Summary: A terrible accident in the barn leaves Hoss and Joe scrambling to save Ben’s life while Adam rides off miserable, believing he’s killed his father.
\nRating: T\u00a0 6,400 words<\/p>\n
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The Brandsters acknowledge that the authors are the owners of their stories.\u00a0 Should an author included in this 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 contact information for any authors who wish to continue to have their stories archived in the Library.<\/p>\n
Night in the Rain<\/strong><\/p>\n Adam rode hard and fast, crouching low in the saddle and hanging on for dear life as Sport ripped over the rugged terrain. He was passing through a beautiful valley with rolling green hills of trees. The tall grass swayed in the light wind and a small winding river gurgled along near the road, sparkling in the setting sun. This was one of Adam’s favorite spots. Normally, he would have slowed up and taken in the beautiful sights around him, but not today. Today he had to keep riding, as fast as he could, to get as far away as possible.<\/p>\n Sport’s hooves dug deep into the muddy road. Because it had rained hard the past few days, the ground all around was still wet. The normally dry and dusty road was now a mine field of sticky mud and soupy mud puddles. Usually Sport would be kicking up a massive dust cloud behind him, but today no dust kicked up and only deep muddy hoof prints proved he’d even been there. Adam knew he was riding too fast for the conditions, but he wasn’t quite sure if he cared or not.<\/p>\n Adam took his left hand off the reigns long enough to wipe an escaped tear from his cheek, wiping his hand on his yellow jacket, then tipped his black hat lower over his eyes. He gulped and swallowed hard as he tried to fight back more tears that were brimming and threatening to fall. He didn’t usually react this way to things. He was always so strong. He certainly didn’t feel strong now.<\/p>\n Suddenly, Sport lost his footing on the muddy road and started sliding sideways . Adam crouched even lower in his saddle and held on as best as he could, but Sport had lost all control and toppled over on his side, taking Adam with him. Adam hit the ground and there was an explosion of pain in his side. He continued to slide for a moment on the slick road until he came to a stop on his stomach. He watched as Sport stayed on the ground for a moment then struggled back onto his feet, his hooves slipping and sliding in the mud. Thankfully, it didn’t look like Sport was hurt. Adam wished he could say the same for himself.<\/p>\n Adam gasped for air and held his right side. He’d broken a rib, he was sure of it. He closed his eyes for a moment, and tried to will away the whole situation, in fact, the whole entire day. As soon as he closed his eyes however, he could see Pa, sinking to the ground, staring at him in disbelief, blood starting to trickle down his side…<\/p>\n Adam cried out as he opened his eyes and rolled onto his back, still clutching his side. He stared up into the brilliant blue sky. Hints of yellow and orange were beginning to mix in as the sun started its decent. Everything was still and silent, except for the light breeze that was rustling the tall grass that lined the road. Adam felt the tears running down his cheeks again, but lacked the ambition to wipe them away. He was wet all over now anyway. He could feel the sticky wet mud all over his clothes. He closed his eyes again and sobbed quietly.<\/p>\n The sun was just about down when Adam felt a soft nuzzle against his cheek. He opened his eyes and found himself staring into Sport’s deep black eyes. Sport was looking down at him and nudging him gently with his muzzle. Adam reached up, with the arm not holding his side, and gave Sport a reassuring pat.<\/p>\n “I’m getting up buddy, don’t worry.” He rolled onto his stomach and winced as a spike of pain shot from his side. He laid gasping on his stomach for a moment, then slowly and painfully pulled himself to his feet, grabbing on to Sport for support. He stood panting for a few moments with his head in his arms, leaning face down on Sport’s side. The tears continued to fall. He could see Hoss and Joe’s faces now, looking from him to Pa who was sprawled on the ground. Adam remembered the hate in the look Joe had given to him as he’d bent down to help Pa…<\/p>\n In the distance thunder rumbled. Adam peered up over the saddle and could see lightening flashing above the distant mountain range. It was going to be another wet night, and now there was nowhere he could go for shelter. He painfully dragged himself up onto Sport, letting go of his side just long enough so he could get himself in the saddle. Once there, he spurred Sport and continued down the road at a much slower pace than before. With each rough bump, he doubled over in pain and held his side, the tears flowing constantly and freely now. Why bother to stop them? His father was dead and he had killed him.