rouse. Hoss was actually glad to have hit him that hard; otherwise, Adam would have jerked or at least shouted in pain. Now, Hoss quickly immobilised the arm and took care of the wrist. It was swollen already, and did not look well. After bandaging the hand with his handkerchief, Hoss felt suddenly sick and had to abandon Adam for a moment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Exhausted, he decided to lie down. Adam had made him sit for fear he\u2019d choke if nauseous, Adam wouldn\u2019t lift him enough to help; however, a lying position was much better for somebody with concussion. Hoss pulled Adam gently to his chest, careful not to hurt him further, and anxious to keep an eye on him. He wrapped the old blanket around them and then unbuttoned Adam\u2019s shirt to palpate his chest; bruises were already to be seen, the greatest one where Adam\u2019s arm had lain. Some ribs may well have been cracked, as Adam had suggested.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s arm had lain on his chest…\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems that you fell onto me…\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m aching all over…\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t breathe… I beg you…\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was not a branch that broke…\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam had shouted…\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He coughed… moaned… couldn\u2019t breathe…\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, I beg you, I beseech you… get off me…\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c… I can\u2019t breathe…\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey should be back by now,\u201d Ben looked up from the book. \u201cThe rain\u2019s stopped some time ago.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll go outside, \u201c offered Joe. \u201cMaybe they\u2019re coming just now.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Having opened the door, Joe froze for a moment; then he shouted, \u201cPa! Pa, the horses are back! They seem to have broken loose!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He rushed to the animals, standing in front of the stable\u2019s closed door. They were completely wet, and so were the parts of the cart they didn\u2019t lose on their way. They must have come back during the rain, which was heavy enough to drown out the sound of their hooves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSaddle your horse,\u201d ordered Ben in an instant. \u201cThey may need help, we have to find them quickly.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A few moments later they hurried down the road to Virginia City.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While they were on their way, the wet soil suddenly gave way to a dry, rather dusty ground. They stopped, amazed. It looked as though somebody had neatly cut the line of rain in halves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

All of a sudden, there came a low whistling sound from among the trees. It was a song, actually the beginning of it. \u201cEarly one morning…\u201d, then it stopped. The next moment, it guided them again, this time one verse longer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t expect me to shout,\u201d Adam greeted them testily. \u201cWhat kept you?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Ben kneeled beside them and looked at Hoss with anxiety. \u201cIs he all right?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe has a concussion, he sleeps now,\u201d explained his eldest quietly. He was propping himself on the elbow; he spoke gently enough for Ben to notice he had problems talking, and he did not look well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re pale, son,\u201d Ben gently turned Adam\u2019s head so that he could see the left side of it. \u201cWhat\u2019s… that?!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cChloroform,\u201d mumbled Adam. \u201cHoss had to set my arm. It wouldn\u2019t have been any easier if I shouted and writhed in pain, would it?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re injured? What happened?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam patiently let his father and brother examine him while he was explaining, \u201cI believe something broke near the wheel, so that it came off. We jumped out – I think the horses broke loose – and we landed somewhere around here. Hoss has a concussion; I\u2019ve dislocated my shoulder, broke the arm and sprained the wrist. I may have cracked some ribs… Hoss had a fairly soft landing, he should be all right, maybe apart from the headache.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll get the cart up here, we can make a travois out of it,\u201d Joe got up from the ground and headed down the slope.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI can ride,\u201d Adam sat up with Ben\u2019s help. \u201cI don\u2019t know about Hoss, however. It\u2019s maybe better he doesn\u2019t try yet.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss shifted and opened his eyes. \u201cAdam… Pa?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, they\u2019ve found us,\u201d answered Adam gently. \u201cWe\u2019ll be home in no time.\u201d He struggled out of the blanket. \u201cI\u2019ll help Joe.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStay where you are!\u201d, thundered Ben instantly. \u201cHave you hurt your head, too?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNope,\u201d answered Adam briefly. \u201cBut it sure feels like an oncoming headache.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI hurt his head,\u201d Hoss answered almost immediately after Adam, who flapped his hand at that, \u201cWhatever.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben puffed with annoyance, but refrained from any comments. Soon, they were on their way home.