Summary:\u00a0 Little Joe finds it hard to sleep.
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 \u00a05,830 words<\/p>\n
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To Sleep, Perchance to Dream<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben Cartwright stretched his aching muscles as he looked across the room. It had been a long tiring day and he was feeling the effects of it. \u2018Joseph, time for bed,\u2019 he said. \u2018Say good night to everyone now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked up from his position in front of the fireplace where he was playing with his toy soldiers. They were spread out on the coffee table in front of him and he was waging a great battle with them. \u2018I ain\u2019t sleepy yet,\u2019 he said before going back to positioning his troops.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I said bed Joseph,\u2019 said Ben firmly. \u2018Pack away those toys now and get upstairs please.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe frowned at his father. \u2018But I ain\u2019t\u2026\u2019 his voice trailed away as he noticed the expression on the man\u2019s face.\u00a0 He gave a dramatic sigh and began to pack away the toys into their box, making the task as slow as he possibly could.\u00a0 Ben raised an eyebrow as he watched him, making no comment.\u00a0 Eventually the boy finished and glanced over at his father. \u2018Do I have ta go now?\u2019 he whined.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I\u2019ll be upstairs soon to tuck you in.\u00a0 Now go.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe stood up. \u2018But I wanna have a story,\u2019 he whined. \u2018I ain\u2019t sleepy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam looked up from behind his book. \u2018I\u2019ll take him up Pa,\u2019 he said obligingly. \u2018Come on squirt, I\u2019ll tell you a story as well.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe jumped up happily and pulled on his brother\u2019s hand. \u2018Come on then,\u2019 he said. \u2018Will ya tell me the one bout the dragon?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Thank you,\u2019 mouthed Ben to Adam as his two sons climbed the staircase.\u00a0 He turned back to Hoss again who was seated beside him at the small table, counting on his fingers. \u2018Have you finished those yet?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss looked up at his father, his face a study of concentration. \u2018I\u2019m trying Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018But these problems are right hard.\u2019\u00a0 He gave a sigh and shook his head. \u2018I can\u2019t seem ta get em ta add up.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben bent over his son\u2019s homework again and there was silence for the next twenty minutes as they both concentrated on the problems together.\u00a0 \u2018See?\u2019 said Ben finally with a slap on his son\u2019s back. \u2018I told you that you could do them.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss shut his book with a slam. \u2018Finally,\u2019 he said. \u2018They\u2019re hard ones Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Off to bed now son,\u2019 said Ben as he lit his pipe. He smiled at Adam as he came down the stairs. \u2018Little Joe asleep?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head as he settled himself into his chair again. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018I ended up telling him two stories though so I\u2019ve done my share.\u00a0 He\u2019ll likely drop off in a few minutes.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Up to bed Hoss,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Hurry up now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Night Pa, night Adam,\u2019 said Hoss as he clutched his book to his chest and lumbered up the stairs.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Night son,\u2019 said Ben as he began to blow smoke rings towards the ceiling. He was thoughtful for a moment before speaking. \u2018Adam, I\u2019ve been thinking about those fences,\u2019 he said. \u2018I think we should \u2026\u2019 He stopped as a movement at the top of the stairs caught his eye. \u2018Is that you Joseph?\u2019 he called.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was another movement and a small nightshirt-clad figure appeared at the top of the stairs. \u2018I ain\u2019t sleepy,\u2019 whined Little Joe. \u2018I done told ya that before Pa.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Bed!\u2019 ordered Ben. \u2018I\u2019m coming up there in a minute and you\u2019d better be under those covers young man!\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe scampered away and disappeared again.\u00a0 Ben chuckled softly and put down his pipe. \u2018I\u2019d better go up and make sure he\u2019s in there,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll talk about those fences in few minutes son.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sure Pa,\u2019 said Adam, opening his book again and settling into his chair.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben climbed the stairs and headed straight for Little Joe\u2019s room.\u00a0 As he had expected, the boy was lying in his bed with his eyes wide open. Ben sat down on the edge of the bed and turned down the lamp. \u2018Close your eyes and go to sleep,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I told my eyes ta go to sleep, but they ain\u2019t listening,\u2019 replied Little Joe seriously. \u2018They ain\u2019t tired yet.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nevertheless that\u2019s what its time to do,\u2019 said Ben as he tucked the blankets around the child and bent forward to kiss him. \u2018Goodnight son.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Can I have a drink of water?