<\/p>\n *******<\/p>\n Joe hovered by his Pa’s bed as Doc Martin finished up his examination. Hoss was nearby, pacing nervously by the window and glancing out every few moments, as if he expected to see someone ride in. Joe knew he was watching for Adam.<\/p>\n “He should be ok as long as there aren’t any complications. I’ve cleaned up the wound and bandaged it.” Doc Martin said suddenly. Joe breathed a deep sigh of relief and Hoss appeared at his side, putting his hand on his shoulder.<\/p>\n “Glad to hear that Doc’. What should we do for ‘im?” he asked. Doc Martin started to put his instruments back into his medical bag.<\/p>\n “Keep and eye on him, keep him comfortable. I’ll be back tomorrow morning to put on a fresh bandage,” he latched his medical bag shut. “This could have been a lot worse. If it had been any further to the left the bullet would have hit some vital organs.” Joe felt the anger starting to rise in him again. His own brother…. his own brother could’ve killed Pa.<\/p>\n “It’s a good thing you were next door checking on Miss Emily and her baby, so we didn’t have to go all the way to town to get you.” he said quietly.<\/p>\n “Yes that certainly helped so I could get the bullet out quickly. Hopefully there will be less chance of infection…,” the doctor paused, and an uncomfortable expression came over his face. “Boys, I need to ask, how’d this happen?”<\/p>\n Hoss and Joe looked at each other grimly. Joe opened his mouth to answer but Hoss cut him off.<\/p>\n “It was an accident. The gun fired by accident,” he stated, hoping Doc Martin wouldn’t push it any further, and he didn’t. Doc Martin headed to the door.<\/p>\n “Ok boys, well, take good care of him. I’ll be back tomorrow.”<\/p>\n “I’ll show you out Doc,” Hoss said quietly, and followed the doctor out of the room. Joe sank down in the chair beside Ben’s bed and looked at his sleeping father carefully. Ben was getting up there in his years, his silver hair laid tossed about on his head. Joe reached up with his hand and smoothed it out. Even though his father was getting older, he still looked healthy and good, he thought. Well… except for the bullet wound, the bullet wound that had been put there by his brother Adam. He could feel the anger welling up deep inside him again. His father could be dead because of Adam.<\/p>\n Joe turned as Hoss re-entered the room, looking thoughtful and grim.<\/p>\n “Listen, Joe, I think one of us ought to go after Adam. Hop Sing is here to help take care…” but Joe cut him off.<\/p>\n “I don’t care about Adam! He can stay gone as far as I’m concerned,” Joe spat. He could see the pain in Hoss’ eyes as his brother came to sit next to him.<\/p>\n “Joe, you know it was an accident, you were there.”<\/p>\n “Accident or no accident, he could’ve killed Pa!”<\/p>\n “I know Joe. But Adam, he thinks Pa is dead!”<\/p>\n Joe shifted uncomfortably and thought back to that dreadful scene in the barn. The gun had gone off. Adam was standing with the pistol in his hand, staring in horror as his father had grabbed his side and dropped to the ground, blood running down his shirt. Hoss had run to Pa’s side, crying his name. He’d felt for his pulse; he hadn’t found one.<\/p>\n “He….. he’s de…dead….” Hoss had whispered. Joe had dropped to his father’s side, and glanced up angrily at Adam. Adam, had just stood there, still holding the pistol, immense pain and disbelief in his eyes. Joe had tried to find Pa’s pulse. There wasn’t one, he wasn’t breathing. He remembered crying out, both in pain and anger.<\/p>\n Hoss had bent over his father’s body, tears streaming down his face as he tried to shake him awake. Joe had glanced back at Adam, who was backing up and slipping his pistol back into his holster, never taking his eyes of his father lying motionless on the ground.