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hop Sing muttered something in Cantonese and complained aloud to Ben, \u201cMr Hoss eat little, Mr Hoss get weak!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Truly, Hoss had lost his enormous appetite lately, and seemed to be feeling unwell. Ben raised his eyes with a worried look. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Hoss?\u2019\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The big man shifted uneasily. \u201cPa… could I stay home and help Adam? Joe\u2019ll manage with the supplies…\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll manage,\u201d Adam answered instead of his father, taking the fork with his left hand. \u201cJoe needs a problem deterrent and a hand with loading, and you\u2019re just big and strong enough.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s just that,\u201d Hoss raised his voice suddenly. \u201cI\u2019m too big and too strong!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He leaped up and rushed out. Bewildered, Adam looked at the chair knocked over by Hoss. \u201cWhat\u2019s got into him?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll talk to him,\u201d offered Joe, up already.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, you harness the horses,\u201d decided Adam. \u201cI\u2019ll talk to him. Pa?\u201d, he excused himself with a nod and went outside. Hoss was standing on the porch, motionless, with his back to the door.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam approached him slowly, touched his back and started to massage it gently. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Hoss?\u201d, he asked, using his best \u2018big caring brother\u2019 tone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss startled at Adam\u2019s voice, but otherwise didn\u2019t react.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Adam made half a step closer. \u201cYou\u2019ve lost appetite, you don\u2019t want to go to town, you\u2019re so much upset. I can see that something is wrong. What is it, Hoss? You\u2019re still unwell after the accident? Is your head hurting?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss turned abruptly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d he said hoarsely. \u201cMy head\u2019s all right. It\u2019s here where it hurts,\u201d he hit his chest with a fist. \u201cWhy can\u2019t YOU understand it?\u201d With that, he turned and rushed to the cart, leaving Adam astounded.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hearing Ben approaching, Adam asked him with concern, \u201cWhat has that to do with me? Why do I have to understand it so necessarily?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben sighed heavily. \u201cI don\u2019t know, son, but I\u2019m mightily worried.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo am I,\u201d Adam winced suddenly. \u201cOh. Pa, may I help you with the ledgers a bit later? I guess I\u2019ll lie down for a while. The doctor didn\u2019t allow me a full day out of bed yet…\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re arm\u2019s hurting?\u201d, Ben scanned the sling worriedly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I just need some rest,\u201d Adam smiled half-heartedly. \u201cMaybe I\u2019ll guess what\u2019s troubling Hoss so much.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe slipped into Adam\u2019s room quietly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat took you so long?\u201d, Adam put his book aside. \u201cWell?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sat down with an upset look on his face. \u201cHe says he\u2019s broken your arm, and sprained your wrist, and cracked your ribs – he finds himself guilty of everything, it seems. He says he\u2019s too big and too heavy.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam thought for a while. \u201cHoss landed upon me,\u201d he recalled. \u201cMaybe that\u2019s…\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

… Once he cried out, as most extreme pain…\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked up, eyes glittering with realisation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow as I think of it, the arm may indeed have broken under him. I had some problems breathing… he may have noticed that. This must be exactly what\u2019s on his mind,\u201d he mused.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do we do?\u201d, Joe was very upset with Hoss\u2019 odd behaviour. He hoped for Adam to find some solution to the problem; his own persuasions did not help much.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to convince him of two things,\u201d answered Adam. \u201cFirst, that we need him just as big and just as strong, second, that I\u2019m fine. The second thing is easiest, I\u2019ll just show him how well my arm heals.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd how to convince him?\u201d, doubted Joe. \u201cI\u2019ve tried already, nothing\u2019s working.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u201cGive him time. Pa should assign to him the chores which require special strength, so that nobody else can do that so easily. I\u2019ll see to that.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe asked several times to stay home and help you,\u201d Joe reminded his brother. \u201cMaybe you should allow him.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHm,\u201d Adam shifted on the bed. \u201cI may use the opportunity to talk to him.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think it works? I\u2019ve tried,\u201d Joe was sceptical.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt will if instead of asking how he feels I\u2019ll say that I worry, and that it makes me miserable. He\u2019ll do anything to make me feel better, don\u2019t you think?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe grinned. \u201cYou sneaky thing, what do you teach your innocent youngest brother?