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben picked up the glass of water that was on the dresser beside the bed and turned up the lamp again. \u2018Hurry up,\u2019 he said, handing it to the boy and trying not to smile as he watched him drink as slowly as possible. \u2018That\u2019s enough,\u2019 he said after a moment and took the glass from him. \u2018You don\u2019t want to wet the bed.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe stared at his father \u2018Pa, can you tell me bout the time you saw the whales in the ocean?\u2019 he asked with his most innocent face.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019ve already had two stories from Adam,\u2019 said Ben, pushing the child back down under the covers. \u2018That\u2019s enough for one night.\u2019\u00a0 He turned down the lamp again before standing up. \u2018Good night Joseph,\u2019 he said firmly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Night Pa \u2026. Hey Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You ain\u2019t going ta bed yet is ya?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No.\u00a0 I\u2019m going downstairs with Adam for a while.\u2019\u00a0 Ben walked to the door and half closed it behind him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Good night.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Good night son.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben walked across the hallway to check on Hoss who was also under the covers.\u00a0 He tucked him in and kissed him as well before leaving the room and heading back downstairs again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss was just snuggling down under the covers when he heard a small noise near his door.\u00a0 He lifted his head and spied a small white figure standing there. \u2018Is that you Joe?\u2019 he asked softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Whatcha doing in here?\u00a0 Pa\u2019s gonna be mighty mad iffen he finds out you\u2019re outta bed,\u2019 said Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I can\u2019t sleep,\u2019 whispered Little Joe. \u2018Can I come in wiv you and talk for a while?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No,\u2019 said Hoss sleepily. \u2018I\u2019m tired and I\u2019m gonna go ta sleep. Get back ta bed.\u2019\u00a0 There was silence for a few minutes before Hoss looked over to the doorway again. \u2018You still there?\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yep.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why don\u2019t ya count sheep or something iffen ya can\u2019t go to sleep?\u2019 asked Hoss grumpily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Huh?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Count sheep,\u2019 repeated Hoss.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Count em doing what?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t know \u2026 jumping over fences I think.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Why?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Cause \u2026 Pa told me once it helps ya go ta sleep.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018OK.\u00a0 Thanks Hoss.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hoss snuggled down into his pillow again and was just drifting off when he heard a soft noise again next to his bed and felt a gentle shaking. \u2018Hey Hoss?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Them sheep what you told me ta count.\u00a0 It ain\u2019t working.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How come?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I dunno. They won\u2019t jump over the fence when I tell em to.\u00a0 And I can\u2019t count over twenty, so there ain\u2019t enough of em ta make me go to sleep anyways.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m gonna pound ya Joe if ya don\u2019t leave me alone,\u2019 said Hoss and put his pillow over his face. \u2018Go away!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked at his brother mournfully and sat down next to his bed on the floor while he waited to get sleepy.\u00a0 After a few minutes he heard a soft snoring sound and knew that Hoss had fallen asleep.\u00a0 With a sigh he stood up and left the room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ++++++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam stretched in his chair lazily and smiled at Hop Sing as he entered with a tray. \u2018Thanks Hop Sing,\u2019 he said. \u2018How did you know I just felt like coffee?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing smiled at him and said nothing as he put the tray on the table. \u2018Coffee Pa?\u2019 asked Adam as he leant forward to pour a cup.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben looked across from his desk where he was finishing the accounts. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said absently.\u00a0 He closed the ledger with a smile and stood up, but then frowned as he saw a slight movement behind the Indian rug that hung on the landing of the staircase.\u00a0 He put his finger to his lip and motioned for Adam to be quiet as he softly walked towards it.\u00a0 Bending down he saw a pair of small feet underneath it through the railings. He winked at Adam and said in a loud voice, \u2018I think I\u2019ll just go up and check on the boys before I have that cup of coffee son.\u2019\u00a0 Immediately the two little feet moved and Ben quickly reached under the rug to grasp hold of a small ankle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Ow!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Is that you Joseph?\u2019 asked Ben, feigning surprise as he lifted the blanket. \u2018What are you doing there?