<\/p>\n “Where are you going!” Joe had hollered as Adam turned towards Sport. Adam had glanced back at him, tears rolling down his cheeks. He’d tried to speak but no words had come, only a heartfelt sob. Adam had pulled himself up onto Sport and rode out into the afternoon sunlight. Joe remembered hearing the fast paced sound of hooves as Adam and Sport ran from the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n “Joe? Joe!” Hoss called to him. Joe turned in surprise and looked at his brother sitting next to him in his father’s room.<\/p>\n “Sorry. I was just thinking about everything that’s happened.”<\/p>\n “I know Joe. Listen, I really want to go after Adam. Someone needs to go find him.” Hoss stood up to leave.<\/p>\n Joe didn’t protest. He watched his brother leave and once again felt the anger welling up inside of him again. He knew it was an accident, but he could’ve lost his Pa today, and still could. He sat in silence and listened as rain started to fall outside.<\/p>\n ******<\/p>\n The rain was falling steadily now. Thunder clapped all around him and bolts of lightening danced in the sky. Adam peered forward into the blackness and shivered. He was completely drenched but there was nothing he could do. Up ahead he knew there was a rock overhang that he could huddle under to try and get some sort of shelter, but finding it would be the trick. He could barely see Sport’s head bobbing up and down in front of him.<\/p>\n Sharp pain still ripped through his side each time they hit a bump, and a throbbing pain remained the rest of the time. He still rode somewhat hunched over. Any attempt at sitting up straight had ended with him crying out in pain and doubling over even more. He knew he was probably still crying, but there were so many drops of water pouring down his face it was hard to distinguish which were tears and which were rain drops.<\/p>\n Sport slowed up suddenly and Adam could see a wall of rock right in front of him. He slowly moved Sport along the rock, feeling the cold wet stone with his hand as they went. Finally they found themselves underneath the overhang. It was only a few feet deep, but since they were right up against the wall, the rain didn’t hit them as much. Adam slowly dismounted, slipping a bit on the wet ground. Sport pressed himself against the rock wall and started eating away at some grass in front of him. Adam sank to the ground and pulled himself into a ball beside the wall of rock, gasping as he held his side. He buried his face into his arms and continued crying steadily, listening to the sound of the thunder and rain pouring down around him.<\/p>\n ******<\/p>\n Hoss led Chubb out of the barn, and glanced up into the dark, rain filled sky. It certainly wasn’t ideal conditions to be setting out to look for someone, but he couldn’t bear the thought of Adam being out there alone tonight, thinking he’d killed Pa. He wasn’t exactly sure how he was going to track him, especially with it both dark and raining. Hoss grabbed a lantern and climbed up onto Chubb, and set off down the road.<\/p>\n Hoss tried to ride at a reasonable pace, not too fast for the conditions, but not unbearably slow either. He tried to think hard about where Adam would go, in all honesty he wasn’t sure. With all the rain lately, he was fairly sure though that Adam would stick with the road, because it would be safer than wandering off into the unknown where it could be soft and extra treacherous.<\/p>\n He could still see Adam’s expression as he’d mounted Sport in the barn. His eyes had been full of fear, disbelief, and unbearable pain. Hoss had been in too much in shock to go after him then and there. He wished he had.<\/p>\n Shortly after Adam had left, Pa had suddenly started coughing and began breathing again. Hoss and Joe had scrambled after that. Joe had ridden out quickly to find the doctor, while Hoss and Hop Sing had carried Ben into the house and to his room. It was a miracle Ben was alive. One second he hadn’t been, at least they thought he wasn’t, then he was.<\/p>\n Hoss had wished he’d had a chance then to go and find Adam, but Joe had arrived soon after with the doctor and Hoss had wanted to find out how Pa was. Joe hadn’t even seemed to care about Adam’s absence, and never left Pa’s side after he’d come back with the doctor. Joe’s hot temper and anger was nothing new, but Hoss hoped he wouldn’t stay mad at Adam. He knew Joe knew it was an accident, and hoped he could forgive Adam, and not give him a hard time about it. Hoss figured Adam would be needing all the support that he could get to get through this.