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGathering facts and logical thinking. Now, go find Pa and tell him everything. Oh, and tell him, I\u2019d like to talk to him after supper. You think you can do that for me, my busy hard-working kid brother?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe stood proudly. \u201cNow as you\u2019ve acknowledged my duties and responsibilities, my lazing adult brother, I may be as kind as to grant your request.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMhm, do that,\u201d Adam had his nose in the book again. \u201cAnd tell Hop Sing I won\u2019t come down for dinner.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d, Joe was surprised.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBecause,\u201d replied his brother briefly. \u201cGo, go.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, er,\u201d Joe turned from the door with hesitation. \u201cShould I bring you the dinner?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Adam turned a page slowly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShould Hoss?…\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe well may,\u201d he smiled broadly over the book. \u201cNow, weren\u2019t you as kind as to go?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe sent him his most brotherly grin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI run to do your bidding, sir.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSee that you do,\u201d said Adam, not troubling to raise his eyes. He only winced as the door slammed. Now, as to the tactics…\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A shy knock on the door, then Hoss peered in.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWill you… er… eat something?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Adam raised his eyes indifferently, stiffly turning another page with his right hand. \u201cCome in.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss put the tray on the bed\u2019s cover and sat down with a worried look on his face. \u201cAdam, you look miserable. Is your arm any worse?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s healing best,\u201d Adam put the book aside. He did his best not to look fine. \u201cBut you\u2019re right, I feel miserable, in truth.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCan I help you in any way?\u201d, Hoss was indeed as eager to help as he was upset.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTell me, Hoss,\u201d Adam scanned his brother\u2019s face, \u201ddo you feel well?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss gave him a sheepish and surprised look.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do you ask that?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDo you, Hoss.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Adam, I don\u2019t!\u201d, Hoss shifted uncomfortably. \u201cI hurt you so much, I damaged your arm so badly, I know you couldn\u2019t breathe, you begged me to get off you…\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t remember that,\u201d Adam interrupted him with annoyance. \u201cBut you do hurt me now. I cannot feel well if I know you blame yourself unnecessarily for the accident; I can see how upset you are, you\u2019ve lost appetite, you\u2019re not yourself anymore – that hurts me, Hoss. I may be overprotective, I know that, I often treat you like small children, but I helped raising you, and it hurts me to see you like that, just as it hurts Pa. You\u2019re not only my younger brother, you\u2019re my friend, Hoss. Don\u2019t treat me like that.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

He looked worriedly at his brother.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know I\u2019m not well yet,\u201d he continued. \u201cHelp me get well, Hoss, show me the strength I\u2019ve always admired in you, and stop hurting me, please, stop.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 gaze swam with tears. It was so different from Adam\u2019s usual off-hand comments; he rarely revealed what he held within, and such revelations were the more precious for that. Eventually, Hoss reached over to Adam and hugged him gently, careful not to hurt his arm.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam, I\u2019m so sorry I hurt you, but all my strength was only useful to knock you out then, and I should have helped you.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d Adam patted his back gently, \u201chadn\u2019t you set my arm, I would have suffered greatly. And thanks to you, I didn\u2019t feel a thing. Remember that I asked you to knock me out, and this was something I needed most then.\u201d He hugged him tighter with his good arm. \u201cAnd if you give me what I need most, how can you blame yourself?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They remained like that for a short while. Then, Adam gently backed. \u201cWould you mind if I have my dinner now?\u201d, he smiled most sweetly. \u201cI guess I feel well enough to be hungry.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss, delirious with joy, hugged him once more and left. Adam felt indeed hungry, and tired; he wasn\u2019t as well yet as he\u2019d thought, but it was only a matter of time now.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Several months passed since the accident, and Hoss seemed to have come back to his old self. They were just coming back home, all three Cartwright brothers, after taking care of the supplies in certain points they used as shelters in case of heavy snow in the area.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, Joe was the first one to think of some fun in the snow. \u201cHey,\u201d he turned to his brothers with dangerously bright looks. \u201cI know a place in the forest where we could hunt a little. It\u2019s pretty close, I\u2019ll see if there\u2019s any hope for finding deer.