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe tried to wriggle out of his father\u2019s grasp, but Ben held onto him firmly. \u2018Nothin,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What are you doing out of bed young man?\u2019 asked his father sternly. \u2018And why aren\u2019t you asleep?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I tried, but I ain\u2019t sleepy,\u2019 explained Little Joe, trying to prise his father\u2019s fingers off his ankle.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018So you thought you\u2019d get up and join us, is that it?\u2019 asked Ben with a lift of his eyebrow.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yep,\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018Let go Pa!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben let go of his son\u2019s ankle. \u2018Get up to bed immediately,\u2019 he ordered. \u2018If I catch you out of that room again you\u2019ll have a very sore bottom young man. Now get!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe scampered away, his little bottom up in the air as he crawled up the stairs.\u00a0 Ben gave a chuckle as he joined Adam on the sofa. \u2018That boy!\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam grinned as he handed his father a cup of coffee. \u2018I think I\u2019ll take this up to bed with me,\u2019 he said. \u2018You want me to check on him for you?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Please,\u2019 said Ben as he began to sip his coffee. \u2018Tell him I\u2019ll be up in a few minutes and I want to find him asleep.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam shook his head as he walked upstairs, sipping his coffee as he went.\u00a0 When he got to his little brother\u2019s room he pushed open the door and was surprised to see the boy wasn\u2019t in his bed after all.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joe?\u2019 he said as he spied his brother leaning out of the windowsill and looking up at the sky. \u2018Pa told you not to get out of bed.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe shook his head. \u2018No he didn\u2019t.\u00a0 He said not ta come out of my room is all.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You know what he meant,\u2019 said Adam crossly as he put down his cup and picked up the child. He plonked him down on the bed and sat down next to him. \u2018Now go to sleep before Pa gets up here or you\u2019ll be in real trouble buddy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s chin began to quiver. \u2018But I\u2019ve tried real hard Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018I even tried to make them sheep jump over the fence like Hoss said.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sheep?\u2019 asked Adam, puzzled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yeah,\u2019 replied his little brother. \u2018Only they wouldn\u2019t go and they got all bunched up in my head so I couldn\u2019t even count em to twenty any more.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Oh,\u2019 said Adam, smothering a chuckle. \u2018I see. Well you\u2019d better just close your eyes then and you\u2019ll be asleep in no time. Come on \u2026 let me see you do it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe closed his eyes for a full ten seconds before opening one of them again. \u2018It ain\u2019t working,\u2019 he informed his brother sadly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Be quiet and it will.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was another pause. \u2018Still ain\u2019t working,\u2019 he said as he closed one eye and opened the other.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I said to be quiet!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This time both eyes opened. \u2018I can\u2019t do it,\u2019 Little Joe whined. \u2018Can\u2019t ya tell me another story?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam sighed. \u2018Listen squirt, it\u2019s getting late and I\u2019ve got to get up early tomorrow. How about I sing you a quick song instead?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018OK,\u2019 said Little Joe happily and snuggled down into his pillow.\u00a0 He put his thumb into his mouth and began to suck on it, the other hand twirling a strand of his curly hair around his fingers.\u00a0 He looked up trustingly at his brother.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Adam began to croon a soft French lullaby to the little boy. Little Joe took his thumb out of his mouth and informed his brother, \u2018Mama used to sing that one.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know.\u00a0 Where do you think I learnt it from?\u2019\u00a0 Adam continued to sing softly while he rubbed the little boy\u2019s back.\u00a0 By the time he\u2019d finished, Little Joe\u2019s eyes were beginning to droop. \u2018You think you can make it to sleep now?\u2019 Adam asked softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I reckon,\u2019 said Little Joe drowsily. \u2018Thanks Adam.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t mention it squirt.\u00a0 See you in the morning.\u2019\u00a0 Adam picked up his coffee cup and left the room, being careful to leave the door ajar as he went.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ++++++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n As Ben walked softly down the dark hallway he heard a soft whimpering sound coming from his youngest son\u2019s bedroom. Cautiously, he opened the door and looked around it. \u2018Little Joe?\u2019 he said softly. \u2018Are you still awake?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yep,\u2019 said a little voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben walked across the room and sat on the edge of the bed. He turned up the lamp and noticed the tear-streaked face of his youngest son. \u2018What\u2019s the matter?