Synopsis:\u00a0<\/b>When Little Joe becomes very sick Adam opts to take him to a doctor in Boston, but Ben is unsure about it, however when Paul explains that it might be Joe’s last chance, the two brothers make the trip.\u00a0 The general date is June 1865, approximately two months after the Civil War ended.
\nRating:\u00a0 PG-13
\nWords: 11,300<\/p>\n
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The Brandsters acknowledge that the authors are the owners of their stories.\u00a0 Should an author included in the project reach out to us and indicate they do not wish their work to be archived in the Bonanza Brand Fanfiction Library, we will remove their stories.\u00a0 We would also be happy to change the e:mail address for any authors who wish to continue to have their stories archived in the Library.<\/p>\n
Homesick<\/strong><\/p>\n ~ Chapter One ~<\/p>\n Benjamin Cartwright sat at his kitchen table in his large ranch house. His two older sons, Adam and Hoss, sitting with him, however, none of them were actually touching the food in front of them.<\/p>\n Adam, the eldest of Ben\u2019s sons, sat picking at his food. Hoss, Ben\u2019s middle son, sat staring at the staircase, as if willing his younger brother to walk down the stairs with his happy smile.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Last night Joe had gone to bed complaining of being tired and worn. However, he couldn\u2019t fool his family, they knew Joe had been feeling sick lately. They had each caught him grimace in pain. When they would go to ask Little Joe about it he would simply say he was fine and keep going on with whatever he was doing.<\/p>\n “I\u2019m worried about Joe,” Ben said. Adam looked up slightly.<\/p>\n “So am I. Something is terribly wrong. I really think we should get Paul out here to check him out.”<\/p>\n “I agree,” Ben said. Hoss finally took his eyes off the stairs and sighed looking at his father and brother.<\/p>\n “I\u2019m leaving for him now,” Hoss said getting up. Adam watched him for a few seconds then hurried up stairs. Coming to his brother\u2019s door Adam quietly knocked, and then slowly opened the door.<\/p>\n “Joe, son,” he whispered. When he got no response he came closer and saw a fine sheen of sweat covered Joe\u2019s face and he was pale, he had bags under his eyes. Slowly Joe\u2019s eyes slowly opened, he tried to smile, but soon it turned into a grimace and he grabbed for the basin by his bedside. Adam kept his hand on Joe\u2019s back while the boy threw up.<\/p>\n When finished Adam took the basin from his brother, placed it down on the dresser, and helped his little brother get comfortable again.<\/p>\n “Sorry \u2018bout that Adam,” Joe whispered.<\/p>\n “Shh, don\u2019t you worry none now Little Joe. We\u2019re gonna help you get better I promise,” Joe looked up at his brother.<\/p>\n “Adam, blood,” he whispered. Adam looked at him, confusion written all over his face.<\/p>\n “What?”<\/p>\n “Look,” he said pointing to the basin. Adam looked at the contents of the basin and saw what his brother meant. There was blood.<\/p>\n “Joe, how long have you been throwing up blood?” Adam asked in desperation.<\/p>\n “Couple weeks, Adam I\u2019m scared,” he cried. Adam held onto Joe as he cried.<\/p>\n “Shh, it\u2019s okay. We\u2019ll get through this, I promise you.”<\/p>\n “What\u2019s wrong with me Adam?” He asked.<\/p>\n “I don\u2019t know right now, but Paul is on his way, and he\u2019ll fix you up.”<\/p>\n It was nearly an hour later when Paul and Hoss arrived at the ranch. Ben and Adam were both with Joe at this point and trying to comfort him.<\/p>\n “Well hello there young man, what\u2019s this I hear about you not feeling well?” Joe looked up at Paul, then over at Adam.<\/p>\n “It\u2019s true,” he couldn\u2019t deny it, there was no way he could tell a lie about something he was so scared of.<\/p>\n “Ben, Hoss, Adam why don\u2019t ya leave us alone,” although they were reluctant, they did as asked. Halfway out the door Joe stopped Adam.<\/p>\n “Adam, please stay. Can he stay Paul?”<\/p>\n “If it\u2019s what you want, yes, he may stay,” Adam could see that his father looked a little hurt, and Adam had to wonder why Joe had asked for him and not Ben.<\/p>\n “I\u2019ll stay. Is it all right Pa?” Ben smiled.<\/p>\n “What ever keeps him calm,” nodding Adam moved back over to the chair by his bed and sat down.<\/p>\n After about thirty minutes of questions and painful probing, Paul sighed and pinched his nose.<\/p>\n “Well?” They both asked.<\/p>\n “Adam may I speak to you outside? Joe why don\u2019t you try to get some rest, I\u2019ll be back up soon,” nodding Joe slowly lay back down on the bed. Adam followed Paul out into the hallway.<\/p>\n “When you were in Boston do you remember a hospital near the harbor called St. Paul Hospital?”<\/p>\n “Remember it? I was there a few times. When I came down with a bad \u2018bout of pneumonia and when I broke a couple of bones.”<\/p>\n “Do you remember a doctor there by the name of Michael Parker?”<\/p>\n “I know him.”<\/p>\n “Your brother is very sick Adam, and I\u2019m afraid that Dr. Parker might be the only doctor who can, correctly, diagnosis this and treat it.”<\/p>\n “Can\u2019t anyone in San Francisco help him?”<\/p>\n “I\u2019m afraid not, we don\u2019t have the kind of instruments in the west that they had in the east. Thanks to the war, there have been new medical miracles since the way.”<\/p>\n “So what are you suggesting? My family takes Joe up to Boston?”<\/p>\n “No, I\u2019m suggesting you and Little Joe go to Boston and find Michael and get his help. It is a life or death situation here Adam, it\u2019s your choice, there are medicines I can give him that might help him, but they probably won\u2019t save him. Of course, it\u2019s up to you and your family, think about it. Please remember, though, you don\u2019t have all the time in the world to think about this.”<\/p>\n “How much time do we have?”<\/p>\n “It will take at least four days to get there with all the stops. I\u2019d say if you go, you\u2019ll need to leave by Friday for Reno.”<\/p>\n “Friday! That\u2019s five days.”<\/p>\n “I know, and I\u2019m sorry Adam. Let me know your choice by Wednesday. It will take at least a day to get to Reno.”<\/p>\n “We will, thanks Paul, I\u2019ll go tell them. What should I tell them?”<\/p>\n “Adam, your brother has all the symptoms of two totally different diseases.”<\/p>\n “Cancer,” Adam whispered.<\/p>\n “Stomach Cancer is one of them. An ulcer is the other one.”<\/p>\n “If it\u2019s an ulcer won\u2019t he bleed to death?” Adam asked.<\/p>\n “That\u2019s why you have to hurry.”<\/p>\n “All right, thanks Paul.” As Paul headed back into Joe\u2019s room, Adam went down stairs to talk to his father and brother.<\/p>\n “Adam, what\u2019s wrong with him?” Ben asked.<\/p>\n “Pa, we need to talk,” nodding Ben sat down, his son across from him standing in front of the hearth.<\/p>\n “Joe has all the symptoms of two different diseases. Cancer and an ulcer, unfortunately Paul doesn\u2019t have the tools to diagnosis either one properly. There\u2019s a doctor that can do it, and might be able to help Joe.”<\/p>\n “But?” Ben said knowing there was a but coming in his explanation.<\/p>\n “But, the doctor is in Boston.”<\/p>\n “Boston, there\u2019s no way we can take time away from the Ponderosa.”<\/p>\n “Pa, Paul isn\u2019t suggesting we all go, just me and Little Joe. I take him Friday to Reno, and then take the four or five day trip to Boston. Pa it\u2019s not really a choice. We have to go, Joe could die, and I know none of us want that.”<\/p>\n “Well you\u2019re right, but shouldn\u2019t we wait till Joe is stronger?”<\/p>\n “No, because, Joe might not get stronger. I\u2019m going to give him medications but, unless you go soon Joe will not get any stronger,” Paul said as he came down stairs.<\/p>\n “Well, that really doesn\u2019t leave us much of a choice does it?” Ben said.<\/p>\n “No it doesn\u2019t pa.” Adam said.<\/p>\n “How long will they have to be there?” Ben asked.<\/p>\n “Depends, if it is an ulcer, then it will take anywhere from six months to a year. They\u2019ll have to make sure the medicine worked, if it doesn\u2019t then he\u2019ll have to have surgery and stay in the hospital to see that it did work. If it\u2019s cancer then it could be a long time. It all depends.”<\/p>\n “All right, you two will go, when is the soonest they can go?”<\/p>\n “Tomorrow morning,” Paul said.