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph, come back!\u201d, Adam shouted after him, but in vain. He turned to Hoss, \u201cWait here, I\u2019ll get him back myself. It\u2019s no use looking for each other in the shadows, you know.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure,\u201d Hoss slowed down, watching his other brother hurry. Hopefully, Joe wouldn\u2019t do anything silly, in this snow it was easy to fall of the slipping horse or hurt oneself due to one\u2019s own slipping. At least, Hoss thought, there was nobody as heavy as to hurt him through falling itself. Oh, Adam had never blamed him for what had happened, but deep within, Hoss held himself guilty of Adam\u2019s injuries. So good he could use the arm as well as before! Hoss would have fain given his own arms to him – arms that were just good enough to hit somebody instead of helping. Hoss shook his head in pain. It turned out so easy to hurt somebody, and so difficult to help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Suddenly, he thought he heard a cry of pain. Then a thud. A moment later, he heard his name being called; Adam sounded desperate.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The sight which welcomed him, was indeed frightful. Joe lay under a tree trunk, motionless, while Adam was trying to push it away. He would, obviously, not manage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss,\u201d he called out with relief. \u201cPlease help me, Joe\u2019s leg is caught in an animal trap, I can\u2019t just pull him from under there.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss kneeled hurriedly beside. \u201cHow is he?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just the leg, as it seems,\u201d Adam gasped, pushing with the greatest effort. \u201cHe fell deeper in the snow than the tree. Well, so he says.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Hoss,\u201d whispered Joe with a faint smile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHis leg\u2019s bleeding some,\u201d continued Adam. \u201cI told him not to move. We\u2019d better hurry, he\u2019s hurting; only you can move it, push as strongly as you can.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss pushed without another word. The trunk moved slowly aside. Some thick branches cracked loudly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGuess the branches saved you,\u201d Adam tousled Joe\u2019s curly hair. \u201cThe trunk rested on the thick ones which dug in the ground. Now, bite on it,\u201d he gave him his closed penknife. \u201cWe\u2019ll get you out.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Joe winked with as much smile as he could manage. \u201cHow bad is it?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSimple thing, don\u2019t worry,\u201d Adam kissed his forehead. \u201cSorry if it hurts any. You\u2019ll be free in no time, so just bite on it for a moment, good?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d mumbled Joe obediently.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss already put the rifle\u2019s barrel between the metal teeth. He placed himself with his back to Joe so that Joe couldn\u2019t see his face. Adam was just as concerned, the leg was bleeding heavily.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cInfection?\u201d, mouthed Hoss. Adam ignored it and ordered, \u201cNow.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The metal jaws slowly parted. Just when the gap between them was big enough, Adam daringly put his hands in the trap and gently took hold of Joe\u2019s leg. This way, it would hurt the least and be the most comfortable for Joe. At last, Hoss quickly pulled the rifle away and the jaws snapped at the empty air.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGo to him and hold him,\u201d Adam calmly began to clean the wound. \u201cHe needs you now.\u201d He quickly though carefully cut the shoe apart and made a makeshift bandage out of his handkerchief. It seemed too little.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHoss, give me your handkerchief,\u201d he said, looking around. \u201cWhat can I tie his leg up with, how do you think?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe shifted in his brother\u2019s arms. \u201cBleeding, huh?\u201d, he asked weakly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing we can\u2019t handle,\u201d Adam was careful to save his brother the sight of the little pool of blood around his leg. \u201cNever heard the word \u2018precaution\u2019? Too difficult for you, huh?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Aware that Adam was joking, Joe smiled. \u201cIt\u2019s not me who\u2019s been in college, big brother.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt last you\u2019ve acquired some respect for elders,\u201d Adam grinned to him, tying quickly Hoss\u2019 handkerchief. \u201cIt was a punishment for the disrespectful idea of throwing snowballs at your eldest brother from hiding, think of it.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe reached aside, took some snow and threw feebly at Adam. \u201cGet you next time.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll see who gets whom,\u201d Adam tightened his belt on Joe\u2019s leg.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHey, that\u2019s too hard,\u201d protested Joe with all his might, as little of it as he had. \u201cThe blood won\u2019t get to the foot.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just as it should be,\u201d answered Adam with pretended sternness. \u201dYou won\u2019t die of it. Now, Hoss will get you on Chubb, and I\u2019ll take care of your horse.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Joe closed his eyes, resting his head on Hoss\u2019 chest, and mumbled, \u201cJust take good care of him.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNever heard him complain.