\u2019 he asked. \u2018It\u2019s nearly eleven o\u2019clock and you should have been asleep hours ago.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I can\u2019t,\u2019 sniffed the child. \u2018I nearly did when Adam was here before, but then my eyes waked up again.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben pulled the child onto his lap and began to rock him. \u2018I\u2019ll just sit here with you for a while then and see if you can now,\u2019 he said. \u2018All right?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018OK,\u2019 said the little boy and sniffed again. He put his thumb into his mouth and stared up at his father as the man rocked him. \u2018Are you going ta bed now Pa?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Don\u2019t leave me!\u2019 the child cried softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m not leaving you,\u2019 said Ben soothingly. \u2018What would make you think that I was?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Everyone else is asleep and iffen you go too then I\u2019ll be the only one left here,\u2019 his son informed him. \u2018You can\u2019t leave me Pa!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben smiled at him. \u2018I\u2019m not leaving you,\u2019 he repeated.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But I\u2019ll get lonely when you go ta sleep,\u2019 said Little Joe sadly. \u2018I\u2019ll be all by myself.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You\u2019ll be asleep by then.\u2019\u00a0 Ben continued to rock the child for several minutes, crooning softly to him and patting his curly hair. \u2018You getting sleepy now?\u2019 he asked after a while.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nope.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sighed and stopped rocking the boy. \u2018How about I go and get you some warm milk?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe pouted. \u2018I don\u2019t like it,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It might help you to sleep,\u2019 said his father, stroking the curls off the child\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018OK.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben placed him back on the bed. \u2018You try and sleep while I go and get it,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ten minutes later when Ben came out of the kitchen he almost tripped over a small white figure in the passageway. \u2018Joseph!\u201d he cried, trying to steady the cup in his hand. \u2018What are you doing there?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was a small sniff. \u2018I got lonely wivout ya Pa,\u2019 said the little boy. \u2018I came to find ya.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben picked his son up and settled him onto his hip. Little Joe buried his head into his father\u2019s shoulder as the man took him towards the stairs. \u2018It\u2019s too dark down here,\u2019 he said in a small whisper. \u2018I don\u2019t like it wivout the lamps on.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben hugged the child tighter to him as they ascended the stairs. \u2018Then you shouldn\u2019t have come downstairs should you?\u2019 he teased. He placed the boy into his bed again when they reached his room and handed him the warm milk. \u2018Now you drink that,\u2019 he instructed. \u2018It\u2019ll make you feel all warm and sleepy inside.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe did as instructed and took a few sips of the milk.\u00a0 He pulled a face and looked up at his face. \u2018It ain\u2019t nice,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Drink it,\u2019 said Ben with a yawn. \u2018Hurry up.\u00a0 Pa\u2019s tired and wants to go to bed now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe took a few more sips. \u2018When will it be morning Pa?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Not for a very long time,\u2019 said Ben with another yawn. \u2018Drink some more.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Will we stay awake all night?\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe took a few more mouthfuls.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No we will not!\u2019 said Ben. \u2018More.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Finished.\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe held the cup out to his father who took it and placed it on the dresser.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Now under those covers with you,\u2019 said Ben as he tucked them around the boy yet again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Can\u2019t I come in with you Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben hesitated. The child had spent far too many nights in his bed lately and he was afraid that it was becoming a habit. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018Not tonight. Look \u2026 Here\u2019s your horse.\u00a0 He\u2019ll sleep with you.\u2019\u00a0 He picked up a knitted toy horse that the child\u2019s mother had made for him a few years before when he\u2019d been born.\u00a0 It had been a much-treasured toy in its day and bore the markings of many baby cuddles.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Aw Pa \u2026 I\u2019m too big for him now!\u2019 protested Little Joe. \u2018He was for when I was little.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben tried not to laugh as he pushed the toy into the bed beside his son. \u2018Well how about you try him anyway?\u2019 he teased. \u2018See? His eyes are closing and he\u2019s going to sleep.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe fiddled with the buttons that were the horse\u2019s eyes. \u2018They can\u2019t close,\u2019 he said. \u2018You\u2019re just funning me, ain\u2019t ya Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben gave another yawn. \u2018Joseph I have to go to sleep,\u2019 he said. \u2018Be a good boy and close your eyes for Pa now please.