<\/p>\n “All right. Hoss and I will drive you and Joe up to Reno, and we\u2019ll get them a train ticket to Boston.”<\/p>\n “All right. Adam put these powders in your bags. When he\u2019s in pain give him them. He shouldn\u2019t have any trouble sleeping, eating might be some what of a problem, but I think you can handle him,” Adam smiled at Paul.<\/p>\n “We\u2019ll get there. Are you going to join us on the ride up to Reno?”<\/p>\n “Yes, I\u2019d like to be there to see you off, and I trust you will write both your family and I let us know how he\u2019s doing.”<\/p>\n “We will.” With that, Adam turned and headed upstairs to let his brother know what\u2019s going on.<\/p>\n “Thank you Paul, I guess we\u2019ll see you early tomorrow morning.”<\/p>\n “Yes, I\u2019ll see you around five I guess?”<\/p>\n “Five is fine. Thanks Doc.”<\/p>\n “You\u2019re welcome Ben.” With that, Paul left.<\/p>\n Adam walked into Joe\u2019s room to see him awake.<\/p>\n “Hey.”<\/p>\n “Hi Adam,” He greeted.<\/p>\n “What did Paul tell you?” He asked sitting down.<\/p>\n “Where\u2019s pa and Hoss?”<\/p>\n “Downstairs.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “Are we going to Boston?” Joe asked in shaky voice.<\/p>\n “Yes, we\u2019re leaving early tomorrow morning.”<\/p>\n “Adam, I don\u2019t want to go,” Joe whispered.<\/p>\n “Joe, the doctors in Boston could save your life.”<\/p>\n “It\u2019s not that Adam, I don\u2019t want to leave pa.”<\/p>\n “Joe, buddy, I\u2019ll be with you, and we\u2019ll mail pa often.”<\/p>\n “All right, I\u2019ll go. Will you help me pack?”<\/p>\n “Sure will, you have to stay in that bed so, I\u2019ll pack for you. It\u2019s probably a better idea to buy some clothes there, but for now we\u2019ll pack a few regular clothes and some dress clothes.”<\/p>\n “Okay.”<\/p>\n Once he had Joe all packed Adam left to his own room to pack, leaving Little Joe to rest.<\/p>\n While in his room, Ben came up to him.<\/p>\n “I\u2019m giving you each $500. Hoss is in town buying your tickets now.”<\/p>\n Adam stood still, his back to his father. He could feel burning behind his eyes as the tears began to well up.<\/p>\n “Pa, I really wish you could come with us, Joe would feel much better,” then he whispered the truth, “So would I.”<\/p>\n “Don\u2019t worry Adam; everything will be fine, you\u2019ll see. We\u2019ve just got to believe that son,” Ben said placing both hands on Adam\u2019s shoulders. Finally, Adam turned towards his father.<\/p>\n “Pa, when we were talking about going, I was so sure I could do this. Go to Boston, find the doctor and help Joe get better, but now, as I stand here with you, I\u2019m not so sure, what if something goes wrong? Pa, I couldn\u2019t come back here alone,” Ben looked at him, trying to judge the right words to say next.<\/p>\n “Then don\u2019t, bring my boy back with you. Adam if anything should go wrong up there I want you to let me know up there, one or both of us will come up after you. You will not come home alone son, I promise.”<\/p>\n “How do you know for sure pa, I mean what if I do something wrong, or he dies?”<\/p>\n “Adam, ever since Marie died, you\u2019ve been more like a father to Joe than a brother, and I know that means a lot to him, because without you he would be nothing. He loves you Adam, and like me, he trusts you with his life. We all do. Adam you play a big part in this family, just like everyone else. If you believe you can do it, then you will son.<\/p>\n I\u2019m proud of you Adam, I\u2019m very proud of you, for always doing what you believe in. I\u2019m proud of all my boys.”<\/p>\n “Thanks pa,” Ben smiled at his son.<\/p>\n “I love you Adam.” Most of his life, Adam had been the type to express in words more than in action. Now standing before his father who he might not see for anywhere from weeks to years, he felt the tears begin to leak from his eyes. His serious face fell and he reached out. His arms wrapped around Ben\u2019s neck, grasping his shirt with his hands. He buried his face in Ben\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n “Please pa, why do I have to do this? I can\u2019t do this alone,” Adam whispered in a cracked voice.<\/p>\n “Adam, you won\u2019t be alone, you\u2019ll be with Joe and he\u2019ll need you just as much as you\u2019ll need him. God will also be with you son.”<\/p>\n “I\u2019ll miss you so much pa.”<\/p>\n “I\u2019ll miss you too son.” With that, Adam began to sob on his father\u2019s shoulder, as he had when he was just a child.<\/p>\n ~ Chapter Two ~<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss helped Joe out of the wagon. He seemed in less pain, but then again, he had been sleeping most of the ride to Reno due to the medicine Paul had given him.<\/p>\n “Train leaves for St. Joe in twenty minutes!” The conductor yelled. Adam looked back at the man, then stood by Joe\u2019s side looking at his family and friend.<\/p>\n “Well bye Doc, and thanks,” Adam said shaking Paul\u2019s hand. Joe did the same.<\/p>\n “You\u2019re welcome, I\u2019m sorry I couldn\u2019t do more for you Joe. Bring him back to us Adam.”<\/p>\n “I will.” Joe reached out and hugged Hoss.<\/p>\n “Bye Hoss,” Joe whispered.<\/p>\n “Goodbye Short shanks. You take care ya hear,” Joe nodded. Both men looked at their father, the man who had raised and loved them.<\/p>\n “Cheer up boys, you\u2019ll both be back. I want mail from you often,” Adam nodded. He figured it was Little Joe\u2019s turn to cry in Ben\u2019s arms, he had done his real goodbye last night and had no intention of letting his brothers and their doctor and anyone else standing around see a thirty-five year old man cry.<\/p>\n “Bye pa,” was all Adam said, as he shook Ben\u2019s hand. However, Ben looked into his son\u2019s eyes and could see the tears welling up again. He squeezed the hand tightly, trying to give strength to his eldest child.<\/p>\n “Goodbye son. Take good care of your brother, and yourself,” Adam nodded and quickly turned to Hoss to say goodbye.<\/p>\n Joe now stood in front of his father. They both tried to smile, but the tears got in the way. Ben quickly took Joe into his arms.<\/p>\n “Listen to me Joe, you will be fine, you listen to your brother and the doctors. I\u2019ll miss you son. I love you so much,” Joe tried to keep his feelings in check, but the minute Ben whispered \u2018I love you\u2019 the tears began to fall.<\/p>\n “Pa, I love you. Please I don\u2019t want to leave you, come with me,” he cried. It wasn\u2019t that Adam and Joe didn\u2019t like each other\u2019s company, it was that both felt that Ben would be a big help. Little did they know they would have help.<\/p>\n “No son, you brother is with you, and he will take wonderful care of you. I know he will.”<\/p>\n “Joe, we\u2019d best be going buddy,” Adam said gently. Nodding Joe looked at his father. Ben planted a gently and loving kiss on Joe\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n “Be good.”<\/p>\n “I will. Bye pa, I love you,” with that, he turned, towards the train. Joe got on the train first, Adam right behind him. The two brothers looked at their family one last time.<\/p>\n “I\u2019ll write,” called Adam.<\/p>\n “We\u2019ll write back,” Ben answered. With that, Joe slowly got on the small car. Adam waved goodbye to his father and brother then got on.<\/p>\n The two brothers got settled in their seats. Joe was by the window and Adam sat next to him.<\/p>\n “You ready?” Adam asked.<\/p>\n “Yeah, I guess,” Joe answered. Adam gently patted Joe\u2019s knee. Joe leaned his head against Adam\u2019s shoulder, hoping he wouldn\u2019t mind, soon he was fast asleep, dreaming of feeling the warmth of his home.<\/p>\n “They should be in St. Joe in a day or so,” Paul told Ben as they watched the train pull out. Ben nodded. They stood there until the train was no longer in sight.<\/p>\n “Pa, are you worried?” Hoss asked. Ben felt bad for Hoss. This would be hard on both of them, but especially Hoss, he loved his baby brother Joe and would stick by him through thick or thin. Now that Joe was leaving with Adam, Hoss could only hope that Adam would take good care of his brother.<\/p>\n “Yes son, but don\u2019t worry to much, you big brother has always taken care of you two when I couldn\u2019t. He wouldn\u2019t let anything happen to Little Joe.”<\/p>\n Adam watched out the window, as they went through mountains and over rivers. The scenery was beautiful, and Adam wished that Joe were awake to see some of it, but him being asleep was probably a good thing; the boy was not fond of heights and didn\u2019t need to see the bridges they were going across.