<\/p>\n The rain was cold and began falling more steadily. Hoss pulled his jacket closer around his neck and tipped his hat lower over his face to try to keep the rain out of his eyes. He could just imagine what pain Adam must be feeling right now, thinking that he’d killed Pa. Hoss hoped that he was at least taking care of himself and hadn’t gotten into any trouble.<\/p>\n Hoss and Chubb plowed on through the darkness, rain pounding down heavily all around them.<\/p>\n ******<\/p>\n Joe had nodded off by his father’s side, his head resting on his arms on his father’s bed.<\/p>\n “Joe?” Ben whispered, taking hold of one of Joe’s hands. Joe sat up with a start, and after a moment of looking disoriented, smiled at his father.<\/p>\n “You’re awake! How are you feeling Pa?” Ben smiled weakly.<\/p>\n “Kind of sore. What happened?” he asked, wincing as he tried to shift his position a bit. Joe stopped him.<\/p>\n “No, no Pa. Don’t try to move around too much. You’ve been shot.” As soon as Joe uttered those words, ‘you’ve been shot,’ some of the memories came back to Ben. He remembered standing in the barn, staring at Adam who was holding a pistol. He remembered looking down at his side, blood starting to soak through his shirt.<\/p>\n “Adam! Adam, where’s Adam?” he cried suddenly, trying to sit up, but falling back on the pillow with a cry. He knew there was something about Adam. Joe stood up and tucked the blankets back around him.<\/p>\n “No Pa, I said don’t move. Doc Martin wanted you to stay still.” Ben looked flustered.<\/p>\n “But Joe, Adam, where is he?” Joe looked sad, but somehow angry at the same time.<\/p>\n “Hoss went to look for him Pa. He’ll be back.” Ben was confused.<\/p>\n “Look for him? Where’d he go?” Joe sank back into his chair, the anger starting to show more in his face now.<\/p>\n “I don’t know Pa, he rode out after he shot you.” It felt like a thousand horses had just run into Ben. He gasped and grabbed his wound. Joe jumped up again and held his hand.<\/p>\n “Pa! Are you ok?” Ben looked at the fear in Joe’s eyes. That’s right. Adam had shot him. He remembered one minute Adam was fiddling with his gun, apparently the hammer had been sticking lately. The next thing he knew, there was a sharp pain in his side, and he remember the look of horror and pain he’d seen in Adam’s eyes as Ben had felt himself slipping to the ground. Joe gripped his hand tighter.<\/p>\n “Don’t worry Pa, Hoss will be back with him soon.” Ben could hear the bitter undertones in Joe’s voice, but felt himself drift back to unconsciousness before he could ask about it.<\/p>\n Joe watched his father slip back to sleep, and he sat down again. He glanced out the dark window and listened to the rain pounding on the roof. A big bolt of lightening flashed outside and there was a loud clap of thunder. It was going to be hard for Hoss to track Adam tonight. Joe felt a twinge of fear for his brother… both brothers.<\/p>\n ******<\/p>\n Hoss held the lantern to the side of Chubb and strained to see through the driving rain. The road was a horrible mess, mostly mud and puddles. There were some tracks but it was hard to tell much more than that due to the water everywhere. Hoss figured that he was riding through the small green valley about 15 miles from the ranch house, due to the tall green grass he could see on either side of the road. So far, he hadn’t seen any trampled paths through the grass that could indicate a horse leaving the road. Hoss slid his hat up enough to scratch and itchy spot on his scalp then pulled his hat back down. It was possible something happened here, like a fall, but it was hard to tell really. It was just too dark to see clearly, and too muddy to tell that much from the tracks. Hoss spurred Chubb and they moved ahead, slower now, since the road seemed worse than before. He shivered a little bit as some cold rain ran down his neck. He’d like nothing more than to be at home in his warm bed, but there was no way he could do that now. Not with Adam out alone in this weather and as upset as he was. Hoss took a deep breath and pushed on through the rain.