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe closed his eyes dutifully and was still.\u00a0 Ben sat for several minutes before going to the window and looking outside.\u00a0 An owl hooted in a tree nearby. \u2018What was that?\u2019 asked Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018An owl,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018Go to sleep.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The boy\u2019s eyes opened again. \u2018How come owls don\u2019t sleep in the night time?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They sleep all day,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Which is what you\u2019ll be doing if you don\u2019t go to sleep soon\u2019 He glanced at his pocket watch and noticed wearily that it was well past midnight.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t mind,\u2019 said Little Joe, sitting up with a smile. \u2018How bout we do that Pa?\u00a0 We could stay up and play tonight then.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sighed. \u2018Joseph I\u2019m getting cross with you,\u2019 he said wearily. \u2018Do you want a smack?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No.\u2019 Little Joe lay down again.\u00a0 There was silence for several minutes as Ben listened to the soft hooting of the bird in the tree outside the window. After a while he crept quietly out of the bedroom and stood outside for a minute listening.\u00a0 When he heard nothing, he gave a sigh of relief and walked quietly down the hallway to his own room.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As he undressed wearily and got into bed he mentally calculated how many hours it was until he\u2019d have to get up again and realised that it wasn\u2019t many at all.\u00a0 He snuggled down into his pillow with a sigh, revelling in the silence around him.\u00a0 His eyelids began to droop and he felt the delicious feeling of sleep overtaking him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa?\u2019\u00a0 Ben jerked his eyelids open again. \u2018Pa?\u00a0 Are you awake?\u2019 Ben sighed.\u00a0 He knew that it had been too good to be true. \u2018Pa, can I come in your bed?\u2019 Ben pulled back the covers in a resigned fashion and felt the child cuddle in towards him. He heard the slurping noise that indicated a thumb was being sucked and he patted the little boy on the rump soothingly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For several minutes there was silence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa?\u00a0 Are you still awake?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mmm.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa? Are you going to sleep now?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mmm.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was silence for several more minutes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I ain\u2019t.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben jerked his eyelids open and looked at the child\u2019s face next to him on the pillow.\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s big green eyes stared back at him anxiously. \u2018I\u2019ll be lonely iffen you go ta sleep Pa,\u2019 the child said. \u2018Remember?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sighed and leant over to turn up the lamp. \u2018How about you read some stories then?\u2019 he said tiredly. \u2018Go and get one of your books.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018OK.\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe scrambled out of the bed and ran out of the room.\u00a0 He was back in no time with a storybook under his arm. \u2018I got this one,\u2019 he announced as he got back into the bed and opened it. \u2018Will I tell it to ya Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mmm.\u2019 Ben closed his eyes again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe began to tell his father the story.\u00a0 He wasn\u2019t really able to read it, but had heard it so many times before that it didn\u2019t matter.\u00a0 He told his version of it which he felt was close enough.\u00a0 Ben listened with his eyes closed, drifting off into a light sleep without meaning to. He was startled awake by the unmistakable giggle of his youngest son beside him several minutes later. \u2018That\u2019s funny ain\u2019t it Pa?\u2019 the child said delightedly. He pointed to the picture in the book and then looked at his father, sure that he\u2019d been listening to him. \u2018Don\u2019t ya think so?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mmm,\u2019 mumbled Ben into his pillow.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mmm?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I gotta pee.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Use the pot,\u2019 Ben mumbled into his pillow. Little Joe looked at his father and then scrambled out of the bed again.\u00a0 He pulled out the pot from under the bed, pulled up his nightshirt and began to fill it.\u00a0 \u2018Musta been all that milk,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 His father didn\u2019t answer.\u00a0 Joe put down his nightshirt and leant over towards his father\u2019s face. He tapped him on the cheek and then lifted up one of his eyelids. \u2018Are you asleep Pa?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben swatted the little hand away from his face. \u2018Mmm,\u2019 he mumbled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe frowned and then got back into bed again.