{"id":6482,"date":"2014-05-04T11:03:09","date_gmt":"2014-05-04T15:03:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6482"},"modified":"2025-02-18T19:14:25","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T00:14:25","slug":"a-circle-of-family-the-book-of-hoss-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6482","title":{"rendered":"A Circle of Family: The Book of Hoss (by MissJudy)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:<\/strong>\u00a0This is the third of the four stories revolving around Adam\u2019s Bible (the Bible Elizabeth had used when she was young.) The Bible was thought ruined in\u00a0The Book of Joseph,<\/em>\u00a0but was restored in\u00a0The Book of Ben<\/em>, and is now ready to be sent to Adam in Boston. Ben tells his middle son that he should write Adam a letter to enclose along with the Bible. But after Hoss has a particularly miserable day tending his sick brother and father, he pens a letter to Adam letting him know exactly how he feels.<\/p>\n

It is not necessary to read the other stories to enjoy this one. Each book provides a look at love and lessons learned in the young Cartwright family. Thank you for reading.<\/p>\n

Note: This is a re-post of a story that wasn’t showing correctly. Thank You.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rating:<\/strong> K\u00a0 (6,565 words)<\/p>\n

Rated:<\/span>\u00a0K \u00a0WC \u00a06700<\/span><\/p>\n

A Circle of Family Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Circle of Family:\u00a0 The Story of Joseph<\/a>
\nA Circle of Family:\u00a0 The Story of Benjamin<\/a>
\nA Circle of Family: The Story of Hoss<\/a>
\nA Circle of Family: The Story of Adam<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

A Circle of Family<\/strong>
\nThe Book of Hoss<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A nervous middle son reached for the knob on his father\u2019s bedroom door, then pulled his hand away as one would from a hot poker. In his haste to share what was happening in the room down the hall, he\u2019d almost forgotten the number one rule on the second floor of the Cartwright house: KNOCK FIRST and wait to be invited inside. Pa was a stickler for all such rules and wouldn\u2019t hesitate to holler first and ask questions later if the rule was broken. Hoss Cartwright knew this well from experience and brought his hand to knock on the heavy wooden door of Ben\u2019s bedroom.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa? Pa, you in there?\u201d When his knock brought no response, Hoss thought to call out a little, too. But that was it. If his pa didn\u2019t respond to that, he just had to go in. There was something he needed to tell him and it couldn\u2019t wait. The young man listened a moment longer, and still hearing no response from inside, cracked the door enough to stick his head in and called softly, \u201cPa, I don\u2019t mean to disturb you, but I gotta talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss was truly puzzled. He could see the shape of his father lying on his side in the bed and yet the man didn\u2019t move a muscle even after Hoss entered the room. \u201cPa?\u201d A little louder this time, but still no response. Hoss moved toward the bed with his heart pounding, wondering what was wrong. Maybe Pa was giving him some sort of test to see if he\u2019d wait to be invited in as was required. But test or no test, he couldn\u2019t wait. Hoss figured his father would stop hollering once he knew why he\u2019d transgressed. The boy relaxed as he heard a choked snore drifting from the direction of the bed. If Pa was still asleep, he couldn\u2019t be testing his resolve to obey.<\/p>\n

However, a new unease was growing as he realized that his father never slept this late. He moved close enough to reach out and jostle Ben\u2019s shoulder. \u201cPa, I expected you\u2019d be up by this time and there\u2019s something I gotta tell you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben finally rolled to his back and reached up to grasp Hoss\u2019 arm while scrubbing at his eyes with his free hand. \u201cDid you say you needed something son? I afraid I\u2019m not feeling well this morning.<\/p>\n

Hoss considered his father\u2019s red-rimmed, glassy eyes and the heat of the man\u2019s touch, knowing with certainty that both Pa and Little Joe were suffering the same malady. \u201cUm, Pa, I hate t\u2019 burden you with this, but Little Joe\u2019s sick too.\u201d When Ben said nothing, he added, \u201cWhaddaya want to do about it?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s weary arm dropped to his side as his eyes drifted closed again.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa. Please don\u2019t go t\u2019 sleep again.\u201d Hoss\u2019 voice was urgent. In the past when his pa got sick, Adam had been there to take charge, so the younger brother had never been in a position where he was the only man standing. He reached over to gently push his father\u2019s shoulder again. \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rousing himself enough to remember that Hoss was with him\u2014and why\u2014Ben responded coherently. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with Little Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPretty much same as you, Pa. Fever, dry throat, kinda sleepy-like: \u2018ceptin he says his stomach don\u2019t feel so good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Now that Ben considered it, his stomach didn\u2019t feel so good either. \u201cAll right, son. I\u2019ll come take a look.\u201d Ben pushed the covers away, moved his feet over the side of the bed and stood up\u2026 As he thought about it while lying on the floor next to his bed, he figured he probably should have taken things a little more slowly to allow his head to catch up to his body as he\u2019d tried to stand. But he hadn\u2019t, and he\u2019d been hit with a wave of dizziness so severe he\u2019d dropped like a felled pine. Looking up into Hoss\u2019 shocked face he had to chuckle just a little, until nausea hit him with an upper cut to the gut. Luckily there was a chamber pot at the end of the bed and he was able to reach it in a timely manner.<\/p>\n