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam quickly sprinkled some snow at the blood to cover it, and hurried to the horses so as to get home quickest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Paul Martin pulled the bed\u2019s cover over the sleeping Joe and turned to his family who were waiting for him to speak up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNothing broken,\u201d he announced. \u201cYou should only watch out for an infection, although I don\u2019t expect any to show up. He should be fine soon, and he\u2019ll be escaping out of bed again.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Their relief was overtly visible. \u201cAny painkillers, Paul?\u201d, Ben nodded towards the bed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOnly the one I left, you\u2019ll know how to use it.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Paul,\u201d Ben shook the doctor\u2019s hand. \u201cWould you like some coffee downstairs?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Ben,\u201d Paul smiled broadly. \u201cI could do with some.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam and Hoss stayed upstairs for a little longer. On the corridor, Adam touched his brother\u2019s arm gently. \u201cHoss… thank you.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Hoss looked at him, slightly surprised. \u201cWhat for?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t have managed without you, I wasn\u2019t strong enough.\u201d He hugged Hoss tightly, \u201cThank you, thank you for being there for Joe. I would never forgive myself…\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Adam,\u201d Hoss felt tears coming to his eyes, so he tried to change the subject to save Adam the moving scene. \u201cI never thought you\u2019re such a liar.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d, Adam seemed disoriented.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJoe wasn\u2019t aware of his state, he believed your every word and grin so much,\u201d noticed Hoss with his best imitation of a cheeky smile. \u201cI\u2019ll never believe you again, if you tell me everything\u2019s all right.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adam looked at him with mock disdain. \u201cYou\u2019re being disrespectful. That\u2019s worth some spanking.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cJust try,\u201d Hoss rested his big hands on his hips. Once again, he felt good with his size. \u201cI\u2019m all yours, brother.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be magnanimous this time,\u201d Adam headed towards the stairs. On the top of them, he turned and winked. \u201cSo good to have you.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

***\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At supper, Adam understood that the incident had helped Hoss to finally get over the depression, as no words could. It was enough to see his face, his smile and his knife and fork. And the amounts of food he was stuffing into his stomach. Adam thought he himself would fall ill had he eaten half of it. He looked at Ben and they smiled, Hop Sing almost beaming in his corner. They were indeed all happy to have the old Hoss back.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: Due to his weight, Hoss hurts Adam accidentally in a cart accident (pun not intended) and for the first time feels extremely bad about his own size. The family is trying to help.\u00a0
\nRating and Reader Alerts:\u00a0 PG, descriptions of pain
\nWords:\u00a0 5,500<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12436,"featured_media":41001,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1090,23,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-46898","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-hoss","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","wpcat-1090-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":541,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":45172,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=45172","url_meta":{"origin":46898,"position":0},"title":"You Ain’t My Brother (by VRON)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"March 25, 2000","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: Sometimes it's hard being the eldest! Rating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a0Words, 1,210","rel":"","context":"In "Brothers"","block_context":{"text":"Brothers","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1009"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":46851,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46851","url_meta":{"origin":46898,"position":1},"title":"The Voice (by Imogene)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"November 24, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0A voice visits Joe during the night Rating:\u00a0 G Words:\u00a0 1,520","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\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":46839,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46839","url_meta":{"origin":46898,"position":2},"title":"Mama’s Angel (by Adamfan16)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"December 4, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 See the Cartwrights through the eyes of a Christmas angel Ben carved. Raging:\u00a0 G Words: 1,325","rel":"","context":"In "Family"","block_context":{"text":"Family","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1008"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Preserving-Their-Legacy.png?fit=732%2C477&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":46841,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=46841","url_meta":{"origin":46898,"position":3},"title":"The First Day of Spring (by Adamfan16)","author":"Preserving Their Legacy Author","date":"December 6, 2004","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0This is an expanded Bonanza Bit I did this spring, to the title prompt. 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