<\/p>\n ******<\/p>\n Adam tried to pull himself into a tighter ball. The pain in his side was immense, and he was shivering from being wet all over. His once warm jacket now felt like a huge wet blanket pushing him down into the mud, suffocating him. He buried his head further under his arms, trying to keep the rain off his face. He could taste the salt from his tears that were still running down his cheeks.<\/p>\n He’d killed his father. He couldn’t believe it. His Pa was dead, because of him. Hoss and Joe would never forgive him, especially Joe. They’d hate him forever. He’d hate himself forever. Why did he have to be messing with his gun while others were around? He wished he’d shot himself instead of his father.<\/p>\n Adam let out a sob and peeked out from under his arms into the dark sky. A lightening bolt flashed through the sky long enough for Adam to make out Sport’s outline next to him, and some trees nearby, whose leaves were blowing wildly in the wind. Adam’s stomach was churning and he suddenly rolled on his side and threw up.<\/p>\n The rain was showing no sign of letting up. If anything, the thunder claps and lightening strikes seemed to be getting closer and closer. Adam pulled himself into a ball again and ventured another peek through his arms. A lightening bolt flashed through the sky again and illuminated all around him. This time he saw something new. He saw a horse and rider, the rider wearing a big ten gallon hat.<\/p>\n Hoss? Adam was stunned. Why would Hoss be out here during this storm? Was Hoss looking for him? Adam continued to hold himself in a ball and stare into the rain in the direction he’d seen the rider. He listened intently through the raindrops beating around him, and then heard the distinct sound of a horse approaching.<\/p>\n ******<\/p>\n A bright bolt of lightening lit everything up around him. Hoss peered ahead into the dark. During that flash he swore he’d seen the outline of a horse. He knew he was about at the rocks that come up after the valley. The lightening flashed again, and this time Hoss was sure. There was a horse standing over by the rocks up ahead. Hoss swung the lantern around to Chubb’s left and made his way forward to where he’d seen the horse. When he got close, he slid off Chubb and went on foot, not wanting to step on Adam if he was lying somewhere around.<\/p>\n Holding the lantern out in front of him, he was soon at the wall of rock, and Sport. After a quick glance around, Hoss saw Adam rolled up in a ball underneath part of the overhang nearby. He hurried to his side.<\/p>\n “Adam! Adam?” Hoss grabbed him and shook him gently. Adam moaned and peered up through the rain at Hoss.<\/p>\n “Hoss I killed him,” he whispered. Hoss leaned closer to Adam and brushed some of the tears.. or rain, he wasn’t sure which, away from his cheeks.<\/p>\n “Adam, you didn’t kill Pa. He’s alive, and he’s goin’ to be fine,” Adam stared up at Hoss, his statement not quite registering at first, then disbelief spread across his face.<\/p>\n “But… but he was…” Adam started, Hoss interrupted.<\/p>\n “No Adam. We made a mistake. He started breathing again just after ya left. He’s ok, the doc’s been to see ‘im. He’s gonna be alright.” Adam closed his eyes and tried to curl up tighter. He was so sure he was dead. They even said he was dead. The hammer on his gun had stuck, he’d been pushing on it, trying to get it lose, then suddenly BANG! He remembered looking up in horror when his father had cried out. He remembered watching and blood began to appear on his father’s shirt as he started to sink to the ground. They hadn’t found a pulse…<\/p>\n “Oh Hoss…” and he began to sob quietly. Hoss leaned over and put his arm around him to try and comfort him. They sat like that for a few minutes, Hoss gently hugging Adam as he cried, and trying to shelter him from the rain that was blowing in underneath the overhang. Hoss knew the terrible guilt and hurt Adam must be feeling, but he knew he must be relieved that Pa was ok. He didn’t recall when he’d ever seen Adam cry like this. Adam was always so strong and kept his feelings to himself. Hoss noticed that Adam was completely soaked and mud was caked all over his clothes. He must be freezing to death. Suddenly Adam tried to shift and winced, crying out a little at the same time. Hoss saw that he was favoring his side.<\/p>\n “Adam, are ya hurt?” he asked quickly. Adam opened his eyes and tried to sit up, crying out again and grabbing his side as he did so.<\/p>\n “I have to see Pa!” he gasped, not answering Hoss’ question, as he struggled onto his feet, grabbing his side again.