{"id":5795,"date":"2004-12-02T23:59:18","date_gmt":"2004-12-03T04:59:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5795"},"modified":"2025-02-27T12:09:18","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T17:09:18","slug":"the-sixth-candle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=5795","title":{"rendered":"The Sixth Candle (by Rona)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 <\/strong>A WHN for Five Candles<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0(4,550 words)<\/p>\n

Disclaimer:\u00a0All publicly recognizable characters and settings are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. No money is being made from this work. No copyright infringement is intended.<\/p>\n

The Sixth Candle<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoseph!\u201d Ben cried, as a puff of grit-laden dust eddied out of the top of the coal chute. \u201cJoe!\u201d He reached back into the chute, desperately trying to reach his son\u2019s hands, to pull him free before he got caught in that vault where they could hear the ceiling crashing in.<\/p>\n

In the chute, Joe could feel the pressure trying to suck him back down and he scrabbled to gain a hand or foot hold that would secure his position. He was exhausted, filthy and sore, the broken and cracked ribs throbbing unmercifully as he reached towards the slightly lighter oblong of the open hatchway above him.<\/p>\n

Moments later, he slipped and slid right back down to the bottom of the chute, jarring his ribs as he landed in a crumpled heap. The air was thick was dust and rubble crashed down all around. Joe took one single glance at the destruction and knew that if he didn\u2019t get out of there soon, he might not get out at all. He gasped as a piece of debris struck him on the shoulder, but he wasn\u2019t hurt; just shocked.<\/p>\n

Another large piece of masonry landed behind him and Joe felt fragments of the rock striking his back, driving shards through his torn and filthy shirt. Glancing up, Joe could see that the ceiling, what was left of it, was about to come tumbling down. Mesmerised, he saw a piece break free and hurtle towards him. At the last possible second, Joe threw up his arm to protect his face and deflected the shard enough that it just grazed his face as it bounced off his arm and vanished.<\/p>\n

Gathering his scattering wits \u2013 for the air was thick and gave him little or no oxygen \u2013 Joe started scrambling up the chute again, frantically reaching out for the help he knew waited at the top. His pain was momentarily forgotten as he fought for his own life.<\/p>\n

Just as Joe thought there was no chance of him getting out alive, he felt a hand grasp his and pull. His ribs protested mightily, but as the last of the courthouse interior crumbled into the basement, nobody heard his cry of pain. The hands kept pulling and even as the dust cloud overtook him, setting him to coughing wildly, Joe was hauled out into the cool night air.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben was kneeling by Joe\u2019s side, putting his hands on Joe\u2019s shoulders to support him while Joe coughed. \u201cAre you all right, son?\u201d<\/p>\n

Nodding, Joe dragged in great draughts of air. \u201cFine,\u201d he whispered and coughed. \u201cAre you all right, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine,\u201d Ben assured him, although he was suddenly feeling very, very weary.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s git out a here,\u201d Hoss suggested, and helped Ben to his feet while Candy went to help Joe.<\/p>\n

Leaning thankfully on Hoss\u2019 strong arm, Ben started to walk towards the street and discovered that his right ankle refused to hold his weight. If Hoss hadn\u2019t been there, he would have fallen. \u201cPa!\u201d Hoss exclaimed. \u201cYa hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust twisted my ankle, I reckon,\u201d Ben replied. \u201cIt\u2019s all right, Hoss. Let\u2019s just get home.\u201d He looked up into his son\u2019s face. \u201cI don\u2019t know about you, but I could use a bath!\u201d<\/p>\n