Hoss sat on the chair next to his father\u2019s bed, head in his hands, feeling a little dizzy and nauseous himself\u2014not because of the same illness his father and brother were experiencing\u2014but because he was lost as to what to do next. Feeling a bit encouraged as Ben sat up, Hoss went to help him inch back into bed. Through the transfer, Hoss verbalized a steady litany. \u201cPa, d\u2019 ya want me to get a doctor? What should I do now? Are you all right? Just exactly how sick are you? What\u2019s wrong? What am I gonna do?\u201d<\/p>\n

Once resting in bed again, Ben tried to calm his son. \u201cSlow down, Hoss. Joe and I probably have some sickness that\u2019s going around, and we\u2019ll be better if we rest, so you don\u2019t need to get the doctor, at least not now. I\u2019m glad that you seem healthy. Do you feel sick too?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Pa. So far, anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good. Why don\u2019t you go get Hop Sing and he\u2019ll help figure out what to do.\u201d Ben immediately recalled the futility of those words as Hoss\u2019 wide-eyed stare alerted him that it was Sunday morning and their faithful cook always left the house Saturday night to be with his family, and didn\u2019t return until early Monday. \u201cOh, that\u2019s right, Hop Sing isn\u2019t here.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo he ain\u2019t, Pa. So now what?\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben enjoyed watching his sons learn new lessons and accept new responsibilities. What he didn\u2019t enjoy was trying to teach them what to do while it was happening, or without the possibility of a thorough explanation first. Unfortunately, that\u2019s what life in that part of the country often demanded, and at this moment, it was demanding it of Hoss. Whether he wanted to or not, Hoss was about to have a lesson in being a caregiver, and observing the frightened look on his son\u2019s face, Ben realized they were both feeling a little panicked. \u201cHoss, you are going to have to be strong today. You\u2019ve just seen that I can\u2019t get up and it sounds like your brother may need your help as much as I do. First, please go check on him and make sure he\u2019s comfortable. Then report back to me. Can you do that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Pa.\u201d Hoss left the room with wobbling knees. As he was about to exit, he remembered something. \u201cHey, Pa. We\u2019re supposed to be headin\u2019 over to the Smyths\u2019 after church, remember? How we gonna let them know we won\u2019t be comin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

A smile crossed Ben\u2019s lips even as his head pounded and his stomach continued to lurch. He knew that Hoss was smitten with the young Maddy Smyth and was excited about the get-together. \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Hoss. I know you were looking forward to it, but they\u2019ll figure out that something\u2019s wrong when they don\u2019t see us at the service this morning. If Joe and I are feeling better later, you can ride over and let them know. But right now, I think it\u2019s best that you stay here and keep an eye on your brother for me.\u201d Hoss nodded and started to close the door. \u201cSon, just leave the door open. That way I can hear what\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Pa.\u201d Hoss walked the hallway to Joe\u2019s room like a condemned man on his way to the gallows; knowing in his heart that things were bad if pa allowed his door to remain open. This was certainly turning into one of those days when he\u2019d much rather have been in his tight-collared Sunday shirt, listening to a preacher drone on about sin, repentance and forgiveness, than to be chewing what was on his plate. And he surely wasn\u2019t prepared for what he found a few steps later\u2026<\/p>\n

Ben heard Hoss\u2019 groan very clearly as he lay helpless. \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter, Hoss?\u201d The sick man raised his voice long enough to be heard, but realized that was all he could muster at that moment.<\/p>\n

White as a sheet, Hoss rounded the doorframe back into Ben\u2019s room. \u201cOh, Pa! Ya won\u2019t believe what Joe did! Oh, Pa,\u201d he moaned again. \u201cI ain\u2019t got no idea what to do about this.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben continued to lay with his eyes closed to keep the room from spinning. \u201cExplain!\u201d was all he could offer.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, he\u2019s covered from head to toe with somethin\u2019 I don\u2019t even want to think about. I \u2018spect he\u2019s had similar problems to yours, Pa, but he wasn\u2019t so lucky as to make it to the commode. Oh, Pa, I don\u2019t know what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben understood. After eighteen years of having children in his household, he still couldn\u2019t fathom why illness had to affect young people so much harder than adults. He had decided along the way, that it maybe it wasn\u2019t the illness that was so different, but the response to it. Most children were so surprised at being sick that they were caught off guard. And when a stomach was emptying, it didn\u2019t care if its exit point was over a collection device or still resting on a pillow. Unfortunately for Hoss, it appeared that Little Joe hadn\u2019t made his way to that collection device. \u201cIt\u2019s okay, son. I\u2019ll come and take a look and see what we can do.\u201d With resolve, the father tried once more to rise from his bed: more slowly this time. He needn\u2019t have worried. Slow or fast, the result was the same. Waves of dizziness and nausea knocked him down so quickly that he found himself sprawled over his bed, limbs akimbo, shaking, sweating and shivering\u2014all at the same time.<\/p>\n

