{"id":6510,"date":"2014-05-04T12:13:34","date_gmt":"2014-05-04T16:13:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6510"},"modified":"2026-03-11T13:15:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T17:15:14","slug":"premonition-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=6510","title":{"rendered":"Premonition (by rh2006fan \/ HeatherF)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary: \u00a0<\/span>A simple day in town turns into something more than expected, as a looming sense of apprehension strikes the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 K+ (5,330 words)<\/p>\n

Premonition<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joe<\/p>\n

Today started out as any other day would. I woke up, ate breakfast, and Adam and I would head to town to get some supplies. But I had this aching feeling that something was going to happen. I couldn\u2019t tell if it was going to be bad or good, but something was going to happen. I could just feel it in my bones.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Joe, about time you finished that. I want to get a good head start getting to town.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh alright, Adam,\u201d I joked. I must\u2019ve been really tired that morning. I\u2019m never that much of a slow eater.<\/p>\n

With Pa and Hoss away on business in Sacramento, the ranch was amazingly quiet. Truth be told, Adam and I have had our share of fights over things such as North versus South, but we usually get over it quickly, though he nearly left us when that scheming Fredrick Kyle decided to tell Virginia City about what was happening back east. I\u2019m just glad I\u2019m out here in the west, no North versus South, just the West.<\/p>\n

I finished my breakfast that morning soon enough. I shrugged off the feeling, just hoping it was wrong.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, why are you so quiet today? After we get ya out of bed in the morning, you\u2019re usually ready to just start the day and get on with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry about that Adam, something\u2019s just buggin\u2019 me,\u201d I don\u2019t know why, but I felt that I shouldn\u2019t hide it any longer.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

“Aww nothin\u2019. It\u2019ll pass,\u201d I shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, little brother, you can tell me,\u201d he said, the determined look in his dark eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d I said, \u201cI just got this feeling something\u2019s gonna happen. I can\u2019t tell if it\u2019s good or bad. I\u2019ve just got this feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, just be careful today, okay?\u201d He put his hand on my shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will bro.\u201d I gave a small smile, as we both put on our hats and left the room.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I rode Cooch and stared at the scenery on the way, letting my mind drift, hoping to God something bad wasn\u2019t going to happen today.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNothing Adam, just thinking,\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, what of?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know Adam. That feeling\u2019s just gripping me like a piece of rawhide on a summer day.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can go back home if you want, and we can mend some of the fences instead.\u201d He had sensed my strong suspicion that my insight seemed to be telling me.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut don\u2019t we need the supplies?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but we could go to town almost any day, Joe,\u201d he paused, in thought. \u201cI wouldn\u2019t want anything bad to happen to you.\u201d<\/p>\n

I looked at his easy, yet serious face; my intuition would not for the life of me go away. It was like chasing the sun around the earth, you\u2019d never reach it, and you would sure have a hard time touching it!<\/p>\n

I must\u2019ve sat there staring for longer than I thought. Either this feeling was right, and something bad was going to happen, or this intuition of mine was playing with me, but us brothers can sure tell when somethin\u2019s botherin\u2019 one another. Definitely Pa can tell when somethin\u2019s not right, he probably knows us better than we know ourselves sometimes.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe? You want to just call it off? We can\u2019t just sit here and look at the scenery all day,\u201d he joked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know Adam,\u201d I said. My heart wanted me to go to Virginia City, but my mind surely didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I don\u2019t want you to get hurt.\u201d He gripped my hand from his saddle.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try my best.\u201d I winked as we rode off toward the city.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The ride seemed to go pretty fast, but as we neared the city I couldn\u2019t help but thinking that we were heading into some sort of trouble. Was there something bad happening with Pa and Hoss\u2019 trip to Sacramento, or could it be that that something was going to be happening to one of them?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sacramento is a fine city, a bit crowded sometimes, but then even Virginia City\u2019s as crowded as a beehive in the springtime. It\u2019d been three days here already, and Pa and I came to do some business with some fellow ranchers out in this here West.<\/p>\n