They laughed.<\/p>\n

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

They didn\u2019t reach home that night. The doctor corralled them before they could get anywhere near horses and declared that he was going to check them all over and they could spend the night in town before he would even consider them going home. In truth, all the people who had been trapped in the basement were more than happy to oblige. Callie, the clerk, was more than happy to see her mother waiting anxiously for her and to go home with her. She had had a nasty shock over the behaviour of her fianc\u00e9, Jonathon Price, who was going to spend the night in jail for perjury. Bristol Toby, the accused man, looked like he would be set free, but the judge had to decide on that, but knowing that the truth had been learned, Toby was happy enough to go with the sheriff for the last time. The injured deputy was already under the doctor\u2019s care.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Joe insisted. \u201cI just want a bath and some sleep.\u201d He knew he would never hear the end of it if his father discovered he had been participating in the rescue with broken ribs.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou have a bath while I look at your father,\u201d the doctor agreed. \u201cAnd I\u2019ll be over to see you later.\u201d<\/p>\n

The warm bath water was the best thing Joe could ever remember. He scrubbed the dirt off and luxuriated in being clean for the first time in hours. He felt his ribs again as he climbed out of the bath, but the warm water had helped ease his sore muscles and he fell straight into bed. Joe was just falling asleep when Hoss came in, supporting Ben and with the doctor in tow.<\/p>\n

While the bath water was replenished for Ben, the doctor went into the bedroom with Joe and bandaged his ribs. \u201cI reckon one o\u2019 those cracks is now a break, Joe,\u201d the doctor warned. \u201cYa gotta be careful and take things easy, ya hear?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hear,\u201d Joe replied. He was grateful enough to accept a pill for the pain and climbed back into bed, sighing as the soft mattress lapped around his body. For a moment, his damp curls felt cold on the back of his head and neck, but Joe\u2019s exhaustion was too deep for that sensation to worry him for more than a minute. His eyes closed and he was asleep.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cJoe? Come on, little brother, wake up. Joe!\u201d The persistent voice pierced the warm cocoon of sleep that Joe was in and he reluctantly surfaced, blinking in the bright morning sun that was streaming in his window.<\/p>\n

\u201cWassa matter?\u201d he mumbled and yawned widely. His eyes started to dip closed again.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Hoss shook his brother\u2019s shoulder gently. \u201cTime ta git up, Joe. Pa\u2019s already getting\u2019 dressed.\u201d He eyed Joe critically, seeing the tired smudges still below his eyes and the now-scabbed graze and bruise on his cheek. \u201cYa need a hand?\u201d he asked, concerned.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe replied and yawned. He started to raise one hand to rub his eyes and froze, a gasp of pain escaping his lips as his body protested the movement.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d Hoss was frowning at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all right,\u201d Joe replied and completed the movement more slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYa ain\u2019t all right,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cWhat did the doc say last night?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo more than he said earlier.\u201d Moving carefully, Joe managed to sit up with only a hiss of discomfort. Swinging his legs out of the bed, he looked around for his clothes and discovered them mended, washed and ironed dry, lying on a chair by his bed. \u201cWho did that?\u201d he asked, indicating the clean clothes. He had no recollection of seeing his clothes after shucking them for his bath.<\/p>\n

\u201cReckon it were Candy,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cHe done that fer all o\u2019 us. Good thing, too I reckon.\u201d He wrinkled his nose expressively. \u201cI wouldn\u2019 a wanted ta put them back on, filthy like they was.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNor me,\u201d agreed Joe. \u201cPass them over please?\u201d He caught the bundle awkwardly and carefully lifted his shirt to slide on. \u201cHow\u2019s Pa?\u201d he asked and added, \u201cThanks,\u201d as Hoss helped him ease his shirt around his back and slide the other arm in.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s ain\u2019t gonna be ridin\u2019 home n\u2019more\u2019n ya are,\u201d Hoss answered. \u201cI sent Candy out ta git the buckboard early this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not riding in the buckboard,\u201d Joe declared. \u201cI\u2019m riding Cochise.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow, Joe\u2026\u201d Hoss began, but Joe was not backing down.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Hoss!\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes flashed green fire. \u201cPa mustn\u2019t know that I\u2019m hurt!\u201d<\/p>\n