\u00a0 He cuddled into his father and sucked on his thumb as he looked up at the wooden ceiling and listened to the silence. After a moment he began to hum the French Lullaby softly that Adam had sung to him earlier. Ben opened his eyes again at the sound and Little Joe smiled at him. \u2018I thought you was asleep Pa,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mmm,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018I was.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You ain\u2019t now but, are ya?\u2019 asked Little Joe happily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Apparently not,\u2019 mumbled Ben, trying not to sound sarcastic.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You wanna sing wiv me?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018OK.\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe began to hum again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben tried to shut out the noise beside him, but found it impossible to do so. \u2018Joseph,\u2019 he said after a moment. \u2018Be quiet please.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe stopped humming. \u2018But I was singing to help me fall asleep,\u2019 he said. \u2018Adam does it.\u00a0 Mama used ta do it too.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I know. But I\u2019d like you to sing inside your head instead.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018OK.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n There was silence for a few minutes and then that unmistakeable giggle again. \u2018Hey Pa, guess what?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Them sheep likes my singing.\u00a0 They started dancing when I did it.\u2019\u00a0 The little boy put his hand over his mouth and giggled again delightedly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben opened his eyes. \u2018What sheep?\u2019 he asked in spite of himself.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018The ones in my head.\u00a0 There\u2019s twenty of em, but they ain\u2019t too good at jumping that fence yet.\u00a0 They sure can dance though.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben shook his head slightly and decided not to pursue the subject.\u00a0 He rolled over onto his back and faced the ceiling. It seemed that he wasn\u2019t going to get any sleep at all until he found a way to still that small bundle of energy beside him. \u2018How about we talk for a little while?\u2019 he said. \u2018That might make you sleepy.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018OK,\u2019 said Little Joe happily as he cuddled into his father. \u2018What ya wanna talk about Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You choose,\u2019 replied Ben wearily. \u2018I\u2019ll listen.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018OK.\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe gave a huge yawn as he thought about it and Ben\u2019s heart lifted at the sound of it. \u2018Ya want me to tell ya bout what the chickens did this morning?\u2019 asked the child after a moment.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Fine,\u2019 said Ben, closing his eyes.\u00a0 He listened to the tale of what the chickens had done, hoping that the child might talk himself out and go to sleep in the process.\u00a0 Unfortunately, he realised that Little Joe\u2019s voice was becoming more and more animated as the story progressed. Was there no end to this child\u2019s energy?<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Your turn now,\u2019 said Little Joe as he paused for breath at the end of his fascinating tale. \u2018What you gonna talk bout Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nothing,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018You keep going.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018OK.\u2019\u00a0 Ben listened as he was treated to another fascinating tale about his son\u2019s trip to town that morning with Hop Sing. He began to stroke the child\u2019s face and hair softly as he talked, hoping that it would calm him down enough to make him feel tired, but it didn\u2019t seems to be working.\u00a0 Little Joe\u2019s eyes got wider and wider as he talked and his voice became more and more animated as he thought about his exploits in town.\u00a0 Finally Ben could stand it no longer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That\u2019s enough now Joseph,\u2019 he said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018But I ain\u2019t finished yet,\u2019 protested Little Joe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Pa has to go to sleep now,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018You just lay here and tell yourself the story in your head all right?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe looked anxious. \u2018I spose I could tell it to them sheep,\u2019 he said. \u2018You really going to sleep Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Mmm.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018OK.\u2019\u00a0 The little voice wavered a bit and he hugged his father even tighter.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben tried not to feel guilty as he put his arms around the boy and held onto him as he gradually gave in to unconsciousness.\u00a0 There were some things that beyond a man\u2019s endurance and he felt that he\u2019d just about reached his limit. \u2018That\u2019s a good boy,\u2019 he murmured softly. \u2018You just lay there quietly now.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018OK,\u2019 the little voice trembled.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n After a few minutes Ben heard a slight sniffling sound and he dragged his eyes open again reluctantly. \u2018What\u2019s the matter?\u2019 he asked wearily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Nuthin.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Joseph?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I want my mama!