<\/p>\n “But Adam! You’re hurt!” Hoss put his arm around Adam to try and support him. Adam started to stumble toward Sport but soon lost his balance and would’ve fallen except Hoss caught him.<\/p>\n “Adam you’d better ride on Chubb with me,” Without any protest from Adam, Hoss helped him over to Chubb, where he got him mounted into the saddle. Hoss grabbed Sport’s reigns, then climbed up on Chubb behind Adam and carefully put his arms around him to keep him sitting up. Then through the dark night and pounding steady rain, they slowly made their way back to the ranch house.<\/p>\n ******<\/p>\n Little Joe was in the living room eating a sandwich. It was about 4am and Hoss still hadn’t returned. Neither had Adam. Hop Sing had come upstairs and insisted that Joe get some rest. When he refused, Hop Sing ordered him downstairs to have something to eat instead. Joe was starting to get hungry so he thought he could spare a few minutes from Pa to slip down and get a snack. The rain still poured constantly outside. They’d had so much rain in the past week, much more than normal.<\/p>\n Joe thought about Adam. He was still mad, well not really mad. He wasn’t sure what it was exactly he felt towards Adam. Disappointment? No not really. Joe had been so angry at first. He’d felt extreme hate, especially at first when he thought Pa was dead. But now he wasn’t sure anymore. Now mostly he felt worried, anxious, hoping that Adam was ok. It was an accident. He knew that. It could’ve happened to any one of them.<\/p>\n Just then, the front door opened and Hoss stumbled through it cradling Adam in his arms, his head resting against Hoss’ shoulder. Both of them were completely drenched. Water was running off Hoss’ big hat like a stream. Joe leaped to his feet and rushed to them, closing the door behind them to keep the rain out.<\/p>\n “Hoss! Is he ok?” he gasped. Hoss made his way to the sofa to lay Adam down, then thought better of it.<\/p>\n “Pa’ll have my hide if I lay him down on the sofa while he’s all wet and muddy.” Hoss muttered, and turned to head up the stairs. Joe followed. It was true, Adam was completely covered with mud and water.<\/p>\n “I think he’s got a broken rib or two. He said somethin’ on the ride back ’bout Sport fallin’,” Hoss added as he headed up the stairs leaving a trail of water and mud behind him. He started towards Adam’s room but then they heard Ben call out weakly from his room.<\/p>\n “Wait Hoss! Adam? Joe?” Joe and Hoss glanced at each other and went to Ben’s room, Hoss still cradling Adam.<\/p>\n “Adam? Hoss! Is Adam ok?” Ben cried trying to sit up. Joe hurried to his side to try and calm him down.<\/p>\n “He’s jest got a broken rib or two Pa. Fell off his horse,” Hoss said. Adam stirred a little and winced. He opened his eyes and looked over at Ben.<\/p>\n “Pa….. I’m sorry Pa,” he whispered. Ben saw a tear roll down Adam’s cheek, or maybe it was a rain drop?<\/p>\n “Oh son…. It.. It was an accident,” Ben whispered, wanting nothing more than to hold Adam in his arms. He watched as Hoss turned and took Adam down to his room to take care of him.<\/p>\n ******<\/p>\n It was late morning before Hoss or Joe got up. Hop Sing had stayed with Ben the remaining few hours of the night, then Ben had insisted that he was fine and sent Hop Sing to bed as well. Hoss got up first and peeked in at his father on his way by, who seemed to be sleeping. He was just about to turn away when he heard his father call to him.<\/p>\n “Hoss, wait.” Ben stirred and propped himself up enough to see Hoss in his doorway. Hoss entered the small room and sat in the chair by the bed.<\/p>\n “Mornin’ Pa. How are you feelin’?” he asked. Ben smiled.<\/p>\n “Better Hoss. Better knowing all my sons are home,” then he hesitated, “How’s… Adam?”<\/p>\n “He seems ok right now Pa. I cleaned him up last night, wrapped up his ribs and got him into his dry night shirt. He was pretty wet and cold.” Hoss said sadly. Ben looked troubled.<\/p>\n “Hoss, please tell me what happened after I got shot. I need to know.” Hoss looked startled then shifted uncomfortably.<\/p>\n “Well, after you got shot, we thought you was dead. We couldn’t find yer pulse or nuthin’,” Ben looked shocked.<\/p>\n “You.. you all thought I was dead?” Hoss nodded sadly and told his father all about what had happened that afternoon, including how he’d gone after Adam, and how he’d found him. When he was through, Ben was quiet for a few minutes, staring out the window at the morning sun.