There was instant answering fire from Hoss\u2019 blue eyes and the brothers glared at each other, each one determined not to back down over this. \u201cNo way, little brother!\u201d Hoss snapped. \u201cYa\u2019ve got broken ribs, dammit, Joe! That ain\u2019t nuthin\u2019 ta mess with!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd Pa\u2019s off his feet for a couple of weeks with a sprained ankle, Hoss. He doesn\u2019t need to be worrying about me. Besides, I\u2019m fine. They don\u2019t hurt that much.\u201d Joe stood to pull up his pants and caught his breath involuntarily as he did so.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure they don\u2019t!\u201d Hoss drawled sarcastically. He leant against the door post and crossed his arms. \u201cJoe, see sense!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPlease, Hoss.\u201d Joe crossed the room in two long strides and looked up pleadingly into his older brother\u2019s face. \u201cPa doesn\u2019t need to be worrying about me right now. He needs to rest and get over what happened yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was difficult to resist Joe\u2019s pleading eyes and Hoss knew that as well as anyone. \u201cHe ain\u2019t the only one as needs ta rest,\u201d Hoss pointed out and Joe flushed slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right, I\u2019ll take it easy,\u201d he promised. \u201cBut I\u2019m riding home and you\u2019re not going to say a word to Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly till we git home.\u201d Hoss glowered at Joe, knowing that once again his brother\u2019s charm and puppy dog eyes had got the better of his good nature. \u201cBut mind,\u201d Hoss pointed right at Joe. \u201cI\u2019m the one what gits landed with everythin\u2019 if\u2019n ya do yerself a mischief! So you be careful or else.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Joe promised.<\/p>\n

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

\u201cWhat do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d hissed a voice and Joe aborted the movement he was about to make and turned carefully to look at Candy.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m about to mount my horse, what does it look like?\u201d he retorted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou ain\u2019t ridin\u2019 home!\u201d Candy objected.<\/p>\n

\u201cKeep your voice down!\u201d Joe hissed. \u201cYes, I am. End of discussion.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo its not!\u201d Candy grabbed Joe\u2019s arm, looking at his friend with deep concern. Candy had been there the previous day when part of the wall of the courthouse had collapsed on top of Joe. Although Joe had protested at once that he was all right, Candy had not been convinced, and it was only their discovery that everyone in the basement was still alive that had diverted the attention from Joe. However, Candy had made sure that Joe had seen the doctor, even if his friend had been short tempered about it. \u201cYou were hurt yesterday and don\u2019t try to tell me different!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d Joe responded. In fact, he was in a great deal of discomfort and was dreading the journey home.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou had a wall fall on you yesterday, then had a fight and heaved a lot of rubble about, plus helped carry that injured deputy. I can see you\u2019re hurting!\u201d Candy placed his hands on his hips and met Joe\u2019s eyes belligerently.<\/p>\n

Stopping himself sighing at the last possible moment, Joe drooped slightly for a moment before straightening up again. \u201cAll right, I\u2019m a bit sore,\u201d he temporised. Candy\u2019s eyes opened wide at this and he looked as though he was about to make some sarcastic remark. Joe forestalled him. \u201cBut Pa didn\u2019t sleep well last night, Hoss says and I don\u2019t want him worrying about me. Please, Candy, don\u2019t say anything until we\u2019re home. I promise I\u2019ll tell Pa myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

Staring at Joe, Candy saw the fatigue that Joe couldn\u2019t hide and the pain that lurked in the depths of those emerald eyes. Candy couldn\u2019t remember the last time he had seen Joe look so down and he remembered the anguish on Joe\u2019s face when they had found the body the previous day. Joe had thought for several horrible moments that it was Ben and Candy had completely understood as Joe stood there, frozen, and allowed the others to uncover it. The shamed sense of relief that Joe had felt on learning that it wasn\u2019t Ben had haunted him all afternoon, Candy knew.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d he agreed. He glanced around and saw that Hoss and Ben had not yet arrived outside. \u201cNeed a hand getting on?\u201d<\/p>\n

A crooked smile crossed Joe\u2019s face and made him look more exhausted than ever. \u201cI can mange, thanks. \u201c He carefully lifted his foot into the stirrup and slowly swung on board. Candy stayed by his side until he was settled and Joe gave him an acknowledging smile. He had almost had to ask for help to mount.<\/p>\n