<\/p>\n “Excuse me,” a young soft voice called. Adam looked up to see a woman with black hair and blue eyes. She stood about 5\u20198\u2019; she was probably in her late twenties to early thirties. She had pale skin, which was intensified by her straight black hair. She had a slender frame and a sweet gently, trusting face.<\/p>\n “Oh hi, do I know you?” He asked. She smiled. He felt his heart begin to pound.<\/p>\n “No, my name is Katherine Parker, and I was sitting over there alone, and saw that you friend seemed to be fast asleep, and thought maybe you could use some company?” Adam smiled.<\/p>\n “I would be honored by such beautiful company as you. Please sit down,” she nodded and took a seat.<\/p>\n “Sorry, I\u2019m Adam Cartwright, and this handsome sleeping boy, by my side, is my twenty-three year old brother Joseph Cartwright.”<\/p>\n “Nice to meet you, where are you and your brother going?” She asked.<\/p>\n “Boston,” he whispered looking down at his brother again.<\/p>\n “Me too, I\u2019ve got a job with my father and sister there waiting for me.”<\/p>\n “Really where do they work?”<\/p>\n “The St. Paul\u2019s Hospital, my father is a doctor there and my friend and I will be nurses there.”<\/p>\n “That\u2019s where we\u2019re going,” Adam said.<\/p>\n “Why?”<\/p>\n “My brother Joe is sick.”<\/p>\n “Oh I\u2019m sorry to hear that, but that\u2019s a good hospital to go to.”<\/p>\n “Wait a minute; you said your name is Parker?”<\/p>\n “Yes, Katie Parker.”<\/p>\n “Any relation to a Michael Parker?” She smiled.<\/p>\n “Yes, that\u2019s my father. How do you know him?”<\/p>\n “Well I met him back in college; he took care of me when I was really sick. He\u2019s the doctor who is taking care of my brother,” Adam said.<\/p>\n “He\u2019s a wonderful doctor and man. If anyone can help your little brother he can.”<\/p>\n Adam gazed down at the sleeping figure of his younger brother. The boy always looked so vulnerable when he was sleeping, but his being pale only intensified that.<\/p>\n “I hope so.”<\/p>\n “I know how you feel. I had two brothers, Steve and William. My friend Victoria means a lot to me too.”<\/p>\n “She the one working there?”<\/p>\n “Yes.”<\/p>\n “Friends and brothers are wonderful,” Adam said, smiling as he thought about Hoss.<\/p>\n “Yes.”<\/p>\n “What happened to your brothers?”<\/p>\n “Well William, my younger brother, died in the Civil on the battle of Little Round Top. My brother Steve made it out alive, but he\u2019s never really been the same. He\u2019s an officer now in Boston. Vicky\u2019s brother Seth was also killed during the war.”<\/p>\n “I\u2019m sorry.”<\/p>\n “Don\u2019t be, it was there choice to go into the war, we all understood that, I\u2019m glad they did, they were brave men and did a good thing for our country.”<\/p>\n “Yes they were brave men. I admire the men who fought in the Civil War. My brothers and I were almost taken also, we got lucky I guess.”<\/p>\n “Very, my brother Steve says it was a war that shouldn\u2019t have been. He also said it put brothers against brothers,” Adam again looked down at Joe. He had come close so many times to joining the Union and fighting, and Joe had come so close to fighting with the Confederates. Poor Hoss those had been some rough days.<\/p>\n “It did. There were times I was sure my younger brother would run off to the South and get killed. I guess the final turn was when he voted for statehood, he found out what the fight would really mean.”<\/p>\n “You were both on the Union?”<\/p>\n “For a long time no. I was born in Boston and so I believed in freedom, my baby brother was born in New Orleans and he also believed in freedom, but something told him the south was better than the north.”<\/p>\n “I know how that feels, my brothers had the same problem.”<\/p>\n “Which side were they fighting on?”<\/p>\n “The Union, when my brother was called to duty by Grant, Will followed, because he felt that he had to help.”<\/p>\n “He was brave,” Katie smiled.<\/p>\n “Thank you.”<\/p>\n “Would you like to join Joe and me for some dinner in St. Joe?”<\/p>\n “I\u2019d love too,” Their conversations continued. Talking about how she and her brother Steve had both been born in Boston then moved to Georgia, where Will was born, then their mother died and they moved back to Boston. How she had come out west to help her grandmother and grandfather care for their ranch.<\/p>\n Early the next morning Joe, Adam and Katie got back on the train. They had spent hours at dinner talking about anything and everything. Joe had found it obvious that Adam was attracted to Katie, and she seemed to like him too.<\/p>\n “So Joe, how are you feeling today?” Katie asked as they got seated. She found that she enjoyed being around Adam and Joe. Adam was mysterious, but when you brought him out of his shell, he was sweet and funny. Joe was a charming young man.<\/p>\n “Okay. My stomach hurts some. Katie do ya think yer pa can really help me?” Katie placed a hand on Joe\u2019s.<\/p>\n “Don\u2019t you worry, if anyone can help you, my daddy can. When we get there I\u2019ll even introduce you to Victoria,” Joe smiled. They had talked a lot about Hoss and Vicky. Joe told Katie all about he and Hoss would always do mischievous things to get Adam in trouble, like the time Hank Myers was trying to get Abigail Jones\u2019 attention. Katie had found that a wonderful story. Katie had told Joe and Adam about how Vicky\u2019s parents had been killed by scarlet fever on the way west and the Parkers\u2019 had raised her but not adopted her, allowing her to keep her rightful name.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Joe was thankful for both Adam and Katie\u2019s company, he felt safe and like he had a chance.<\/p>\n “Thanks Katie,” Joe smiled at her. Adam gazed at her and he felt his heart fill with joy, as he knew this was a special woman.<\/p>\n “You\u2019re very welcome.”<\/p>\n “Why don\u2019t you try and get some rest Little Joe,” Adam suggested as he noticed the circles under Joe\u2019s eyes and how worn he looked.<\/p>\n “Adam, I miss home,” Joe whispered. Adam moved over towards Katie.<\/p>\n “Come here,” he whispered back. Joe got up and sat comfortably in Adam\u2019s arms. Soon he was fast asleep against his big brother\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n “Would you two like to be alone?”<\/p>\n “No, we need you Katie. He\u2019s getting hopeful with you around. He isn\u2019t so lonely, neither am I,” Katie smiled at him. The two talked for a while but soon Katie was fast asleep on Adam\u2019s chest and Adam had his head was rested against the back of the seat also sleeping.<\/p>\n ~ Chapter Three ~<\/p>\n Adam slowly got off the train and helped Joe down, and then they helped Katie down.<\/p>\n “No wonder you couldn\u2019t quit talkin\u2019 \u2018bout this place Adam,” Adam laughed gently and slung an arm around Joe\u2019s slender shoulders.<\/p>\n “You ain\u2019t seen nothing yet kid.”<\/p>\n Two hours later Joe, Adam and Katie stood in front of the St. Paul Hospital. Joe felt Adam\u2019s strong loving hand on his shoulder, and Katie slipped her hand into his.<\/p>\n “You ready?” Adam asked. Joe took a deep breath.<\/p>\n “No, I really wish pa were here.”<\/p>\n “So do I buddy, but remember, Joe, we\u2019ve got to go in there knowing that when this is all over we\u2019ll both being going back to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n Nodding the two brothers and new friend walked in. Arriving on the third floor Katie stood at the nurse\u2019s desk.<\/p>\n “Well, this is where we say goodbye. I have to go find Vicky and get to work. Daddy\u2019s office is just down that hallway, last door on the right. Can\u2019t miss it, don\u2019t worry Joe, you\u2019ll be fine. Good luck. Bye Adam,” she kissed both man\u2019s cheek.<\/p>\n “Will I ever see you again?” Adam asked her. She turned and smiled.<\/p>\n “Count on it cowboy,” with that she turned and left.<\/p>\n Adam and Joe found the office easily. Adam looked at Joe before knocking on the door.<\/p>\n “It\u2019s okay to be scared Joe,” Joe nodded. Adam knocked on the door; they heard a gruff \u2018come in\u2019 and entered.<\/p>\n Michael Parker was a sweet looking man. He had snow-white hair and a mustache. His nose larger and a straight mouth, he had glasses sitting on his nose. His eyes were icy blue.<\/p>\n “May I help you?” He asked in a deep baritone voice.