I woke up on the nice, sunny city day, with a bad feelin\u2019 at the pit of my stomach. It was scarin\u2019 me like you wouldn\u2019t believe. I wasn\u2019t even sure my breakfast was gonna stay down I was so worried.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d I said over breakfast. \u201cPa, I got this achin\u2019 feeling somethin\u2019 bad\u2019s gonna happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know, I got it too\u2026\u201d he admitted. With our Pa you could tell the stress in his face. His wrinkles shone more prominent than usual, and his face was shrouded with anxiety.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe<\/p>\n

Virginia City was having its normal day, the street spurred with people, the saloons crowded with customers. We rode to the mercantile, the blazing hot sun made the city feel like a ride through the desert.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Sam,\u201d I said, as I walked into the mercantile.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Joe, come for the usual supplies?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, and older brother\u2019s in charge this time with Pa and Hoss bein\u2019 away.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Sam,\u201d Adam chimed in.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Adam. Joe just told me you\u2019re the man in charge this week?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I got the taller matchstick,\u201d he chuckled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got the grain and stuff ready for you, Adam,\u201d Sam smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Sam,\u201d Adam grinned. \u201cCome on, Joe,\u201d he urged me.<\/p>\n

We got the grain and the other things loaded onto the wagon. The feeling seemed to have warded off by the time we were finished, but this time, we couldn\u2019t even tell what was about to come our way.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis heat just seems to make this job feel like we\u2019re mules in the desert somewhere,\u201d I groaned. The heat was getting to me, even though we were nearly finished.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Adam, we\u2019re nearly finished, so how about a drink after the last load?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing Joe,\u201d Adam winked.<\/p>\n

The last load felt the heaviest; the summer sun wasn\u2019t helping. We were finally up to the last load, as I leaned my head against the box.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel like I just walked thru the desert and back in the half hour it took to load this stuff.\u201d I wiped the sweat from my brow.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you don\u2019t look to good. How about some water?\u201d His worried tone caught me, but I felt so tired already. He held my arms, as if I was feeling as bad as I looked, things already weren\u2019t looking up. \u201cCome on Joe.\u201d He took me by one of the troughs nearby. I must\u2019ve been exhausted. Anyway, he held me up and put some of the cool water to my mouth as I eagerly drank it up.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you think you can make it to the saloon?\u201d he asked me.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so bro,\u201d I said, as I put my arm around his shoulder and tugged on his shoulder for support.<\/p>\n

We made our way into the saloon. You could still feel the racking heat of the outside from there. Adam settled us at a table, gently placing me in the chair. I must\u2019ve looked a sight.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome water over here please, bartender,\u201d I heard Adam, as I tried to get into a comfortable position, dark spots were clouding my vision. I felt some cold water touch my lips, as a slowly drank it up.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a real burner out there, Adam,\u201d I heard one of our friends say. I knew something bad would happen. I just denied it; and boy do I wish it were spring again.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wish this heat wave would just end,\u201d I heard Adam say, as a cool cloth was placed on my forehead. I slowly drank my water, as I felt more of my strength coming back to me.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle buddy, you alright?\u201d he asked. I could see the fright in his eyes from seeing me look so pale in that heat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel better now,\u201d I said. \u201cAdam, I\u2019m hungry.\u201d I felt almost like I was young again, complaining about how hungry I was, after working out in the pastures my first days, working like one of the adults.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll get ya some food ok, Joe,\u201d he breathed, probably just happy to see me back.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you\u2019re not lookin to good yourself,\u201d I observed. He looked really tired now; the most exhausted I\u2019ve ever seen him next to that bad run in with Kane.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be alright, Joe,\u201d he insisted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know you aren\u2019t and you know it,\u201d I took another sip of water.<\/p>\n

Adam leaned into the table; the heat had gotten to him too.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa there, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d a friend of ours had stood next to Adam.<\/p>\n

\u201cRelax, Mr. Cartwright, it\u2019s too hot to even think in this hell of heat.\u201d He handed my brother a glass of cool water, and soon some bread and sandwiches came for us.<\/p>\n

I guess we relaxed there for a while, because I slowly downed a good five glasses of water, and had about three or four sandwiches. Adam actually ate about the same amount as me.<\/p>\n

The aching feeling that something was going to happen today had faded to a mere snippet of information. I guess with this heat I forgot about it, till of course, something worse than the heat of the razing summer day happened.<\/p>\n