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

The previous night, Ben Cartwright had slept soundly for the first couple of hours, then his sleep had been plagued by nightmares; nightmares where he and the others trapped with him had been buried alive, trapped in the rubble, hearing their rescuers outside, but slipping away before they could be saved and nightmares that Joe had not managed to extricate himself from the basement, but had been trapped there. It had been those dreams that had scared Ben the most. He had been more than relieved when morning came.<\/p>\n

Hopping about on a sprained ankle was not fun. It had been some time since Ben had suffered this kind of injury and although he talked about it being \u2018just a sprain\u2019, when push came to shove, a sprain was a darned painful thing!<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy does this hotel have to have some many confounded stairs?\u201d he whispered grumpily to Hoss as he leaned heavily on the banister and his middle son.<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno,\u201d Hoss returned. \u201cWhyn\u2019t ya complain ta the manager?\u201d They exchanged a smile.<\/p>\n

As they emerged into the warm sun, Ben was rather surprised to find Joe already mounted and waiting. He thought his youngest son still looked rather pale, but the smile Joe gave his father soothed the older man\u2019s worries. He climbed awkwardly into the buckboard and they set off for home.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid Joe sleep alright?\u201d Ben asked Hoss as they set off. \u201cHe\u2019s really quiet.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think so,\u201d Hoss replied. \u201cBut he was plumb tuckered out last night, Pa an\u2019 he weren\u2019t too keen ta waken this mornin\u2019, that\u2019s fer sure.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow unusual,\u201d Ben commented, dryly. They grinned at each other again.<\/p>\n

The journey back to the ranch was accomplished at a leisurely pace. Joe grew progressively paler, but Ben\u2019s attention was diverted by the discomfort he felt from his ankle, which throbbed miserably in time to the rattling of the buckboard. Candy rode by Joe, watching his friend closely, ready to make a grab for him, should Joe look like he was about to topple off his horse. But they arrived back at the ranch without Joe betraying himself and he was able to slide carefully down from Cochise while Hoss assisted Ben out of the buckboard.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll see to your horse,\u201d Candy told him. \u201cYou go and sit down somewhere.\u201d He eyed Joe carefully, seeing the lines of pain around his eyes. \u201cYou look terrible!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for that,\u201d Joe retorted, but an amused smile quirked his mouth. \u201cYou\u2019re no oil painting yourself!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNever said I was,\u201d Candy grinned. \u201cI ain\u2019t the vain one around here!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that would be Hoss,\u201d Joe dead-panned and Candy burst out laughing.<\/p>\n

Pleased at his response, Joe went over to where Ben was catching his breath, holding one foot up. \u201cHow you doing, Pa?\u201d Joe asked, concerned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all right,\u201d Ben replied. He put his hand on Joe\u2019s shoulder and Joe realised that Ben was going to use him as a crutch. He knew there was no way he could do that but he didn\u2019t want to worry Ben by admitting how sore he was. It was taking all his time to keep standing upright.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, ya go an\u2019 open the door fer us,\u201d Hoss ordered. \u201cAn\u2019 git a stool fer Pa ta put his foot on.\u201d He shot Joe a look that reminded his brother that his time of deception was almost up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll right,\u201d Joe agreed and walked steadily over to the house as Hoss helped Ben.<\/p>\n

They got Ben settled, but he looked tired. The previous day had taken a lot out of him. Hop Sing brought them coffee and Joe suddenly realised that he would have to try and get out of his jacket without betraying his hurts. Ben did not need to learn of Joe\u2019s injury right that moment \u2013 he was too tired.<\/p>\n

Luckily for Joe, Hoss also thought that Ben needed to rest for a bit before he heard of Joe\u2019s mis-adventures and he managed to make a joke of helping Joe out of his jacket. Joe gave him a grateful look and sat carefully on the sofa.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you still stiff from yesterday, son?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n