<\/p>\n “Yes sir, my name is Adam Cartwright and this is my younger brother Joseph, you got a telegraph from Doctor Paul Martin about us.” The doctor smiled.<\/p>\n “Yes, I remember. Please have a seat. I must admit I was surprised and honored that Paul would even think of recommending me to help your brother.” Adam smiled. Although the older man looked serious on the outside he didn\u2019t seem stern and mean on the inside. Adam looked over at Joe. The boy looked nervous. Adam slipped his hand into Joe\u2019s.<\/p>\n “Okay, I\u2019ve gone over your symptoms several times, but I\u2019d like you to tell me what they are one more time what they are. Take your time.”<\/p>\n “Okay. My stomach hurts when I eat certain foods.”<\/p>\n “What sort of foods?”<\/p>\n “Like orange juice.”<\/p>\n “Okay, go on.”<\/p>\n “Blood in my vomit and my uh…” he stopped and blushed slightly.<\/p>\n “Don\u2019t worry, I read that one just fine and knew you wouldn\u2019t want to say it. I understand. Are those all your symptoms?”<\/p>\n “No I\u2019m also loosing weight for no reason,” Joe said.<\/p>\n “Which is bad because Joe doesn\u2019t eat much already,” Adam added. Michael nodded.<\/p>\n “All right, first I\u2019m going to admit you. Then once you two are settled I\u2019ll come by and fill you in on what we\u2019re going to do.”<\/p>\n “How long will I have to stay here?” Joe asked.<\/p>\n “It\u2019s too soon to know anything yet son.” Joe nodded. Just then, the door opened. A young woman with blond hair and bright blue eyes entered, behind her stood Katie.<\/p>\n “Hi Joe, Adam. Hi daddy.” Michael smiled and hugged her.<\/p>\n “I see you\u2019ve already met one of my little girls,” he said with an arm around Katie.<\/p>\n “Adam, Joe this is my best friend Victoria Robinson. Vicky these are the two men I met on the train.” Vicky shook Adam\u2019s hand and went to shake Joe\u2019s, when they both stopped and looked into each other\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n Adam smiled as he saw the feelings pass through Joe\u2019s eyes. He smiled. They all saw it happen.<\/p>\n “Hi,” Vicky said.<\/p>\n “Hi,” he answered back.<\/p>\n “Do I have to get in that?” He asked.<\/p>\n “Its part of Hospital policy,” Michael answered back. Joe looked at Adam.<\/p>\n “Don\u2019t look at me Joe,” Rolling his eyes Joe got in the wheel chair and allowed Vicky to wheel him towards the room. Adam followed closely behind with Katie.<\/p>\n “You want me to stay with you Little Joe?” Adam asked after the doctor came in and told them what was going on, however right now he and Vicky were talking over dinner. Joe looked over at Adam.<\/p>\n “No, please take Katie out or something, don\u2019t feel you have to stay here because of me big brother,” Adam eyed him and laughed.<\/p>\n “Whatever you say little brother, bye Vicky, Bye Little Joe,” with that he and Katie left.<\/p>\n ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n Ben Cartwright sat at his desk working on paper work when Hoss came in the door.<\/p>\n “PA!” Hoss yelled.<\/p>\n “Hoss, I can hear you know.”<\/p>\n “Sorry pa, we got mail from Adam!” He said excitedly handing the letter addressed to his father. Ben was now smiling and he opened the letter.<\/p>\n Dear Pa and Hoss,<\/p>\n We arrived in Boston early this morning. Met the doctor,<\/p>\n You\u2019d like him pa, he\u2019s real nice. We met a young woman on the train who\u2019s brothers were in the war, one survived the other did not. Joe has seemingly fallen in love with her best friend Vicky. I think I\u2019m falling in love with Katie. I know this really isn\u2019t the time, but I think God meant for this to happen pa. You\u2019d like Katie and Vicky. Katie is Michael\u2019s daughter. Vicky is her best friend. Joe can tell you more about Vicky when they\u2019re done talking about Hoss.<\/p>\n The doctor ran some tests today; we should be getting the results tomorrow. Joe is a little anxious, but Vicky and Katie are helping him. The doctor seems to know what he\u2019s doing and I\u2019m confident that all will be fine.<\/p>\n I hope all is well there; we both miss you very much. Joe continued to repeat that he wishes you were here. So do I. Tell Hoss we miss him.<\/p>\n I\u2019ll mail you again when we know what\u2019s going to happen. I should go now Joe is eating dinner with Vicky so Katie and I are going to go to dinner also, because Joe doesn\u2019t seem to need me around at the moment.<\/p>\n Love always,<\/p>\n Adam and Joe<\/p>\n Ben smiled. He looked up at Hoss, then handed him the letter.<\/p>\n “Your brothers seem to be doing fine, they\u2019ve both fallen in love from the sound of it.”<\/p>\n “Can we write \u2018em back pa?” Hoss asked.<\/p>\n “Of course we can,”<\/p>\n ~ Chapter Four ~<\/p>\n Dr. Parker walked into the small hospital room and smiled. His two daughters and the two boys were all sleeping. He loudly cleared his throat, and everyone awoke.<\/p>\n “Oh, sorry daddy,” Katie said. Vicky smiled.<\/p>\n “Morning Dr.”<\/p>\n “Please Adam, call me Michael. I\u2019ve got the results,” he announced. Joe looked at Adam, who came over and sat next to him on the bed. Vicky also came over and grabbed a hand.<\/p>\n “What does it say?” Joe asked bravely.<\/p>\n “No sign of cancer at all.” Joe breathed a sigh of relief. Adam walked over to Joe and hugged him tightly, tears in both their eyes. They held each other for several long seconds, and then they hugged Vicky and Katie.<\/p>\n “However, you do have an ulcer, and it\u2019s a bad one.”<\/p>\n “Could he die?” Adam asked.<\/p>\n “If it gets serious enough yes, but I think with the right medicines we can treat him.”<\/p>\n “So how long will I have to stay here?”<\/p>\n “Well we\u2019ll start you on the medicine tonight, and send you with your brother to the hotel, or you can come stay with me and the girls, in my house. You can\u2019t leave Boston for at least a month or so, we have to make sure the medicine takes affect.”<\/p>\n “If it doesn\u2019t work?” Joe asked.<\/p>\n “Then you\u2019ll be here longer. We\u2019ll have to do surgery if the medicine fails, which means you\u2019ll have to stay in the hospital for at least a week, to make sure you don\u2019t have an infection or anything. Then I\u2019ll want you on bed rest for at least two more weeks. Then of course\u2026 Okay in simple words if it comes to surgery you\u2019ll be here for a while, probably at least six months.”<\/p>\n “Six months!” Joe said.<\/p>\n “Joseph,” Adam warned.<\/p>\n “I\u2019m sorry, but that\u2019s a real long time,” Joe said.<\/p>\n “I know it is, and I\u2019m really am sorry Joe, but lets not think about that, right now lets get you started on those meds so you can get home soon.” Joe nodded.<\/p>\n A few hours later Joe and Adam were sitting alone in the room. Adam was deciding how to talk to Joe.<\/p>\n “Got a letter from pa today.”<\/p>\n “Really, you just mailed him, what four days ago?”<\/p>\n “Yeah about. Want me to read it to ya?”<\/p>\n “Would you?”<\/p>\n “Of course.”<\/p>\n Dear Adam and Joe,<\/p>\n Hello boys, it\u2019s good to hear from you. I hope Joe is behaving you Adam, It\u2019s good to hear that you\u2019ve made friends and are comfortable around there. We hope to hear from you soon about Joe\u2019s condition. I know it\u2019s hard over here. We\u2019re getting kind of lonely without Adam bossing everyone around and Joe playing tricks on everyone. I keep hearing the hands complaining about how they miss Joe\u2019s impish personality. They wish you the best Joseph. We all do.<\/p>\n Hop Sing is doing okay. He hopes you\u2019re both being fed enough, he says if they don\u2019t give you good enough food he\u2019ll come and cook for you. I hope for Hoss and my sake they are feeding you well because we seem to be the worst cooks out of the four of us.<\/p>\n Hoss gives you his best of course. He\u2019s unfortunately not in the best of moods right now, he misses you both greatly. He\u2019s said twice that I don\u2019t know how he feels because you are both a part of him if not all of him. I believe it\u2019s very true, you both are part of us. We wish you were here, but if being there means that Joe will live than I\u2019m glad you are there.<\/p>\n The ranch is doing good, as is Cochise, she misses you a lot Joe, but Hoss is taking great care of her. Real good care of her. Sport is also doing well; we make sure they get out for a run every now and then.