Hoss knew his pa wasn\u2019t going to be able to help him and simply held the covers up so Ben could ease back into a more comfortable position. \u201cPa, you\u2019re too sick to help out. Just tell me what to do and I\u2019ll try.\u201d The young man was nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs, but he steeled his back trying to look confident so his father wouldn\u2019t worry.<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s voice was very soft as he tried to explain without aggravating the anvil and hammer pounding away inside his head. \u201cHoss, you\u2019ve tended sick animals all your life. It\u2019s going to be the same here.\u201d The wise father had enough presence of mind to know that it would be easier for his son to figure out what to do if he referenced something familiar to him. \u201cThink about what you do for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

A light began to dawn in the middle son\u2019s eyes. \u201cSure, Pa. I wash them up, muck out the dirty straw and put clean bedding down\u2014things like that. Is that what you mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly, Hoss. I knew I could count on you.\u201d If Ben had been able to open his eyes, he\u2019d have seen the look of pride being worn by his son. \u201cYou better go now and help Little Joe. He\u2019s probably getting pretty uncomfortable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben\u2019s ears were functioning just fine, and smiled when he heard Hoss mumbling as he left the room. \u201cSure wish Joe was in a bed of straw instead a them dirty sheets. I\u2019d know what to do \u2018bout that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss held his nose as he entered Joe\u2019s room again, and went directly to open the window for fresh air. As he approached the bed, he saw his little brother\u2019s cheeks dewy with perspiration, and his dark curls coiled even tighter with the heat of his fever, and was filled with love for the child. Pulling away the soiled bedding, he sat next to his brother. \u201cIt\u2019s gonna be alright, Little Joe. Just you wait and see. Now we gotta get you cleaned up and make you feel better.\u201d<\/p>\n

The small child opened his tear filled eyes, looked over at his brother and whimpered, \u201cI want Pa!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa ain\u2019t feelin\u2019 any better than you, Joe, so he\u2019s in bed too.\u201d Hoss tried to soothe Joe by rubbing his bony back. He no longer noticed the mess or the odor as he mothered the boy as he had seen Adam do countless times.<\/p>\n

Little Joe pulled away from Hoss\u2019 touch as he cried out, \u201cI want Adam! You don\u2019t know what to do, Hoss! Get Adam, get Adam, get Adam!\u201d<\/p>\n

Taken aback at the outburst, Hoss stared dumbfounded at his kid brother. His mind moved dangerously close to an angry outburst as he thought,\u00a0sure Adam was always the one who took over for Pa, but I\u2019m the one always here fer ya, Joe. If I hadn\u2019t promised Pa to take care of you, I\u2019d let you lay in that mess and go outside for some fun, or at least some fresh air. Maybe you can holler a little louder for Adam, Joe, and he\u2019ll hear ya, all the way yonder in Boston.<\/em>\u00a0But turning again to the sobbing child, Hoss\u2019 heart gave his bothered mind a nudge, sending him to the dresser drawers to find a clean nightshirt and sheets. After placing those things on the table by Joe\u2019s bed, he went downstairs to get warm water for bathing the boy. While in the kitchen, Hoss realized he hadn\u2019t eaten a thing yet and heard his stomach grumbling about it. Seizing a piece of bread, he took a bite, grabbed his supplies and headed up to the sickroom. As he climbed he realized Joe was right about one thing. \u201cI wish Adam was here too,\u201d Hoss muttered. \u201cIn fact, I\u2019m getting downright peeved that Adam ain\u2019t around to help.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 Sunday was a whirlwind of running. After he got Little Joe cleaned up and comfortable, he returned to his father\u2019s room with cool water for drinking and to wet a cloth for his forehead. The boy\u2019s legs were worn out from flying up and down the steps with items the two sick family members required. At one point, he filled a large copper pot outside with water, and stoked a blazing fire beneath it. He\u2019d seen Hop Sing start up their laundry that way most of his life and figured he couldn\u2019t let the soiled things sit around too long. Once the water was bubbling, he added a large dosing of lye soap chips and threw all the dirty clothing and linens in to boil. He figured with the shape they were in, they could stand to cook a while.<\/p>\n

By mid afternoon the pace settled down. His patients were both resting quietly, and Hoss decided it was time to take care of the doctor. When heading downstairs\u2014this time with the intent of making a sandwich and doing a thorough search of Hop Sing\u2019s kitchen to find what he could to fill the growling hole in his innards\u2014he spotted Adam\u2019s Bible, still resting on the corner of his father\u2019s desk. It seemed like a month ago that he and Pa had talked about the book and what a good job Hop Sing\u2019s cousin did with the restoration, but it had only been two days earlier. Hoss remembered that his father had told him to write Adam a letter to send along with the book.<\/p>\n