We were just walking outside of the saloon, the evening air colder in a comforting contrast to the heat of the afternoon. We had both figured on just renting a room for the night, then heading back in the cool morning air. We both must\u2019ve been tired because none of us spoke a word to each other.<\/p>\n

Before I even knew what had happened, I found myself on the ground, Adam holding me in his arms, and my strength steadily leaving me.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!!!\u201d He yelled, as I found myself on the ground, pain coming from my upper abdomen.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d I said, as I felt my stamina diminish.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right here, Joe.\u201d He looked at me. His eyes were shaded with worry, but I felt safe in his arms, no matter what. \u201cI won\u2019t leave you,\u201d he said. His face shadowed with anxiety, yet encouraging me to try and stay with him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you won\u2019t,\u201d I breathed, \u201cOlder brother,\u201d I gave a weak smile. \u201cAdam,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think the bad thing that bothered me this morning just happened,\u201d I quietly laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d he smiled. \u201cI love you little bro.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, same here Adam,\u201d I managed, as my vision started to become clouded with dark spots. I soon found myself drifting into a sea of oblivion, in Adam\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJoe!!!\u201d I yelled in desperation. Suddenly Little Joe lie face down on the wooden boardwalk. I rushed to his side and gently turned him. Warm blood was oozing from where the bullet had hit him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d he called tenderly, the color draining from his blush face.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right here, Joe.\u201d I held my little brother in my arms, \u201cI won\u2019t leave you,\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you won\u2019t,\u201d he gulped, exhausted. \u201cOlder brother…\u201dhe breathed, \u201cAdam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes Joe?\u201d I looked into his still glowing eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think the bad thing that bothered me this morning just happened,\u201d he joked, a wry smile on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d I smiled back, \u201cI love you little bro.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, same here Adam,\u201d his hand began to reach for my face, as a veil of unconsciousness befell him.<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t take long to get Joe to Doc Martin\u2019s, but those moments seemed more of a blur as he was gently carried to the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat happened, Adam?\u201d Paul asked.<\/p>\n

I looked at him, the worry and fear of losing Joe, burning in my eyes like the fires of the streetlamps.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt happened too quickly, Paul,\u201d I said, not knowing what else to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019ll be alright, I can\u2019t promise you anything Adam, but God-willing he\u2019ll be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so, Paul.\u201d I stared passed him to the wall.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll do my best Adam,\u201d our eyes finally met in a gaze, as he tenderly put a reassuring hand on my shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you will Paul,\u201d my eyes becoming watery as the beginnings of tears formed. I took a deep breath hoping to hold them back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI better get to work.\u201d I looked up, the tears suddenly dripping out like raindrops in a sun shower. He soon pulled me into a gentle embrace; I felt his warm hand rub my back, as I let the few tears I had fall. I breathed deeply, softly pulling out of the embrace.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just do your best okay?\u201d I gave a wry smile, \u201cI have to go wire Pa and Hoss,\u201d I nearly gasped out as I walked out the door to the starlit evening.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss<\/p>\n

Around dinner time, oh it must\u2019ve been around seven or so, I just had this wave of worry and sadness come onto me.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, do ya think Joe and Adam are alright?\u201d I asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so Hoss,\u201d his eyes wandered around the room, he hadn\u2019t said a word all afternoon. This feelin was just buggin him just as much as it was me. I don\u2019t think either of us felt like eating, the feelin was so strong.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam<\/p>\n

It was a long evening. The streetlamps had just been lit, and I was hoping to get word to Pa as soon as I could. The streets were unusually empty. I walked to the telegraph office, still surprised to find it open.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey,\u201d I greeted the worker.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Mr. Cartwright,\u201d he said, a semi-solemn look on his face, \u201cI\u2019m sorry about what happened to your brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI need to get a telegraph to Sacramento and fast,\u201d I said, probably faster than I\u2019d intended.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere,\u201d he handed me a piece of paper. I began to write out the message.<\/p>\n

Pa and Hoss<\/p>\n

Joe hurt, come quick.<\/p>\n

Adam<\/p>\n

\u201cCan you send it out now?\u201d I asked, eager to get word to Pa and get back to Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cSure thing Adam,\u201d he winked.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d I stuck around to be sure that it went through. \u201cI better get back to Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope he gets better, Adam,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d I raced out the door.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss<\/p>\n