\u2019 the little boy sobbed softly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben\u2019s heart constricted and the guilty feeling came back again with full force. \u2018I know,\u2019 he said gently, giving him a squeeze. He sat up and turned up the lamp as he looked at the child.\u00a0 The little boy\u2019s face was a picture of misery as he looked up at his father.\u00a0 Tears were running down his cheeks and he was sniffing at intervals.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I been thinking bout her,\u2019 explained Little Joe. \u2018She can\u2019t sing me ta sleep no more, can she Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben sighed. \u2018No son, she can\u2019t,\u2019 he said softly. He got out of bed and put on his robe.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Where you going Pa?\u2019 Little Joe\u2019s voice became higher in his anxiety. \u2018Don\u2019t leave me!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I\u2019m not leaving you,\u2019 said Ben as he reached for a blanket at the foot of the bed and wrapped the child in it before lifting him into his arms. \u2018We\u2019re going downstairs for a while, all right?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018OK,\u2019 sniffed Little Joe, feeling comforted within his father\u2019s strong arms.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben carried the child downstairs and placed him on the sofa.\u00a0 He stoked up the fire and put on another couple of logs before picking up the little boy again and cuddling him to him as he sat in his favourite easy chair. \u2018That feel better?\u2019 he asked.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yep.\u2019\u00a0 There was silence as father and son enjoyed the closeness of the moment. They both stared into the roaring fire, each lost in his own thoughts. Ben reasoned things out within his weary brain.\u00a0 After all, it had only been a few months since Marie had died and it was no wonder that the child felt as he did.\u00a0 It was at times like this when those feelings overtook a person \u2026. Ben knew that without a doubt.\u00a0 He tried to recall how many nights he\u2019d lain awake as well with an aching for her overtaking him.\u00a0 He hugged the little boy to him and pulled the blanket even closer to ward off the cold night air.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Sleepy now?\u2019 he murmured.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Uh uh,\u2019 said Little Joe with a big yawn. \u2018I still ain\u2019t sleepy yet Pa.\u00a0 Will it be morning soon?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben glanced over at the grandfather clock beside the front door. Two o\u2019clock!<\/em>\u00a0 \u2018No \u2026 he whispered. \u2018Not for quite a while yet.\u2019 He stared into the flickering flames in front of him and allowed his thoughts to wander back over the past few months since Marie\u2019s death. He shuddered slightly when he remembered how difficult it had been.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You cold Pa?\u2019 asked a little voice.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe smiled up at his father, his big eyes bright in the flickering firelight. \u2018Me neither,\u2019 he said happily. \u2018It\u2019s nice here, ain\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Uh huh.\u2019\u00a0 Ben tried to stifle a yawn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Is Hop Sing asleep too?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And Charlie?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018And all the horses?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The child tried to sit up. \u2018Let\u2019s go see,\u2019 he suggested.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No.\u00a0 Keep still.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018How come horses sleep standing up Pa?\u00a0 Hoss told me that they do.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I don\u2019t know.\u00a0 They just do.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018He said that chickens sleep on their perches too.\u00a0 They don\u2019t, do they?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben rested his head on his hand. \u2018Yes they do,\u2019 he said. He decided that at this point he\u2019d be willing to sleep on a perch too \u2026 anything to get some sleep!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018I ain\u2019t never seen em!\u2019 the child declared. \u2018I reckon you\u2019re funning me Pa.\u2019 Ben didn\u2019t answer, as he tried to keep his eyes open. \u2018Is ya funning me Pa?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe frowned. \u2018How bout the cattle?\u00a0 Do they sleep standing up Pa?\u2019\u00a0 There was no answer and he looked up at his father\u2019s face and frowned. Suddenly there was a noise outside the dining room window and he screwed up his face and held onto his father fiercely. He buried his face into the man\u2019s chest and closed his eyes tightly, certain that it would go away if it thought he wasn\u2019t there. He could hear the beating of his father\u2019s heart as he placed his ear against his chest and smiled as he listened.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly the noise sounded again. This time he knew that it was definitely outside the window. \u2018What\u2019s that?\u2019 he whispered.\u00a0 There was no response from his father, so he shook him gently. \u2018What\u2019s that?\u2019 he repeated.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018What?\u2019 asked Ben sleepily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018That noise?\u00a0 What is it Pa?\u2019\u00a0 There was no response from his father again, so Little Joe shook him even harder. \u2018It\u2019s at the window Pa,\u2019 he said insistently. \u2018Something\u2019s trying to get in and get us!