First things first<\/em>, he thought. Hoss made his way to the kitchen for sustenance before returning to Ben\u2019s desk, where he found a clean sheet of paper and a pencil. The boy was exhausted, worried and feeling unappreciated, and the words he wrote reflected his mood.<\/p>\n

Dear Adam,<\/em><\/p>\n

I got just one question for you. Why\u2019d you leave us? Pa and Joe are sick and I been taking care of them all day. But they don\u2019t want me. They want you and you\u2019re not here. I kinda wish I could be somewheres else too, but I got to stay here and take care of things since you run off on us.<\/em><\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 letter continued on a bit more as he let his brother know of his unhappy day. It wasn\u2019t that he minded caring for his pa and brother, but his thoughts returned to Joe\u2019s tortured face calling for the one person who wasn\u2019t there. He let his tiredness fuel his hurt as he thought further about his older brother.\u00a0It\u2019s always Adam that gets the credit,<\/em>\u00a0he thought ruefully.\u00a0Adam always does just the right thing. He\u2019s so perfect.\u00a0<\/em>Hoss gave out a low chuckle as his thoughts continued.\u00a0I should call him Saint Adam of the Ponderosa.<\/em>\u00a0He added that appellation into his letter and reread what he\u2019d written. Hoss was amazed by his wit and humor expressed at Adam\u2019s expense.\u00a0But he deserves it.\u00a0 It\u2019s hard for a body to live in someone\u2019s shadow, especially when they ain\u2019t even around to cast it anymore.<\/em><\/p>\n

After signing his name, he found an envelope, tucked the paper inside, sealed it and wrote \u201cAdam\u201d on the front in large script. Then he opened the Bible to a random page, intending to stick the note inside. But as he lay his envelope onto the fragile paper, his eyes were drawn to a verse: Romans 12:10.\u00a0Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.\u00a0<\/em>He read it again and then quickly laid the note in and closed the book. There, he was finished with it. He just wished he could see Adam\u2019s face when he read it.<\/p>\n

Another quick inspection of his charges found both man and boy sound asleep, so Hoss raced downstairs to get outside for a while. Funny thing was that without his father and brother around, he couldn\u2019t find much of interest to do out there, and ended up throwing rocks at some cans and bottles he set up on the corral fence posts. Being outdoors usually brought the child great peace, but it wasn\u2019t working today. The Bible verse he\u2019d read earlier wound around his heart like a vine, sending long tendrils to his brain as well. He couldn\u2019t let loose of it unless he found the root of why it was squeezing so hard. It didn\u2019t take much thought to realize that it was his letter. Hoss was suddenly filled with remorse over the unkind things he\u2019d written to his brother. He didn\u2019t really feel that way at all, and was at a loss to know why he\u2019d put down what he did. Instead of wishing he could be there to see Adam\u2019s confusion and hurt, he felt the pain his older brother would know as he read what he\u2019d written and it touched the boy\u2019s soul. He was happy that Adam was able to do the one thing he wanted so much. Hoss didn\u2019t care for school, but he knew Adam hungered as much for learning as he did for chocolate cake. The boy knew for certain that he loved his brother and had always honored him, looked up to him and wished him well. He was so saddened by his written outburst that he turned from his pastime, intending to go inside to discard the first letter and write a new one.\u00a0Well, maybe I\u2019ll put in the Saint Adam part again \u2018cause that was funny<\/em>, he mused as he headed for the door.<\/p>\n

Hoss was startled by a rumbling sound coming into the yard just as he grabbed the doorknob. He was sure the two people in the wagon could hear his heart beating wildly as he saw Maddy Smyth sitting next to her brother Jeb. This was a most happy turn of events, and he completely forgot about his letter as he moved toward the wagon.<\/p>\n