The moment had come for Joe to admit the truth, but he still hesitated. And before he could say anything, Hop Sing brought in lunch and they adjourned to the table. Ben appeared to have forgotten the question as he limped over to the table and they all ate hungrily. Joe remained essentially silent.<\/p>\n

As they finished eating, Candy said, \u201cWell, I\u2019m gonna get back to work. There are things to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, me, too,\u201d Hoss agreed.<\/p>\n

\u201cNone of you need to stay with me,\u201d Ben told them. \u201cHop Sing will give me a hand if I need it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss and Candy exchanged a look and Ben didn\u2019t miss that one. \u201cWhat?\u201d he asked. \u201cDon\u2019t you think I\u2019m able to stay on my own? I won\u2019t get up to mischief,\u201d he teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt ain\u2019t that, Pa,\u201d Hoss denied. He fidgeted, looking at Joe.<\/p>\n

Following his son\u2019s gaze, Ben caught a look of discomfort on Joe\u2019s face. His parental radar went off at once. He wasn\u2019t sure why nobody had said anything to him, but he acted at once. \u201cJoe can keep me company then,\u201d he sighed. \u201cI can see he\u2019s as stiff as an old horse today.\u201d He patted Joe\u2019s hand where it rested on the table. The muscles in his arm were as tense as could be. \u201cYou\u2019re out of condition, son,\u201d he teased.<\/p>\n

\u201cMust be,\u201d Joe smiled back, but the smile was strained.<\/p>\n

\u201cC\u2019mon, Pa, I\u2019ll help ya back ta yer seat,\u201d Hoss offered and as he helped Ben, he gave Joe a meaningful stare.<\/p>\n

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

Lack of sleep caught up with Ben shortly after lunch and he fell asleep. Joe tried to read a book, but he was very sore and couldn\u2019t find a comfortable position at all. Hop Sing came into the room and looked at Joe. \u201cBoy sore,\u201d he declared softly. \u201cNeed rest.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m resting,\u201d Joe agreed. \u201cI\u2019m fine, Hop Sing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine \u2013 always fine! Huh!\u201d he sniffed and bustled back to the kitchen. Joe smiled.<\/p>\n

About an hour later, Ben woke. \u201cI didn\u2019t mean to fall asleep,\u201d he mumbled, washing his hands over his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou probably needed it, or you wouldn\u2019t have,\u201d Joe pointed out, turning one of his father\u2019s favourite sayings against him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s an impressive piece of wisdom, son,\u201d Ben remarked, unperturbed. He moved his sore ankle off the stool to the floor. \u201cJoe, could you give me a hand up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure.\u201d Joe rose carefully and went over, extending his right hand to his father.<\/p>\n

The instant he took Ben\u2019s weight, Joe knew that it was a mistake. A stab of pain shot through his ribs and took his breath away. Ben, with his head down, didn\u2019t see the pain flash over Joe\u2019s face. But he heard the gasp and quickly raised his head.<\/p>\n

The little amount of colour that Joe had regained while resting had fled from his face. His eyes, particularly green at that moment, were wide with anguish. Ben forgot his own troubles and let go of the arm of the chair and grabbed Joe\u2019s arm. Unfortunately, he wasn\u2019t in a stable position and he fell back into the chair, all but pulling Joe down on top of him.<\/p>\n

A cry of pain broke from Joe\u2019s lips as he crumpled onto his father\u2019s lap and from there to the floor. Ben scrambled to catch Joe before he could hurt himself further by falling, but he wasn\u2019t in time. Joe thudded to the floor, unable to catch himself, and barely missed striking his head off the stonework of the fireplace.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!\u201d Ben slid to the edge of the seat, leaning over his stricken son. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lying on the floor, Joe couldn\u2019t seem to find the words to answer. His breath was coming in short, painful hitches and his ribcage seemed to be on fire. His left hand instinctively cradled his ribs, but even his own, feather-light touch caused him to groan in pain.<\/p>\n