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Its only the wind,\u2019 said Ben softly from his slumberous state.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe listened again. \u2018No it ain\u2019t!\u2019 he declared.\u00a0 There was silence for a moment before he heard the noise again. \u2018Pa!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben opened his eyes. \u2018It\u2019s only the wind Joseph,\u2019 he said. \u2018It can\u2019t hurt you.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe\u2019s bottom lip began to tremble. \u2018No it ain\u2019t,\u2019 he said. \u2018Listen!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben listened. \u2018Its probably a tree branch brushing against the side of the house,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just ignore it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe listened again. \u2018Pa!\u2019 he cried as he clutched onto his father. \u2018Its trying to come in and get us!\u2019 Ben muttered something under his breath. \u2018Pa!\u2019 cried the child again.\u00a0 He burrowed down as close as he could to his father chest and hung onto him.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Reluctantly, Ben stood up and walked over to the window with the child still in his arms.\u00a0 He opened the shutter and looked out. \u2018See?\u2019 he said. \u2018Its only a branch.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe opened his eyes and looked out as well. \u2018Oh yeah!\u2019 he agreed with a grin. \u2018It is.\u2019 Ben muttered something else under his breath. Little Joe wriggled in his father\u2019s arms and pointed up excitedly at the sky. \u2018Look Pa!\u2019 he cried excitedly. \u2018There\u2019s the North Star, ain\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben followed his son\u2019s gaze. \u2018Yes,\u2019 he said. \u2018So it is.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Which one is Mama\u2019s star?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018See if you can find it,\u2019 said his father as he sat on the window ledge.\u00a0 The cold air had woken him up slightly and he didn\u2019t see any point in fighting it any more.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Over there!\u2019 cried Little Joe. \u2018That\u2019s it, ain\u2019t it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Very good,\u2019 said Ben as he pulled the blanket around the child.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Tell me bout the stars Pa.\u00a0 Tell me one of them stories bout em. Please?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben put his chin on top of his son\u2019s curly hair and began to talk of the stars to him.\u00a0 Above them the cold night air twinkled with a million flickering lights that were reflected in the child\u2019s eyes.\u00a0 He stifled a yawn and he was lulled by the man\u2019s deep resonant voice.\u00a0 Behind them the grandfather clock ticked on.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n ++++++++++<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hop Sing shuffled out to the dining room with an armful of wood, walked over to the fireplace and picked up the poker to stir up the fire before everyone made it downstairs.\u00a0 He always liked to make sure that the room was nice and cosy before he got onto his other chores. To his surprise the fire was still blazing quite nicely and he only had to throw on a few twigs to top it up.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As he turned away from the fireplace, he was startled to see Ben in his easy chair, cuddling something on his lap.\u00a0 He peered closer and saw that it was Little Joe and both of them were fast asleep.\u00a0 He smiled at the sight.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly, Ben\u2019s eyes opened and he looked directly at the cook. \u2018Hop Sing?\u2019 he whispered. \u2018What time is it?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018It four-thirty Mr Ben,\u2019 said Hop Sing. \u2018You been here all night?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ben stretched as best he could without disturbing the child on his lap. \u2018No,\u2019 he said. \u2018Just some of it.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You get any sleep?\u2019 asked Hop Sing, indicating the child snuggled up to his father.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018An hour or so I think,\u2019 replied Ben wearily. \u2018Little Joe couldn\u2019t sleep.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018You want me to put him in bed?\u2019 asked Hop Sing, holding out his arms.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No thank you,\u2019 said Ben as he stood up. \u2018I\u2019ll do it.\u2019\u00a0 He hesitated before walking away. \u2018Please tell Adam and Hoss to have breakfast without me.\u00a0 I\u2019m going to try and get a couple of hours sleep before I begin the day.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes Mr Ben,\u2019 said Hop Sing, shaking his head.\u00a0 He watched as the man wearily climbed the stairs with the child in his arms.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Suddenly Little Joe squirmed and tried to sit up. \u2018Is it morning yet?\u2019 he asked sleepily.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Yes,\u2019 replied his father as they got to the top of the stairs.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018Are we gonna have breakfast now?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2018No.\u00a0 We\u2019re going to sleep for a while.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Little Joe snuggled down again. \u2018Good,\u2019 he said as he gave a huge yawn. \u2018I\u2019m sleepy!\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\nThe End<\/span><\/h1>\n