<\/p>\n Doc Martin also sends you his best, he\u2019s glad to hear that Michael is as nice as always. Says he\u2019s the only doctor around that has a bedside manner so wonderful that it\u2019s more like a friendship than a doctor patient relationship.<\/p>\n Nice to hear that you\u2019ve both met girls, but please don\u2019t get to carried away, you are there for a reason.<\/p>\n Well I love you both.<\/p>\n Love Always,<\/p>\n Yours Father and Hoss<\/p>\n When Adam finished reading the letter, he looked up to see tears falling from Joe\u2019s eyes. Getting up Adam wrapped his arms around his younger brother.<\/p>\n “Don\u2019t worry; it won\u2019t be long before we can go home.”<\/p>\n “I hope you\u2019re right. Can I write pa this time?”<\/p>\n “Yep, Joe, listen, I know you\u2019re still scared and I think I know what about but please remember, Paul sent us to Boston because there was no better doctor. He was the best. He\u2019s the best man to do the surgery if you need it. You are safe here. I know how you feel Joe, I lived here for three years before I came home. It was the letters that kept me alive, granted you won\u2019t be here half that long, but no one said this was going to be an easy ride. You\u2019re bleeding in there and it has to be fixed or else you bleed to death.”<\/p>\n “I know.”<\/p>\n “I know you know. I know you\u2019re scared, but we\u2019ll get through this Little Joe.”<\/p>\n “And we\u2019ve got Katie and Vicky,” Joe said.<\/p>\n “Somebody say our names?” Vicky asked as she and Katie entered. Adam smiled and took Katie\u2019s arm as Vicky went to Little Joe.<\/p>\n “Well, Mike says you can go home tomorrow, where are you gonna go?” Vicky asked. Joe shrugged.<\/p>\n “We may take your father up on the offer to stay with you guys, I\u2019ve been staying here for the past four days. Or we could go to a hotel.”<\/p>\n “Nonsense, you\u2019ll stay with us,” Katie said. Adam smiled.<\/p>\n “Well then, I guess it\u2019s settled.” Adam said smiling. Joe looked at Adam and could tell there was no way out of this; they were stuck in Boston. He shrugged slightly and decided to make the best of it, after all, it wasn\u2019t every day he and his brother left home, met two beautiful women who really liked them and could hit the town.<\/p>\n “So, how long until we can actually hit the town, Adam?” Joe asked. Adam laughed.<\/p>\n “I don\u2019t know probably a few days, you should get some rest first,” Adam said.<\/p>\n “Aww, come on Adam,” Vicky said.<\/p>\n “Hey it\u2019s not up to me, it\u2019s up to your father,” Adam said. Joe looked at Vicky.<\/p>\n “He\u2019s right,” Vicky admitted.<\/p>\n “When isn\u2019t he,” Joe said with remorse. Adam smiled and ruffled the younger man\u2019s hair.<\/p>\n “Don\u2019t worry you\u2019ll see the town. Pa gave us no time limit to go home. I just want to make sure the medicine works.”<\/p>\n “Yeah Joe, as long as you take the medicine you should be fine,” Katie told him.<\/p>\n “Thanks guys.”<\/p>\n The next day, Katie and Vicky took off to help Joe and Adam get settled into the very large house. The doctor sent Joe home with instructions to take it easy for at least two weeks then come back in a week to make sure the medicine was working. Adam promised that after two weeks they would spend a few more weeks on the town. Joe, although annoyed, agreed to this.<\/p>\n However, after a few days at the house Joe began to go nuts. Adam and Katie were out most of the time on the town, and Vicky was often at work. Joe had gone around the house a few times trying to see if there was anything to do, however he often found nothing. He had sent to more letters to his father.<\/p>\n “Joe I\u2019m home!” Called Vicky about mid day. Joe bounded out of his room and met her with a kiss.<\/p>\n “Hi, I missed ya,” she smiled.<\/p>\n “I missed you too. How would you like to join me for lunch?”<\/p>\n “How about a picnic?” Vicky nodded.<\/p>\n “We can do that, how are you feeling?” Joe smiled.<\/p>\n “Just fine,” he couldn\u2019t tell her the real truth, his stomach was hurting something awful. He was afraid that maybe the medicine wasn\u2019t working, or else he had cancer. He didn\u2019t want surgery. People died in surgery. He really didn\u2019t want to die, he needed to go home to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n “Good, well then, go get washed up and we\u2019ll leave,” Joe nodded and went back upstairs.<\/p>\n ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n Ben sat at the kitchen table early that morning reading the three letters he had gotten from his boys.<\/p>\n Dear Pa and Hoss,<\/i><\/p>\n Although you go my last letter and it read that Joe had a serious ulcer that would kill him if the medicine didn\u2019t work and we didn\u2019t get him in surgery, well I\u2019m afraid plan A is failing. I\u2019ve seen Joe eating and the grimace in pain as he grips his stomach. I\u2019ve heard him up in the middle of night, he doesn\u2019t know it but I can still see he\u2019s vomiting blood. I\u2019m afraid for him pa. He will not talk to me about it, but I hear him screaming at night, he is having nightmares. I also fear he may have an infection. The doctor gave me a list of symptoms. Joe has all of them. I am very worried about him. Joe however continues to tell me he is fine. The doctor also told me that one of the biggest problems is something called perforation, which is where the ulcer burrows through the stomach or duodenal wall. This could cause infection. I have the feeling it already has. I made an appointment with Doctor Parker for Saturday; I will mail you again when I know more. Pray for him pa, he is in bad shape and even worse, he\u2019s terrified.<\/p>\n Love Always,<\/p>\n Adam<\/p>\n Dear Pa and Hoss,<\/p>\n How are you? I\u2019m doing fine, the medicine seems to be working, mother hen Adam thinks I\u2019m sick, I\u2019m really not. This place is wonderful pa, you\u2019d like it here. The two girls we met are also wonderful, there\u2019s just something about them pa.<\/p>\n It\u2019s good to hear everything is going well back there. I can\u2019t wait to get home again and see everyone. Give Hoss my love.<\/p>\n Love<\/p>\n Joe<\/p>\n <\/i>Ben shook his head; it was obvious in his letter Joe was lying. Just then, Hoss came down the stairs.<\/p>\n “Morning pa.”<\/p>\n “Morning Hoss.”<\/p>\n “What\u2019s wrong?”<\/p>\n “Oh, I got two letters, one from Adam and one from Joseph. Adam thinks Joe is getting worse, and Joe says he\u2019s fine,” Hoss sighed.<\/p>\n “Pa, Adam is probably right.”<\/p>\n “I know he is, I just wish Joe knew he wasn\u2019t fine.”<\/p>\n “Pa, there\u2019s a reason Joe is acting like that.”<\/p>\n “Hoss I know the boy wants to come home, but really, is it worth his own life?”<\/p>\n “No pa, it ain\u2019t that. Sure Joe wants to come home, but he\u2019s afraid.”<\/p>\n “What do you mean?”<\/p>\n “Well ya see, Joe and I was talkin\u2019 before they left, you know when he spent the day in bed, he was tellin\u2019 me how scared he was because it might be cancer. Pa he don\u2019t wanna die.”<\/p>\n “But Hoss, they already told him that there was no sign of cancer.”<\/p>\n “Pa, he knows that, we all do, but there\u2019s still the chance that maybe just maybe they might have missed something, that\u2019s what\u2019s makin\u2019 him so scared.”<\/p>\n Ben looked at Hoss, he had to admit the young man made sense.<\/p>\n “So what do we do?”<\/p>\n “Let Adam handle it pa. At least fer now, then maybe we can send him letters later on telling him that everything will be all right.”<\/p>\n “Okay son. We\u2019ll wait. We\u2019ll wait.”<\/p>\n ~ Chapter Five ~<\/p>\n Saturday morning Adam managed to drag Joe into the hospital.<\/p>\n “Hello Adam, I see you got him here,” Joe looked sullen.<\/p>\n “Yeah, I\u2019m here.” He said.<\/p>\n “It\u2019s for your own good Joseph; if you\u2019re bleeding you could die.”<\/p>\n “You think I care!” Joe yelled. Adam\u2019s head whipped around to look at his brother.<\/p>\n “Mike, could I have a moment alone with Joe.”<\/p>\n “Sure, I\u2019ll be outside talking to Vicky and Katie.”<\/p>\n Nodding his thanks Adam watched as the doctor left. He then turned to Joe and firmly grabbed his chin, yanking his face up to look at him.<\/p>\n “You will stop this right now Joseph Francis Cartwright. You are not a little boy anymore, you are twenty-three and there are many people, who would like to see you reach twenty-four, then maybe twenty-five. If you are doing acting like a child then maybe you can tell me what the hell is wrong with you that you don\u2019t even care about your own life!” Adam yelled. Joe looked up slowly, his eyes full of tears. Adam could have sworn he saw the small boy who would come to his room crying after a nightmare.