We were in a meetin\u2019 when we both found out. Our feelin\u2019s this mornin\u2019 were confirmed when we were called from the meeting to read the telegraph.<\/p>\n

\u201cTelegraph for Mr. Cartwright, it\u2019s urgent,\u201d the messenger announced; Pa and I looked each other in the face. I just knew it, this was it.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe\u2019s hurt,\u201d Pa frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe can head out tonight right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope so Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPa, Joe needs us more than the people here do,\u201d I put my hand on his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll head out tonight and hopefully make it to Virginia City by morning.”<\/p>\n

We packed up our bags and left that night. The warm heat of the day was a stark contrast to the coolness of the night. The road seemed dark and long.<\/p>\n

We must\u2019ve had the horse\u2019s dang near exhausted, but even they could tell we needed to get somewhere fast.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam<\/p>\n

The nighttime crickets chirped; their song sounded cheerful compared to mine. Joe was hurt, and the only thing I could do for him now was be there for him, whether Pa made it or not.<\/p>\n

I walked into the office, the aura of the semi-lit room struck with the sense of anxiety; not knowing whether he\u2019d be alright. I sat down and waited. The minutes passed like hours as the clock ticked them away.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss<\/p>\n

Getting ready to ride out in the dawn of the evening seemed like a heavy task laid upon us by fate. The moon was up in the sky as the evening sun set orange in the horizon. Worrying over Joe seemed to make a shadow on Pa and me, as neither one of us felt like talking.<\/p>\n

We mounted our horses, as we rode in the direction the moon was guiding us; like a bright lantern among the desert stars. The rocky hills and sandy brown patches soon evolved into lush forest. My eyes were feelin\u2019 heavy and I knew I\u2019d soon fall asleep on Chubb. Pa must\u2019ve somehow managed to stay awake.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPaul, how\u2019s Joe?\u201d he asked, the anguish on Paul\u2019s face showing on his face, like the light on a sunny day. He immediately noticed his staid heartbroken face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong Paul?\u201d he asked, his already uneasy face, turning near expressionless, Adam\u2019s fiery hazel eyes, attempting to hold back the earth-shattering emotions in his heart. Before Paul could even tell him more, he could already feel the shock the news would bring him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI got the bullet out,\u201d he paused, as his arms were now shaking like the room had turned freezing cold; his eyes watery as he held back tears, \u201cHe\u2019s very weak,\u201d Paul said, in a near whisper.<\/p>\n

Adam held back, he felt like grabbing him by his shirt\u2019s collar and demanding that Joe\u2019d be alright, but he knew he couldn\u2019t do a thing. A frown came upon his face, and a tear fell from his eye. He gulped, \u201cWill he\u2026will he get better?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I can only hope.\u201d<\/p>\n

He could no longer hold back the tears, he breathed deeply, gently gripping Paul\u2019s forearm, a small glimmer of reassurance shined in his tear-stained eyes.<\/p>\n

He ran through the doors, Joe lie there; his face as pale as the moonlight. He knelt down beside his beside, as he looked at Joe\u2019s ashen face. He caressed his lukewarm forehead, \u201cCome on Joe, don\u2019t do this to us,\u201d he begged, as the tears began to flow down his face like a stream, \u201cJoe, please, I don\u2019t want to lose you.\u201d<\/p>\n

What he, Pa and Hoss had been trying to prevent since his escapades as a youngster had happened just that evening, he couldn\u2019t stop Joe from the unseen shot of the gunslinger.<\/p>\n

As the night wore on, Joe just seemed to get worse. \u201cCome on Joe,\u201d I rubbed his hand, trying to make him warm. His face just seemed to get paler every minute, as if suddenly his face had turned into a beige sheet.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, no!\u201d I begged him, as if he could hear me; the tears ran down my cheeks like rivers, flowing in scared, cold fear.<\/p>\n

Hours passed and there were no signs of Joe getting any better. I sat there, circles under my eyes. I couldn\u2019t sleep, not with Joe in this condition.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, get some sleep,\u201d Paul urged.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t, Paul,\u201d I answered, \u201cNot with Joe like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou couldn\u2019t help that it happened, Adam,\u201d I felt an aching guilt, almost like I had really pulled that trigger that nearly took Joe\u2019s life.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d I stared out the window into the night, feeling Paul\u2019s warm hand on my shoulder. Emotions were gripping me like the waves hit the shoreline at high tide.<\/p>\n