<\/p>\n “Poor Adam. I can’t even imagine what he must have been going through,” he whispered quietly. Hoss could see tears brimming in his father’s eyes.<\/p>\n “He’ll be alright Pa.”<\/p>\n ******<\/p>\n A week later, Adam, Hoss and Joe were sitting around the table eating breakfast before the day’s activities. Adam had been back up and around the past couple of days, but still wasn’t doing any heavy work until his ribs had enough time to heal thoroughly. He’d been very quiet and had been mostly keeping to himself. Hoss figured he needed some time alone to come to terms with what had happened. He had also noticed that Adam would only go in to see Pa when Pa was asleep. He’d sit with him for awhile, then leave when Pa had started to stir. The only time Adam had been in the room while Pa was awake was when Hoss or Joe was in there too. Even then he wouldn’t say much to him.<\/p>\n Hoss and Joe had talked it over, and decided that Pa would talk to him eventually. They knew Adam was still very upset about what had happened, and was probably too ashamed to talk to his Pa alone. They also knew that anything they said wouldn’t be able to help Adam. He needed to hear something from Pa, not them.<\/p>\n Hoss was just about to finish off his last flapjack when they heard slow footsteps on the stairs, and all turned in surprise to see Ben Cartwright creeping his way down to breakfast.<\/p>\n “Pa! You’re up!” Joe called happily. Hoss got up from the table to help Ben across the room and get situated at the table.<\/p>\n “I figur’d you’d be in bed ‘least another week.” Hoss added, as Hop Sing arrived with another place for Ben.<\/p>\n “Well, I thought it might be good for me to get a change of scenery.” Ben said, helping himself to a flapjack. Hop Sing poured him a cup of coffee.<\/p>\n Hoss spared a glance at Adam who hadn’t said anything yet. He was looking at Ben, and Hoss could still see the extreme pain and sadness in his eyes. Hoss exchanged a glance across the table with Joe.<\/p>\n “It’s a real nice day outside Pa. Maybe you’d like to sit on the porch for a few minutes after breakfast and take in some fresh air.” Joe suggested. Ben looked thoughtful.<\/p>\n “Yes! I do believe I will.” The family finished their breakfast in silence. Since the boys had already started before Ben had arrived, they finished first but stayed and waited for Ben to finish too. His full appetite wasn’t back yet, so he didn’t take too long. Hoss and Joe spent the time exchanging nervous glances with each other and looking from Adam to Ben. As soon as Ben had come down, Adam had stopped eating and spent the rest of the time uncomfortably moving the food around on his plate.<\/p>\n Ben took one last sip of his coffee and looked around the table smiling, pausing a moment as he regarded Adam and his unfinished food.<\/p>\n “Well, I think I will step outside. Hoss, Joe, I know you must have things to get to so go on ahead, I’ll be fine. Adam… why don’t you join me outside, you look like you might need some fresh air too.” Adam dropped his fork and shot a quick glance at his father.<\/p>\n “Sure Pa,” he said quietly. Hoss and Joe got up from the table and started strapping on their gunbelts. They watched Adam help Pa up out of his chair and slowly lead him outside. Once they were out the door, Hoss turned to Joe.<\/p>\n “Hopefully they can have a talk now.” Joe nodded.<\/p>\n “Yeah, hopefully it’ll help Adam feel better.” They opened the door and headed to the barn to start their work for day.<\/p>\n ******<\/p>\n Joe had been right, it was a beautiful day. It hadn’t rained since that horrible night a week before, so everything had had a chance to dry out. Adam and Ben shuffled along the porch, Ben with his arm around Adam’s shoulder’s for support. Adam helped him sit down in the rocking chair, then took a seat beside him. He looked at his father for a moment, then stared off into the surrounding forest.<\/p>\n Ben watched Adam thoughtfully.<\/p>\n “How are your ribs feeling?” Adam shifted uneasily.<\/p>\n “Better.” Ben took a deep breath and tried again.<\/p>\n “Must have been a nasty spill you took off your horse. Did he slip in the mud?”