Maddy was eager to explain their arrival. \u201cHello, Hoss. Didn\u2019t expect to see you outside. Ma figured you might all be down with an illness or ya wouldn\u2019t have missed the service and our dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 shyness was evident as he looked toward his boots. \u201cYour ma was pretty close to bein\u2019 right, Maddy. I\u2019m the only one who ain\u2019t sick. I been tending my pa and brother all day now.\u201d He\u2019d finally worked up the courage to look up at the pretty blond with pigtails hanging down to her waist. \u201cSorry we missed dinner. I\u2019m sure it was real nice.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s why we\u2019re here, Hoss. So you wouldn\u2019t miss it. Ma sent three boxes of food along with us. She even packed a fresh apple pie \u2018cause I told her it were yer favorite.\u201d Maddy gave Hoss a brilliant smile as she indicated the boxes in the back of the wagon. \u201cMa saw your cook in town and figured you might need some good food even if you all was less than healthy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss grinned when he heard Maddy\u2019s information because he\u2019d been certain he\u2019d smelled fried chicken and apple pie just before the Smyth wagon pulled up, but he\u2019d figured it was just his less than satisfied stomach giving him wishful thinking. \u201cWhy that\u2019s mighty nice of your ma. I\u2019ll take the things inside.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maddy poked her brother and gave him a dirty look when he didn\u2019t act immediately. \u201cDon\u2019t worry Hoss, Jeb will take the boxes inside for you. That way you and me can talk a spell before we got to go. Ma says we have to come straight home so we don\u2019t catch what yer family\u2019s got.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jeb sighed and rolled his eyes, but dutifully climbed down and did as his sister asked. While he toted the boxes to the house, Hoss helped Maddy down from the wagon so they could talk easier. As Jeb returned for the last box, Maddy began to talk quickly. \u201cHoss. I came with Jeb \u2018cause I needed for you to know something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s that Maddy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI really like you, Hoss. I think you\u2019re just the nicest boy around these parts.\u201d<\/p>\n

The headiness of Maddy\u2019s statement along with the rush of the day claimed Hoss\u2019 judgment and he figured it was now or never. He\u2019d had a conversation about this moment with Adam just before he went East, and now he was about to use everything he had practiced. Taking Maddy\u2019s shoulders, Hoss moved closer and bent toward her. What happened next kept Hoss dancing in the clouds whenever he thought back to it.<\/p>\n

When the Smyth children were leaving, Hoss realized again how lonely it was being by himself while his family slept upstairs. He figured there were still chores to do and some tending of his pa and brother yet before he could go to sleep, but the quiet rattled his nerves a little. To his great delight and thankfulness, about the time the dust from the Smyth wagon cleared, Hop Sing came riding in.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Hop Sing. You came back early.\u201d<\/p>\n

The small man looked over the empty yard and asked. \u201cFather and brother are sick?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right, but how\u2019d you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSaw Smyth family in town. They say no Cartlight\u2019s in town for church. Figure must be sick, so finish business and come back lickety split. You all right, Mr. Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo far, Hop Sing. I sure am glad to see you!\u201d<\/p>\n

The cook quickly checked on the pair of sick Cartwrights and determined they were well enough for tea, so he began bustling around the kitchen. When Hoss came in to forage through the food the Smyths had brought, Hop Sing noticed that the boy looked a little dazed and pink cheeked, so inquired, \u201cYou getting sick too, Missa Hoss?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just fine,\u201d came out as a sigh.<\/p>\n

By evening father and youngest son were feeling much improved, venturing downstairs long enough for Hop Sing to straighten their rooms and clean up what Hoss had missed earlier. Returning to the family, the small Chinese man gave high praise to their nurse for the day. \u201cMiddle son take good care of Cartlights. Vely good job. Even do laundry. Father should be proud.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben took his cue to continue. \u201cYou did do a wonderful job, Hoss. I am definitely proud of you, and thankful too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss practically glowed with the praise being heaped upon him. A thought flashed through his mind that Adam would have been impressed with how well he\u2019d handled everything too. Adam\u2019s face passed through his memory and he knew there was something he needed to do yet, but it was lost for the moment as he dug into another piece of Mrs. Smyth\u2019s apple pie.<\/p>\n

When Hoss made a last check on Little Joe before heading to bed, he was met with hugs and apologies for crying for Adam earlier. \u201cYou did just great, Hoss. You did just as good as Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n

What a day it had turned out to be! From the ashes of a miserable start, and a load of self-pity, Hoss had learned some mighty important things about himself and what he was able to do. And Maddy\u2019s visit had proved to be the icing on the cake. While all these thoughts and feelings rolled in his sleepy head, the thought that had been nagging at him all evening came into focus when he noted his school tablet on his desk. There was still the matter of the letter he needed to rewrite and replace. No way did he want Adam to read what he had written earlier, and he began working on a new letter that he planned to exchange for the one sitting in the Bible downstairs\u2014first thing in the morning.<\/p>\n