<\/p>\n “What if they missed something? What if I do have cancer?”<\/p>\n “Joe, you do not have cancer, I know you\u2019re scared, and so am I, but I\u2019m scared that if you don\u2019t have this surgery you will die. I can\u2019t leave you Joe, I need you, we all do. That means that you have to start acting brave. No more of this little boy crap. I know pa isn\u2019t here but you still need to be brave for him and Hoss.”<\/p>\n “Okay,” Joe whimpered. Adam looked at him.<\/p>\n “Come here,” he said holding his arms out. Joe sobbed in Adam\u2019s arms for what seemed like hours.<\/p>\n Finally Adam let the doctor back in. The doctor looked at Little Joe.<\/p>\n “Would you like to try again?” Mike asked.<\/p>\n “Yes sir.”<\/p>\n “Good. What are you symptoms?”<\/p>\n “Vomiting blood, blood in my stools, sharp pain in my stomach, pain while I sleep, and nightmares,” Joe listed them all slowly. Michael sighed.<\/p>\n “Well that\u2019s settles it. Vicky, go call the OR tell them we\u2019ve got an emergency ulcer, sounds like the ulcer burrowed through the duodenal wall.” Vicky nodded.<\/p>\n “What?” Joe asked.<\/p>\n “Joe you\u2019re bleeding, and have a chance of infection if the acids get through the wall. You could die, lie down please,” Adam watched in horror as they began to prepare his brother for emergency surgery. Twenty minutes later Adam was sitting in the waiting room. He wished feverishly that Katie or Vicky were out here, it was at times like this he could really use his father and brother. Anyone to keep him company, anyone who could help him keep his sanity. He watched his pocket watch, as the hours ticked away.<\/p>\n “We\u2019ve got the beginnings of an infection here,” Michael said as the four surgeons and two nurses worked on Little Joe.<\/p>\n Adam began to write to his father.<\/p>\n Dear Pa,<\/p>\n Joe was rushed into Emergency surgery a little over two hours ago, his ulcer was bleeding and there\u2019s a threat of infection. He could die, he could die in surgery and we\u2019ll never get to say goodbye. Its times like this I wish more than anything that you were here by my side.<\/p>\n Sure I\u2019ve waited before, we all have, but pa this is nuts. Katie and Vicky are both with him in surgery. I pray they don\u2019t come out here and tell me Joe is dead.<\/p>\n Well I\u2019ll write you soon.<\/p>\n Love always,<\/p>\n Adam<\/p>\n As Adam sat there, he starred at the doors, which his brother had disappeared behind over two hours ago. He sighed.<\/p>\n The hours ticked away endlessly as Adam sat alone in the empty hospital corridor waiting for someone to tell him something about his younger brother.<\/p>\n Meanwhile in surgery the doctors and nurses tried to keep Joe from dying. It never ceased to amaze Katie or Vicky at how quickly a situation could go from bad to terribly wrong in less than fifty seconds. For the first time in her career, Vicky bent down close to the unconscious form of Joe and whispered in his ear.<\/p>\n “Hold on Joe, not just for Adam, Hoss and your pa, but for me. I love you Joe Cartwright,” she whispered. When she straightened, Katie looked at her and smiled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sixteen hours later Katie came into the waiting room and smiled at the sight of her friend Adam fast asleep in the chair.<\/p>\n “Adam,” she whispered placing a hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder. Adam jumped awake and looked at her.<\/p>\n “Joe?”<\/p>\n “He\u2019s doing okay, you can see him, Vicky is with him in recovery, and he\u2019ll be moved to his room in an hour or two. Meanwhile, how would you like to join me for something to eat in the cafeteria?”<\/p>\n “That\u2019s would be okay I guess,” Adam said.<\/p>\n Joe slowly opened his eyes and looked around, finally his eyes focused on Victoria who was sitting near him holding his hand.<\/p>\n “Hi,” he said in a raspy dry voice. Vicky woke up and looked at him. She smiled.<\/p>\n “Hi yourself, how ya feeling?” He smiled at her.<\/p>\n “Okay I guess. Where\u2019s Adam?” He asked looking around.<\/p>\n “I\u2019m right here,” Adam said taking Joe\u2019s hand in his.<\/p>\n “Hi,” he whispered.<\/p>\n “Hi buddy.”<\/p>\n “How long have I been out? Is everything okay?” Joe asked. Katie came up from behind Adam and placed her hands on his shoulders.<\/p>\n “You\u2019ve been out for two days. It was touch and go there for a while, but your ulcer has been fixed, although you could still get an infection. The best news is that there was no sign of cancer,” Katie told him what he really wanted to know.<\/p>\n “Will I live?”<\/p>\n “Yeah, but you\u2019ll take some time to heal,” Vicky said.<\/p>\n “You did a pretty good job on yourself baby brother.”<\/p>\n “Can I have some water?” Nodding Vicky poured him a drink and helped him drink.<\/p>\n “I heard you,” Joe said.<\/p>\n “What?” Vicky asked unsure what he was talking about.<\/p>\n “I heard you. You told me that you loved me,” Joe said. Vicky looked up at her best friend. Katie simply smiled.<\/p>\n “You heard that?”<\/p>\n “Is it true?” Joe asked. Vicky looked at him.<\/p>\n “Very true.”<\/p>\n “I love you too,” he whispered. She smiled at him.<\/p>\n “Well, unless you feel you need me to stick around here baby brother, Katie and I shall leave.”<\/p>\n “Okay, we\u2019ll see you later,” Adam nodded. He bent down over his younger brother.<\/p>\n “I love ya kid,” with that and a small wink Adam headed towards the door, allowing Katie room to say goodbye.<\/p>\n “Bye Little Joe. Bye Vick,” Vicky smiled and waved goodbye as she kept her eyes on Joe.<\/p>\n “Bye guys,” she said as the two left the room. Vicky looked at Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n “Well, looks like you\u2019ll probably have a nice recovery, then you can go home.”<\/p>\n “Are you kidding me? I\u2019m not going anywhere without you,” she slowly bent over him and touched her lips to his, for a moment the kiss was gently and soft, but Joe reached his hands up and grabbed her face between his, she did the same and the kiss became harder, more intense.<\/p>\n “I think I\u2019ve fallen in love with you,” Joe whispered as they parted and both took deep breaths.<\/p>\n “I\u2019m not suppose to fall in love with my patients, but you\u2019re not going anywhere for awhile,” Joe laughed gently.<\/p>\n “You\u2019re right.”<\/p>\n “Mind if I join you for awhile, I\u2019m off for a week,” Joe scooted over and she climbed on the bed with him. Wrapping her arms around his chest the two soon fell asleep in each other\u2019s arms. Adam, Katie and Michael entered the room two hours later and smiled.<\/p>\n “That kid sure has taken a liking to Vicky,” Adam said. Katie held Adam\u2019s hand and smiled.<\/p>\n “He sure has, but then again I\u2019ve sorta taken to you too Mr. Cartwright,” Adam smiled at her.<\/p>\n “Is it okay for them to stay like that?” Adam asked Michael.<\/p>\n “I don\u2019t see why not. Just today though,” Adam nodded and sat down in a chair by his brother\u2019s side.<\/p>\n “I should probably write pa and let him know what\u2019s going on.”<\/p>\n “Probably, but can\u2019t it wait?” Adam looked up at her and smiled.<\/p>\n “Yeah, for a while.”<\/p>\n ~ Chapter Six ~<\/p>\n Later that night Vicky woke up and decided to have a seat by Adam and Joe. They watched as the day faded into night. It was late that night while they all slept soundly that Joe\u2019s fever began to rage.<\/p>\n “Please help me! Adam! Pa!” Joe yelled. Adam woke up and looked at his brother. He once again saw the fine sheen of sweat he had seen sixteen days ago when they had found out Joe was sick.<\/p>\n “Joe,” Adam called as he put his hands on Joe\u2019s body only to pull them back as if hot water had scolded him.<\/p>\n “Katie!” Adam yelled. She instantly woke.<\/p>\n “What\u2019s wrong?” She asked.<\/p>\n “Go get a doctor, Joe\u2019s burning up with fever!” Adam yelled. She nodded and left. Vicky was now up and grabbing something to get wet and put on Joe\u2019s forehead. Michael came running in, pushing Adam aside with the girls he began to examine Joe. Suddenly Joe began to convulse.<\/p>\n “Damn!” Michael swore.<\/p>\n “I need ice!” He yelled. Both young women nodded and ran out of the room. Meanwhile Adam stood in the corner, watching as Vicky and Katie and their father rushed to save the life of his brother Joseph. Their efforts stretched into the early hours of the morning. Adam continued to watch as Joe\u2019s body, now unmoving, raged with fever. He prayed that God wouldn\u2019t take his little brother just yet.