Panicked now, Ben turned his head and bellowed, \u201cHop Sing!\u201d He immediately turned back to Joe. \u201cEasy, Joe,\u201d he soothed. \u201cTake it easy. Just breathe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Those words made Joe want to laugh. He wanted to tell Ben he couldn\u2019t breathe, but he couldn\u2019t spare the breath to tell him that. The pain was all encompassing and he wondered, dispassionately, if he had punctured a lung. His eyes sought his father\u2019s face, the terror he was feeling communicating itself easily to Ben.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat for you shout now?\u201d Hop Sing demanded. But any irritation he had felt melted away the moment he saw Joe on the floor. \u201cI fetch Mistah Hoss!\u201d he declared and scurried out of the door at high speed.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t often that Ben regretted that they didn\u2019t live closer to town, but this was one of those occasions. As soon as Joe clutched his ribs, Ben knew what was wrong and like Joe, he worried that a lung had been punctured. That could be a death sentence, he knew. If only there was something practical he could do! Since there wasn\u2019t, Ben did his level best to keep both his and Joe\u2019s panic under a semblance of control.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take long for Hop Sing to find Hoss, fortunately. The big man hurried into the house and ran over to Ben\u2019s side. \u201cI\u2019ve sent a man fer the doc,\u201d he told Ben. \u201cCandy\u2019s on the way. When he gits here, we\u2019ll git Joe up.\u201d He shoved the big wooden coffee table aside so he had easier access to his younger brother. \u201cTake it easy, Joe, we\u2019ll help ya.\u201d The suffering in Joe\u2019s eyes caused Hoss great pain, but the trust warmed his heart.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with Joe\u2019s ribs?\u201d Ben asked, his voice harsh with worry.<\/p>\n

\u201cYesterday, when he was workin\u2019 in the courthouse, part o\u2019 the wall fell on him,\u201d Hoss admitted. \u201cJoe told everyone that he was all right, but later, he saw the doc, an\u2019 the doc said he had broken an\u2019 cracked ribs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you say anything, Joe?\u201d Ben asked, the anguish audible in his voice.<\/p>\n

Seeing that Joe still wasn\u2019t capable of speech, Hoss answered for him. \u201cWe didn\u2019 want ta worry ya, Pa,\u201d he admitted, his voice low.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile I appreciate your concern,\u201d Ben replied harshly, \u201cnext time, just worry me, please.\u201d He bent over Joe again, stroking his son\u2019s hair. Although his anger was real, his concern was greater.<\/p>\n

A few minutes later, Candy arrived and together, he and Hoss gently picked Joe off the floor. By then, Joe\u2019s breathing had eased slightly, although he was still in a great deal of pain. \u201cStraight up ta bed,\u201d Hoss panted and Candy just nodded. Joe wanted to protest, but every movement was pure agony and so he said nothing.<\/p>\n

Somewhere along the way, Joe must have passed out, for when he opened his eyes, he was lying on his bed, with Ben hovering over him, his dark eyes full of concern. \u201cHow do you feel, son?\u201d he asked, as he saw Joe\u2019s eyes open.<\/p>\n

\u201cSore,\u201d Joe admitted. He raised his hand carefully to catch Ben\u2019s sleeve. \u201cSorry, Pa. I didn\u2019t mean to worry you.\u201d He swallowed with difficulty. \u201cOr lie to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Ben replied. He squeezed Joe\u2019s hand. \u201cI understand why you didn\u2019t say anything, Joe, but you should\u2019ve told me. For your sake, not mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you were trapped in that basement, Pa, I thought you\u2026 you weren\u2019t going to get out alive,\u201d Joe admitted. Ben winced. \u201cWhen we found that body, I couldn\u2019t\u2026 couldn\u2019t even look.\u201d Joe blinked furiously. \u201cCandy had to see who it was. And when I realised that it wasn\u2019t you, I was so relieved.\u201d Joe\u2019s hand tightened. \u201cNot that the other person was dead, Pa. I don\u2019t mean that!\u201d Joe\u2019s eyes begged for understanding. \u201cBut relieved that it wasn\u2019t you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI understand, son,\u201d Ben soothed. He did understand, for he had been in a very similar situation himself once. His sorrow for the other man\u2019s son had warred with the relief that it wasn\u2019t his son who had died.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen that wall came down on me,\u201d Joe went on, \u201cI was sure I was going to die. I wasn\u2019t sure I minded, Pa, if you were dead. And then, Candy and the others pulled me out and we heard you banging on the flue and I was so glad I was still alive, I didn\u2019t feel the pain.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCandy says that you have one broken rib and two others cracked.\u201d Ben\u2019s voice was husky with emotion.<\/p>\n