His happiness flowed onto the paper as he told Adam of the day\u2019s events and how he\u2019d managed just fine. He told his brother that he now understood what Adam had done for their family over the years, and said that he missed him, but hoped he was doing well in school and had lots of friends. Hoss stopped writing as he considered how to tell his brother about the most unexpected event of the day. Putting his pencil down, Hoss stretched back to relive the moment, and then let his mind roll back to a conversation he\u2019d had with Adam just before he\u2019d left a year ago.<\/p>\n

~~~<\/p>\n

Hoss appeared in Adam\u2019s doorway just as he was stuffing a last few things into his valise. It was his last night home and the Cartwrights had celebrated his impending departure that evening with some family friends who\u2019d been invited for supper. His brother\u2019s time at home was winding down and Hoss figured if he was going to ask any important questions, it was now or never.<\/em><\/p>\n

The younger brother quickly slipped inside the room and shut the door behind him. \u201cAdam, could I ask you somethin\u2019 real important before you leave?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Hoss. Ask away.\u201d Adam stopped what he was doing to pay attention.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not real sure how to ask this, since it\u2019s kind\u2019a personal.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cJust say it, Hoss. I leave in about twelve hours, so you don\u2019t have much time.\u201d Adam figured it was going to be a question about having his room after he left or using something he was leaving behind, but was startled at hearing…<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHow do ya kiss a girl?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes grew large as he bit his cheeks to keep from laughing. He\u2019d have thought Hoss to be kidding, but the boy had a dead serious expression. He asked, \u201cDo you have a specific girl in mind to do this kissing with, Hoss?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNah, it ain\u2019t like that so much. It\u2019s just that I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve kissed lots of gals already, and I figure to have the opportunity to kiss a few by the time you get back home, so I need to get this information now, before you go.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam decided that with all the figuring Hoss was doing, he needed a truthful answer. \u201cWell, where do you want to start with this kissing lesson?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHow d\u2019 ya know it\u2019s time?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHmm. That\u2019s the hard part to explain, Hoss. When it\u2019s time, you\u2019ll know it. Sometimes you get it wrong, but most times, by the time you\u2019re ready to give a kiss, the girl is ready to kiss you back.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good.\u201d Hoss breathed deeply and asked again. \u201cBut how d\u2019ya do it?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s smile was wide enough to drive a wagon through as he told his younger brother to pucker. Hoss screwed up his lips in what he thought a fine kissing pose. This time, Adam laughed out loud. \u201cHoss, you look like a pan fish. Your lips are too tight. Think large mouth bass instead of bait fish.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s fishing got to do with kissin\u2019?\u201d Hoss was giggling now, but still interested.<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam snickered too as he explained. \u201cHoss, you\u2019ll find that your first kiss will feel pretty much like kissing a fish. You\u2019ll both be so puckered up that you\u2019ll barely feel each other\u2019s lips. But you\u2019ll get better with time.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t help, Adam. How do I stop kissin\u2019 like a fish?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Adam walked over to his brother and took his wrist. \u201cIf pa walks in us right now, we\u2019ll both be teased about this for the rest of our lives. You know that don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYou know pa\u2019s rule about knockin\u2019 first, so I\u2019ll stand in front of the door so he can\u2019t get in too fast. So stop worryin\u2019 and get talkin\u201d.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOkay.\u201d Adam still couldn\u2019t believe he was doing this, but he\u2019d started and he had to finish. \u201cMargaret Benson once told me she did this, and I gotta admit, it works\u2014I mean I\u2019ve heard it works.\u201d Adam stopped and considered whether he should go on. \u201cI swear I\u2019ll throttle you if you ever tell anyone about this, Hoss.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat works, Adam? I promise I won\u2019t tell a soul.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cUm,\u201d he pointed to the fleshy mound at the base of Hoss\u2019 thumb.\u00a0 \u201cYou can practice kissing that part of your hand.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAw, come on, Adam, now yer just funnin\u2019 me.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cNo, I\u2019m not, Hoss.\u201d A deep sigh preceded a closing of his eyes and shake of the head. But he forged on. \u201cDon\u2019t do it now, but what you can do is to let your mouth go loose\u2014more natural and not so puckery\u2014then open your lips a little as you put them on your hand and then draw in on that fleshy part.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Hoss interrupted. \u201cHow far apart d\u2019ya open your lips?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHuh?\u201d Adam had to stop and envision a kiss. This whole conversation was making him a little edgy. He could almost feel Ben on the other side of the door taking it all in and using it at some most inopportune time. He lowered the volume of his voice. \u201cPut your tongue between your lips. That\u2019s the right amount to start, I guess.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cSpeak up, Adam. I can\u2019t hear your mumblin\u2019!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Moving a step closer, Adam repeated his advice and added, \u201cIt\u2019s not like really kissing someone, but you get the general feel of how to do it. Later when you kiss someone for real, start softly and then press a little harder and draw her lips in a little more when the girl responds.\u201d Adam watched as Hoss began to raise his hand. \u201cOh, no, no. Stop that. That is not something I want to observe. Do it privately in your own room, and for heaven\u2019s sake, don\u2019t let pa or Little Joe ever walk in on you!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Hoss was giggling more loudly now as he asked, \u201cDo ya know that from experience Adam? Did pa catch you?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Pink rose from Adam\u2019s neck to his ears. What he said next made Hoss understand the importance of the second floor house rule of knocking before entering someone\u2019s room. Adam finally admitted, \u201cAlmost.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cDoes it really work Adam? I mean kissing your hand like that?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just a tool, Hoss. The only real way to practice is with a living, breathing girl who wants to be kissed. But that will come in time. Don\u2019t worry about it. Your first kiss will be awkward, but it gets a lot better after that.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