<\/p>\n They packed him in ice and did everything possible. Michael was getting to the point where he was unsure what else to do. He was sure the last convulsion sent Joe into a coma, which gave Joe little hope of ever waking up. Most people didn\u2019t, if they did it was a pure miracle. Finally, at eight in the morning Michael turned to Adam and sighed.<\/p>\n “I\u2019ve done all I can Adam. The rest is up to your brother and God now.”<\/p>\n “You can\u2019t be serious, this is one of the best hospitals in the country and you\u2019re telling me you\u2019re just going sit here and watch my brother die!” Adam yelled. “I won\u2019t accept that! I won\u2019t!”<\/p>\n “Look Adam, you\u2019ve been up all night, why don\u2019t we go get something to eat then take you home to get some rest,” Katie suggested.<\/p>\n “I don\u2019t want to rest. I want my brother!” He yelled again.<\/p>\n “Adam if you don\u2019t stop yelling they will remove you from this hospital and you won\u2019t have to worry about your brother, because you\u2019ll be in jail for disturbing the peace,” Katie hissed. Adam looked at her. His shoulder slumped forward as he moved towards his brother.<\/p>\n “I will not leave him,” was Adam\u2019s final whisper as he planted himself in the chair by Joe\u2019s bed. Katie looked at him. She shook her head.<\/p>\n “Come on Vick, daddy, lets leave them alone for awhile,” nodding the three left.<\/p>\n ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n Ben sat in his red leather chair reading the latest letter from his son, from the sound of it, not all was going well.<\/p>\n Dear Pa and Hoss,<\/p>\n Early yesterday morning Joseph returned from surgery, he seemed to be doing well, he and Vicky talked about their loving each other, as Katie and I have.<\/p>\n However late that night Joe began to show signs of complications, he began to run a high fever. The rest of last night I watched Michael, Katie and Vicky try to save little Joe\u2019s life. Early that morning Michael told me that it was now up to God and Joe.<\/p>\n Sadly, I must admit I did not handle the news well; I began to yell. Now that I\u2019ve calmed down and I\u2019m alone I\u2019m writing you this letter. Joe looks pale and weak, his face nearly matches the sheets covering his body. His forehead beaded with sweat, but his body shivering in cold.<\/p>\n I sit and sing to him, trying to communicate with him, hoping by the grace of God that he will wake up and smile at me. I\u2019m starting to have my doubts though pa. By the time you get this it will probably be two days after I\u2019ve written it. I pray I can keep going.<\/p>\n It\u2019s tough, knowing I\u2019m fighting for both of us. Please write soon, I need you pa.<\/p>\n Love Always,<\/p>\n Adam<\/p>\n "Pa is Joe gonna die?" Hoss asked as he sat near the hearth. Ben looked at the fire, the back down at the letter as he read it again, then the truth him home, his baby could already be dead, Adam had written this nearly two days ago.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n "I hope not son."<\/p>\n ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n Eight days after the convulsions, Joe remained unconscious. Adam sat by his brother\u2019s side singing the same lullaby Marie use to sing when one of them were sick. Suddenly he felt hands on his shoulders. Turning around he smiled to see his girlfriend Katie.<\/p>\n “Any change?” She asked. Adam hunched forward, his elbows knees. He rubbed his eyes, hoping to the weariness from his eyes.<\/p>\n “How are you doing?” She asked. He looked up at her.<\/p>\n “I\u2019ve been better,” he whispered. She gently rubbed his shoulders.<\/p>\n “You need sleep Adam; it won\u2019t do Little Joe any good if you get sick too. When was the last time you had anything to eat?” Adam shrugged.<\/p>\n “Doesn\u2019t matter, I\u2019m not really hungry.”<\/p>\n “It doesn\u2019t matter, Adam you need to eat, starving yourself won\u2019t help anyone.”<\/p>\n “Where\u2019s Vicky?” Adam asked.<\/p>\n “In the doctor\u2019s lounge.”<\/p>\n “Did I scare her away?” Adam asked. Katie smiled and kissed his cheek.<\/p>\n “No, Vicky doesn\u2019t scare easy, neither do I. I think she\u2019s just a little lonely. She hasn\u2019t been so close to a man since her brother Seth died. She was a little scared to get close again, when she met your baby brother well that all changed. If Little Joe died, it would destroy her.”<\/p>\n “If Joe dies Vicky won\u2019t be the only one destroyed. It would kill me too,” Adam whispered.<\/p>\n “You really love him don\u2019t you?”<\/p>\n “More than anything in this world, I sadly admit I didn\u2019t like his mother for the first two years before he was born. Then I found out about him and, oh God everything changed from that moment on. I was a new kid, I would help ma do anything and everything. I even started calling her ma. It was so different. I started caring about things again. Then Joe came and I began to want to care for him more than anything. I would come home right after school just to care for him. I would sing to him late at night. I would do anything for the kid. Anything and everything, when his ma had to do something or go somewhere, I would volunteer to care for him. As he grew and Marie died, I became probably more like a father than a brother. Then I went away to college, and everything changed. The poor kid, when I came back I wasn\u2019t the same man who would allow him into my bed after a nightmare, I wasn\u2019t the same man who would rock him to sleep with a soft song. I became a boss to him, telling him he needed to do everything I said or else. I use to tell pa everything he did. For nearly two years after my return, we never got along. Then one day Joe got sick, high fever, everything, and Pa was gone, and Hoss was up at a friends house so I was left to take care of the little boy. We spent a few days alone together talking. When he got better, I asked pa if we could go on a camping trip, just the three brothers. We spent four days just the three Cartwright boys relaxing and getting to know each other again.”<\/p>\n ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n Vicky sat in the doctor\u2019s lounge, a coffee mug between her hands as she thought about the two most important men in her life. Just then, a young man, with blond hair and blue eyes walked in. He was about 6\u20191\u2019. It was Steven Katie\u2019s older brother<\/p>\n “Hi Vicky, have you seen my father?” He asked. She looked up at him, just long enough for him to notice the tear tracks on her cheeks.<\/p>\n “Victoria what\u2019s wrong?” Steve was a sweet loving father. When you looked at him, you couldn\u2019t see the tiny scar on his eyebrow that Seth had given when they were six years old. You could see the scar on his leg from the Civil War two years ago, that gave him honorable discharge. You couldn\u2019t see his aching heart that had watched his two best friends and brothers die in a war that never should have taken place.<\/p>\n “I\u2019m sure Katie has told you something of the two men we\u2019re seeing.”<\/p>\n “The Cartwrights, yeah I remember a little about them. I met Adam Cartwright a few times; the first time we met was when he got sick in college. He was a good kid. I was a few years older than he was, not by much was though. Katie\u2019s dating him?”<\/p>\n “Yeah. I\u2019m dating his younger brother Joseph.”<\/p>\n “Ah, yes. I heard quite a bit about him.”<\/p>\n “He\u2019s one of my patients. He\u2019s dying from an infection.”<\/p>\n “Oh, I see. Vicky honey, Seth was a wonderful man; trust me. I spent his last dying hours with him, talking about anything and everything. Talking about how thankful to dad he was that after your parents died he took you guys in. Vicky, Seth loved you more than anything, it was you that made him fight for so long out there. I know some of your emotions are raw right now, but you have to move on with your life, you still have one big brother left, and a big sister. We\u2019re always watching out for you honey. Do you love Joe?” She looked at her hands in his, then up at his kind face.<\/p>\n “Yes, yes I do love him.”<\/p>\n “Does he love you?”<\/p>\n “Yes.”<\/p>\n “Then don\u2019t you think it\u2019s worth the risk? Worth knowing that you were loved by a man, besides your brother.”