<\/p>\n “Yep.” Ben sighed and found himself staring out into the forest too. The tall Ponderosa pines swayed slightly in the light breeze. Ben spent a few moments pondering what he would say next. He decided to approach the subject head on. No sense to keep beating around the bush.<\/p>\n “Adam… it was an accident. I don’t blame you at all.” Adam was silent, not taking his eyes of the trees in the distance. Ben waited a moment before speaking again.<\/p>\n “It could have happened to anyone Adam. Guns just sometimes go off accidentally.” Adam finally took his eyes of the trees and turned to face him. Ben could see the pain and fear in his eyes. “But I didn’t.”<\/p>\n “But you could have. You almost did.” They were both silent for a few moments. Adam was now staring at his boots. Ben saw tears welling in his eyes.<\/p>\n “Adam, I don’t blame you. You need to stop blaming yourself. Accidents happen.” Adam turned away from Ben and reached up to rub a tear away from his eye. Ben smiled to himself. Adam never liked to show his emotions much.<\/p>\n “I know Pa. It’s just.. we could have lost you, and it would have been my fault.”<\/p>\n “But you didn’t. I’m here and I’m fine.” Ben smiled as Adam turned towards him, a small smile of his own on his face.<\/p>\n “I’m sorry Pa.”<\/p>\n “I know.”<\/p>\n “You’re not mad at me?”<\/p>\n “No son. I know you didn’t mean it.” Ben glanced at Adam and saw that he looked more relaxed. They both sat for a few more minutes taking in the beautiful day. Finally Ben stretched and yawned.<\/p>\n “Well, I think I’m going to go lay down for a bit. Can you help me inside?”<\/p>\n “Sure Pa.” Adam stood up and helped his father to his feet. Ben could see relief in Adam’s eyes and smiled at him. Before heading into the house Adam gave Ben a hug. Ben returned the hug and held Adam in his arms, just as he’d wanted to all week. They turned and headed into the house together.<\/p>\n ******<\/p>\n It was just about dark when Hoss and Joe returned. After taking care of their horses, they started across the yard to the house. Hoss yawned.<\/p>\n “I sure hope Pa and Adam done worked things out. I’m not sure I could take much more of this Adam moping around business.” Joe yawned too as they reached the door of the house.<\/p>\n “I know me too. Kind of makes me want the old bossy Adam back.” When they stepped inside, they saw Hop Sing bustling around the table getting it ready for dinner.<\/p>\n “Hey Hop Sing, where’s Adam at?” Hop Sing stopped and spared a glance at them<\/p>\n “He upstairs!! He making Mr. Ben very angry,” then as quickly as he had paused to talk to them he started bustling about again. Hoss and Joe shot worried glances at each other then hurried up the stairs to Ben’s room. They halted in the doorway and were stunned to find Ben sitting up in bed, staring angrily at a checker board laid out between him and Adam, who was sitting in the chair by the bed. It was Adam’s move, and he quickly jumped two of Ben’s red pieces with his black piece.<\/p>\n “Fire and brimstone!” Ben hollered. Hoss and Joe smiled at one another.<\/p>\n “Now Adam, what’s this I hear from Hop Sing about you makin’ Pa real angry?” Hoss asked, taking off his hat as he stepped further into the room. Adam glanced up at him from the board and smiled.<\/p>\n “Hey now it’s not my fault he’s lost four games straight!” he replied, turning to grin at Ben, who was still fuming. Hoss and Joe laughed.<\/p>\n “You’d better be careful Adam, he’s likely to give you more chores if you win too much.” Joe laughed. Adam turned and smiled at him. Ben moved another one of his pieces.<\/p>\n “Oh Pa you keep doing that,” Adam chuckled as he quickly jumped it with one of his pieces. “Looks like I’ve won another! Ben looked as if he would explode.<\/p>\n “That’s it young man! You’re staying here until I’ve won back all these games.” Hoss and Joe laughed.<\/p>\n “We’d better pull up a couple of chairs, Hoss, this is likely to be interesting.” Joe suggested.<\/p>\n Downstairs, Hop Sing could hear the laughter coming from Ben’s room. He smiled to himself. Now everything was back as it should be.<\/p>\n
\nAfter riding another 50 feet or so, Hoss came to an extra slick spot in the road where the mud was extra deep. He pulled Chubb to a stop and stared at the spot. From what he could tell through the rain, the grass around the area had been disturbed. Mud had been pushed over into the grass and there were a lot more tracks and slide marks here than in the rest of the path.<\/p>\n
\n“But Pa… you could’ve died.”<\/p>\n