Sighing carefully, Joe admitted, \u201cLast night, the doc told me he was sure one of the cracks had broken.\u201d He looked through his eyelashes at his father.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Joe!\u201d Ben\u2019s exasperation was a mixture of anger and affection. With Joe\u2019s face so pale, affection won out. \u201cWhat am I going to do with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cForgive me?\u201d Joe pleaded and Ben drew his son carefully into his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlways, Joe,\u201d he breathed. \u201cAlways.\u201d<\/p>\n

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

The arrival of the doctor confirmed that Joe\u2019s lungs were all right. Joe\u2019s ribs were re-bandaged and he was told to rest. Ben was given the same instructions.<\/p>\n

Looking down at Joe, Hoss made a face. \u201cI knew it!\u201d he mourned.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnew what?\u201d Ben asked, since Joe was drifting on the soft fringes of sleep, thanks to the painkiller he had been given.<\/p>\n

\u201cI knew that I\u2019d be left doin\u2019 Joe\u2019s chores,\u201d he replied, still despondently. \u201cAllus happens when Joe gits hurt.\u201d<\/p>\n

Blinking sleepily, Joe smiled at Hoss. \u201cGet Candy to do them,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n

For a moment, Hoss froze, his blue eyes wide while he mulled that notion over. Then a smile began to creep over his face. \u201cI\u2019ll forgive ya, little brother \u2013 this time.\u201d Hoss reached down and ruffled Joe\u2019s hair affectionately. \u201cSee ya in the mornin\u2019.\u201d He hurried towards the door and a smile crept over Joe\u2019s face as he heard Hoss yell, \u201cCandy!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think that was nice?\u201d Ben asked Joe, trying hard to sound disapproving.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss is pleased,\u201d Joe replied, deliberately misunderstanding Ben. He chuckled quietly \u2013 laughing hurt.<\/p>\n

That soft sound destroyed Ben\u2019s fragile control. \u201cI meant to Candy,\u201d he chided.<\/p>\n

Sleep-shadowed eyes met Ben\u2019s own. \u201cHoss is bigger,\u201d he pointed out.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

* A WHN to Five Candles. The copy I got of this episode was missing its final scene. I was somewhat surprised at the cliff-hanging ending, and decided it needed a conclusion. I have since discovered there was a tag scene and I\u2019m looking forward to seeing it\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0 A WHN for Five Candles<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 T \u00a0 \u00a0(4,550 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":45,"featured_media":14924,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full-width-post.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,41,61,13],"tags":[15,17,16],"class_list":["post-5795","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hurtcomfort","category-missing-scene","category-whn","tag-ben","tag-hoss","tag-joe","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-41-id","wpcat-61-id","wpcat-13-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1705,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/six-candles.png?fit=289%2C183&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6768,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6768","url_meta":{"origin":5795,"position":0},"title":"A Deadly Day (by rosecartwright)","author":"rosecartwright","date":"November 4, 2013","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Joe is home sick, but things go downhill for this young Cartwright. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (635 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Drama"","block_context":{"text":"Drama","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=23"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/2-joe.jpg?fit=237%2C221&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":3823,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=3823","url_meta":{"origin":5795,"position":1},"title":"The Mustang (by Rona)","author":"Rona","date":"July 2, 2002","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Joe sets his heart on capturing a skewbald stallion, and breaking him. 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