~~~<\/em><\/p>\n

Hoss had practiced kissing a few times since then, but in the end, it turned out that Adam was right, just like always. He bent back over his paper and began to write again:<\/p>\n

Adam, you were right. I got my first kiss today. Maddy Smyth came by and was so doggone nice that I went to kiss her on the cheek before she left. She must have figured out what was I was doing and turned just as I swooped in, and kissed me back\u2014on the lips! It was a fish kiss, just like you said, mostly pucker, but I sure ain\u2019t ever known nothin\u2019 sweeter. Glad you weren\u2019t here to see me blushing. Hop Sing and Pa never caught on and thought I was getting sick, but you would of known better.<\/em><\/p>\n

Once the last of his thoughts were added to the letter, Hoss fell asleep dreaming of pretty girls and fish.<\/p>\n

***<\/p>\n

Hoss rubbed at his eyes again, thinking they were still a little sleepy which would account for his not seeing the Bible where it had rested the night before.\u00a0 Hearing the clink of dishes, he looked over to see Hops Sing busily clearing the dining table from breakfast. That was a good sign, since someone had already eaten before he got downstairs. Pa must be feeling a lot better. \u201cHop Sing, do you know where Adam\u2019s Bible is? It was on the desk last night and now it\u2019s gone!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou late getting up. Eat so I finish dishes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Hop Sing. I\u2019m comin\u2019, but do you know where the Bible is?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wrap it this morning. Father take along today.\u201d Indicating the credenza by the door with an armload of dirty dishes, Hop Sing grumbled, \u201cOver there.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young man\u2019s heart fell as he found the neatly wrapped and tied package next to his father\u2019s hat. Ben came in just then, looking pale and listing a bit, but much improved from the day before. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong Hoss? You look like you\u2019ve lost your best friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

A mumbled, \u201cMaybe I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpeak up, son. I can\u2019t hear what you\u2019re saying.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, can I open this package and put my letter inside Adam\u2019s Bible?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI looked inside before asking Hop Sing to wrap it, and saw that you\u2019d already left a letter in there, Hoss, so I\u2019m not sure what you mean.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI wrote that one when I was, a, um, upset over some things yesterday, Pa. I really don\u2019t want Adam to see it. I wrote a new one last night that should go instead.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ben couldn\u2019t imagine Hoss writing anything that would be questionable. \u201cI\u2019m sure your letter was fine son. We can\u2019t open the package because it\u2019s wrapped in special paper Hop Sing\u2019s cousin sent along to protect the Bible during the sea voyage. We can\u2019t risk damaging it or we\u2019ll miss our chance to send the package. I\u2019ll just take your second letter along and ask Fred to send both items. They should arrive together.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo buts, son. I have to get this on its way or we might as well keep it here until Adam gets home again. That wouldn\u2019t be fair. I\u2019m sure he\u2019s wondering what became of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hoss simply nodded, knowing that he hadn\u2019t meant to hurt Adam, but was probably about to do just that.<\/p>\n

Noting Hoss\u2019s continued look of dismay, Ben offered, \u201cMaybe this is a good lesson, son. You\u2019ve learned that sometimes the opportunity to say the right thing is lost, and you have to live with the consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n

The memory of his first kiss and triumphant day were washed away as he pictured his brother reading his letter while feeling every jab and punch Hoss had laid down in pencil lead. \u201cAre you sure we can\u2019t be real careful and open it up?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s enough son. I\u2019ve told you what I\u2019ll do and that will have to be good enough. Now eat your breakfast and get started on your chores so you won\u2019t be late for school.<\/p>\n

There was nothing else he could say. When pa said, \u201cThat\u2019s enough,\u201d there was no further discussion allowed. Both letters were on their way to his brother and he would have to wait a long time to find out what Adam thought about it. Maybe he should have told pa exactly what was in his first note, but he doubted it would have made the man change his mind. On the other hand, the letters were going to Saint Adam of the Ponderosa, and in his heart, Hoss hoped the goodly saint might figure out what had happened.<\/p>\n

Hoss dug into to a breakfast of hotcakes and ham, pushing the earlier discussion with his father out of mind. Instead he thought about seeing Maddy Smyth later that morning at school, and remembered how soft and sweet her lips had felt when he\u2019d kissed her. Even though Little Joe was doing better, he had still been allowed the luxury of receiving his breakfast in bed, leaving Hoss alone with his thoughts.<\/p>\n