<\/p>\n “Steve, I\u2019m not trying to be mean, but did you ever wonder why you came back alone?”<\/p>\n “Yeah, I wonder it a lot sweetheart. All the time, it\u2019s when Jimmy comes running into my room and jumps on my lap that I remember that maybe God wanted me to be a father,” Vicky looked up and smiled.<\/p>\n “And a big brother, right?”<\/p>\n “Yeah, and a big brother.”<\/p>\n “I love you Steve,” Steve smiled and hugged her tightly, kissing her head.<\/p>\n “I love you too kid, now why don\u2019t we go see my dad. I\u2019ll walk you to your boy friend\u2019s room,” she smiled and nodded.<\/p>\n ~ Chapter Seven ~<\/p>\n Vicky slowly opened the room to see Adam and Katie in chairs. Katie was fast asleep on Adam\u2019s shoulder. Adam seemed to be sleeping too.<\/p>\n \u2018Good, he needs some rest,\u2019 she thought to herself. She made her way past them and to the other side of Joe\u2019s bed. She reached up, to fell his forehead. She smiled; the fever was gone.<\/p>\n “Joe,” she called to him.<\/p>\n “Joe, it\u2019s time to wake up,” she continued gently.<\/p>\n “Is his fever gone?” Adam asked. Vicky looked up at him and giggled slightly.<\/p>\n “What?”<\/p>\n “Nothing, you just look rugged with a beard,” Adam put his hand to his face and noticed she was telling the truth, he could feel the beginning of a beard there.<\/p>\n “You didn\u2019t answer my first question,” Adam said. Vicky smiled.<\/p>\n “Yes, his fever is broken. Why don\u2019t you try waking him up, you never know, familiar voice often bring people back.” Nodding Adam moved over to Joe\u2019s side.<\/p>\n “Joseph, its time to wake up,” Adam said. Katie, who had also woken up, stood next to Adam.<\/p>\n “Joseph, that\u2019s enough of this silliness, its time to wake up. You have chores to do, and Pa will tan yer hide if you don\u2019t get out of bed!” Adam said sternly. He smiled when he noticed Joe\u2019s eyes begin to flutter, and then finally open. Adam smiled down at him.<\/p>\n “Hi,” he whispered as he looked up at Adam and Vicky.<\/p>\n “Hi yourself,” Vicky said. Joe smiled at her.<\/p>\n “Missed ya,” he said to her. Adam started laughing. For the first time in nearly a month, he was sure his young brother would be just fine.”<\/p>\n “I\u2019ll go get dad,” Katie said.<\/p>\n “I\u2019m already here,” Michael said, entering the room with Steve behind him, “Welcome back to the land of the living you man, I must say you gave us all quite a scare.”<\/p>\n “Sorry,” Adam held Joe\u2019s hand in his own.<\/p>\n “Its okay buddy, everything will be fine now.”<\/p>\n “Well, Katie, Vicky, why don\u2019t you take Adam and Steve to get some lunch, while I take a look at our patient,” nodding they said goodbye and left the room.<\/p>\n When finished Michael looked at Joe, and smiled.<\/p>\n “I think your infection is going away young man.”<\/p>\n “Does that mean I\u2019m going to be okay?”<\/p>\n “It might take awhile, but, yeah I think you\u2019ll be just fine.”<\/p>\n “How long do I have to stay here?”<\/p>\n “I want you in the hospital for at least a week, I\u2019ll talk to you and everybody when they get back, but for now; you really should get some rest.”<\/p>\n “Okay. Doctor Parker,” Michael turned.<\/p>\n “Yes?”<\/p>\n “Thanks,” Joe said. Michael smiled.<\/p>\n “Mr. Cartwright, its men like you who make me proud to be a doctor,” with that Michael left the room.<\/p>\n ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n <i>Dear Pa and Hoss,<\/i><\/p>\n Good news! Joseph woke up yesterday, he seems to be doing well. The doctor wants to keep him in the hospital for a week or so to make sure everything is well. Then he will be on bed rest for another week, then, finally the doctor has ordered us to take two weeks off to explore Boston and pick up some of the wonderful culture they have here, with Katie and Vicky of course. Joseph and I have been talking and though we\u2019ve only been gone about two months, and its going to take a little longer till Joe is able to come home on the train, we were hoping you would allow us to take about three more months off.<\/p>\n I know that\u2019s a long time pa, and at first neither of us were sure we would want to stay here that long, but we\u2019ve taken a liking to the people around here and we\u2019d like to come back a few weeks before Joe\u2019s birthday.<\/p>\n Love Always<\/p>\n Adam, Joseph, Katie and Vicky<\/p>\n Ben looked at the letter, he was glad to hear his son seemed to be on the mend, but he was unsure if he could survive another three months without his two sons. It wasn\u2019t that there was a lot of work to be done, there was of course, but the men could handle that. It was just that Ben missed them both terribly.<\/p>\n Just then Hoss came in, he hung up his hat and took off his gun belt.<\/p>\n "Hi pa, somethin\u2019 wrong?"<\/p>\n "Uh, Hoss, son, there\u2019s something I have to tell you."<\/p>\n "Is it about Joe?"<\/p>\n "Well yes. Your brother Joe is up and doing okay, he\u2019ll be out of the hospital in a week or so, but, well son. How would you feel if your brothers didn\u2019t come home right away?" He asked.<\/p>\n "Pa, he can\u2019t come home right away anyways."<\/p>\n "That\u2019s not what I mean Hoss. Adam and Joseph have talked about it and they\u2019d like to spend another three months up in Boston. Spend sometime together, which I\u2019m sure they probably need."<\/p>\n "But what Pa? They\u2019ve already been there nearly two months now. Don\u2019t they want to come home?"<\/p>\n "Hoss, son its not that they don\u2019t want to come home, Hoss you know how those two are. They are just like you and Joe when you two are together. They want to spend some time getting to know Vicky and Katie, they want to get to know the family. They want time off."<\/p>\n "But pa, it ain\u2019t fair. Little Joe said he was comin\u2019 back as soon as he could, now he ain\u2019t."<\/p>\n "I know son, but I\u2019m not going to stop them if its what they really want."<\/p>\n "Pa, if\u2019n it is what they really want, then I spect I ain\u2019t gonna stop them either, but I can\u2019t say I\u2019ll be happy \u2018bout it."<\/p>\n "All right son."<\/p>\n ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<\/p>\n Four days later Adam came into Joe\u2019s room and smiled. Katie, Vicky and Joe were all talking. Vicky was sitting beside Joe on the bed and Katie in a chair.<\/p>\n “I got a letter from Pa today Joe,” Adam said holding it up.<\/p>\n “What does it say?”<\/p>\n Adam quickly opened it.<\/p>\n Dear Adam and Joe,<\/p>\n Good to hear that things are going well again, can\u2019t wait to see you in three months.<\/p>\n Dear Katie and Vicky,<\/p>\n Take care of my boys.<\/p>\n Adam looked up and smiled.<\/p>\n “So we\u2019re staying?” Joe asked.<\/p>\n “We\u2019re staying.” Joe smiled at Adam and then at Vicky.<\/p>\n “Well, I guess we\u2019re staying,” she hugged him.<\/p>\n ******<\/p>\n End Note:\u00a0 For those of you who read these stories and are nurses or doctors, I\u2019m probably a little off on the accuracy of the ulcer, but I was looking and couldn\u2019t find the things I wanted. I\u2019m sorry but I did my best. I hope everyone enjoys it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Synopsis:\u00a0When Little Joe becomes very sick Adam opts to take him to a doctor in Boston, but Ben is unsure about it, however when Paul explains that it might be Joe’s last chance, the two brothers make the trip.\u00a0 The general date is June 1865, approximately two months after the Civil War ended.
\nRating:\u00a0 PG-13
\nWords: 11,300<\/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_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1091,23],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-47678","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-joe","category-drama","wpcat-1091-id","wpcat-23-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"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","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47678","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/12436"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=47678"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/47678\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/41001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=47678"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=47678"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=47678"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}