Hoss\u2019 mind continued to wander, finally turning back to the events of yesterday when he\u2019d faced a bad situation and found what reward there was in helping others. He pushed his plate away half eaten as his first letter claimed his attention again. Hoss realized he\u2019d ruined a perfect day with one imperfect act and felt almost sick as he thought about hurting his older brother. Yet he knew his brother was different than other people. Maybe he wasn\u2019t a saint, but he sure was different.\u00a0He\u2019ll understand,<\/em>\u00a0Hoss thought, and then added a silent prayer,\u00a0Dear God, please make sure my brother gets both them letters at the same time so he knows I wasn\u2019t really mad at him and that I think he is the best older brother there ever could be. And, please let him be as kindly affectioned toward me as I am to him.<\/em>\u00a0He breathed a deep sigh and added a quick,\u00a0oh, Amen.<\/em>\u00a0Hoss headed from the house to do his chores, still laden with uncertainty about his letters, but feeling as though a burden was lifting from his shoulders.<\/p>\n

As he walked across the yard toward the barn, Hoss thought of his brother so far away and chuckled again, \u201cSaint Adam of the Ponderosa. I sure wish you was still here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The End<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Next Story in the A Circle of Family Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n

A Circle of Family: The Story of Adam<\/a><\/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

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary:\u00a0This is the third of the four stories revolving around Adam\u2019s Bible (the Bible Elizabeth had used when she was young.) The Bible was thought ruined in\u00a0The Book of Joseph,\u00a0but was restored in\u00a0The Book of Ben, and is now ready to be sent to Adam in Boston. Ben tells his middle son that he should write Adam a letter to enclose along with the Bible. But after Hoss has a particularly miserable day tending his sick brother and father, he pens a letter to Adam letting him know exactly how he feels.<\/p>\n

It is not necessary to read the other stories to enjoy this one. Each book provides a look at love and lessons learned in the young Cartwright family. Thank you for reading.<\/p>\n

Rating: K\u00a0 (6,565 words)<\/p>\n

A Circle of Family series, links to all the stories within the series included.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":82,"featured_media":375,"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_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[23,1006,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6482","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drama","category-hoss-cartwright","category-prequels","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1006-id","wpcat-30-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1370,"today_views":1},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":6475,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6475","url_meta":{"origin":6482,"position":0},"title":"A Circle of Family: The Book of Joseph (by MissJudy)","author":"missjudy","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0Days\u00a0before Adam is scheduled to leave for college, Little Joe \"borrows\" his older brother's Bible and leaves it outside in the rain when his attention is drawn elsewhere. The Bible had belonged to Elizabeth and was one of the few tokens Adam had of his mother.\u00a0We watch as he\u2026","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\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6478,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6478","url_meta":{"origin":6482,"position":1},"title":"A Circle of Family: The Book of Benjamin (by MissJudy)","author":"missjudy","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"ummary: \u00a0This is the second story in the A Circle of Family saga. Adam's Bible, nearly destroyed in The Book of Joseph, has been returned in better shape than thought possible. After an\u00a0thoughtful conversation with Hoss, Ben opens the Bible to the story of David and Goliath and relives a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Ben Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Ben Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1004"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6484,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6484","url_meta":{"origin":6482,"position":2},"title":"A Circle of Family #4: The Book of Adam (by MissJudy)","author":"missjudy","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0This is the last story in the Circle of Family saga, but enjoying this one is not dependent on having read the others. Adam has been in Boston for a year and all\u00a0his careful planning has done him well...until an accident while staying with Abel puts him flat on\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Adam Cartwright"","block_context":{"text":"Adam Cartwright","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1005"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/coming-soon-5.jpg?fit=768%2C576&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6807,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6807","url_meta":{"origin":6482,"position":3},"title":"Old Man Dizzy (by pbeaking)","author":"pbeaking","date":"May 4, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary:\u00a0 Adam and Hoss Cartwright reflect on the memory of an old ranch hand. Rating:\u00a0 K+ \u00a0WC 800","rel":"","context":"In "Adam \/ Hoss"","block_context":{"text":"Adam \/ Hoss","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=1090"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/A-H.jpg?fit=276%2C284&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":1629,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=1629","url_meta":{"origin":6482,"position":4},"title":"Who Spake By the Prophets (by the Giggly Sisters)","author":"The Giggly Sisters","date":"August 20, 2009","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0The Biblical properties of Bonanza are scrutinised by the Giggly Sisters, as only they can do. Rated: K+ \u00a0WC 1700","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\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/04\/bonanza31.jpg?fit=573%2C389&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":7246,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=7246","url_meta":{"origin":6482,"position":5},"title":"Final Advice (by slaine89)","author":"slaine89","date":"October 28, 2011","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: \u00a0In the aftermath of Ben's death, Joe finds comfort from an unexpected source. \u00a0 Rated:\u00a0K+ (2,040 words)","rel":"","context":"In "Alternate Universe"","block_context":{"text":"Alternate Universe","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?cat=7"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Pepper-Shannon3.jpg?fit=722%2C468&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Pepper-Shannon3.jpg?fit=722%2C468&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Pepper-Shannon3.jpg?fit=722%2C468&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Pepper-Shannon3.jpg?fit=722%2C468&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6482","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/82"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6482"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6482\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/375"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6482"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6482"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6482"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}