Adam sat on the stoop of the Doctor\u2019s office, the cool night air brushing slowly against his face and the moonlight beaming down on this quiet section of the city.<\/p>\n

He slouched forward, his hands holding his head as his face looked longingly at the dirt. In the past few days, his world had turned upside down; a simple day in town to get supplies had turned near tragic. Pa and Hoss had been away on business in Carson City, and they had just gone to town to load up on the supplies. It all seemed like a never-ending nightmare, shaded in the midst of a blurry haze.<\/p>\n

The thin night air stood still around him, time, just seemed so slow, yet so important. The stars seemed to sand still, \u201cCome on Joe,\u201d he whispered into the night, as a cold shiver ran down his back, \u201cOh God keep Joe safe tonight.\u201d He hid his blush, tear-stained face in his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Paul\u2019s voice called, from behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah Paul?\u201d he turned facing him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Adam quickly got up and stood beside Doc Martin. \u201cWhat is it?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s running a fever,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

His now somewhat calm face looked up at Paul\u2019s face, as a fiery light of hope glowed in his hazel eyes. He held Paul\u2019s arm in a small gesture of optimism.<\/p>\n

They made their way into the room. Joe lie there shaking, his face covered by beads of sweat, and his forehead felt of a burning fever.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam raced to his side.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Joe murmured faintly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Paul called, as I got up from my seat out front.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is it Paul?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s Joe, he\u2019s calling for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

I eagerly walked through the doors. Joe lay there, as pale as linen. I sat down beside him.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d he whispered, nearly inaudible.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I\u2019m right here, little buddy,\u201d I held his hand and caressed his tepid forehead. His dark curls contrasting his near colorless skin.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Joe,\u201d I began to cry. I saw the same paleness when Inger had died in Pa\u2019s arms. It was a look I was scared to see, on anyone. His breathing was the shallowest I\u2019ve ever seen it.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d he murmured, as tears began to run across my cheek.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, please\u2026.Joe, I love you, little brother,\u201d I wailed.<\/p>\n

Suddenly I felt his hand go limp in mine; \u201cJoe?\u201d tears began bursting from my eyes, like a train whistle, \u201cNo, Joe\u2026\u201d I said. I couldn\u2019t believe it, \u201cNo, Little Joe.\u201d<\/p>\n

I let go of his hand and let my elbow rest on his now eerily still chest. I held my head in my elbows as Paul gently gripped my shoulder, trying to offer some comfort.<\/p>\n

I cried myself to sleep on his now cold chest. For all I knew I could\u2019ve been asleep for a few hours, even though one of my worst nightmares had pretty much happened right in front of me. I needed rest, as little or as much as it was. It must\u2019ve been near sunrise, as I heard an all too familiar voice chime in the morning light.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d I heard Joe moan, as I slowly awoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe?\u201d he moved his head. I felt his forehead, he was running a small fever, but at least he was here. \u201cJoe,\u201d I smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d he cried.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, Pa will be here soon,\u201d I said, happy tears in my eyes. The color had returned to his face, and I could tell he was going to be alright. Joe was back.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d Joe called softly, \u201cPa.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d I tried to comfort him, \u201cPa will be here soon okay little buddy,\u201d I caressed his forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d he moaned.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right here Joe,\u201d I held his now warm hand; he took a mild breath, and soon fell into a calm sleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam held his limp form in his arms, \u201cJoe,\u201d tears came streaming from his eyes as he caressed his lurid cheek, \u201cCome on little buddy,\u201d his face tilted as grief filled his eyes.<\/p>\n

Ben nearly ran into the office, worry filled his eyes, as the news had hit him like a brick.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo change from yesterday,\u201d I heard Doc Martin say. I felt so weak, like all of my strength was drained out of me.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Joe,\u201d I listened to Adam\u2019s encouraging voice as I felt his warm hand holding mine.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh Ben…\u201d I heard Doc as he left the room. I took a deep breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul,\u201d I heard Adam call him over. I felt the cold stethoscope against my chest.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam\u2019s voice rang happily as I moved my head toward him, \u201cJoe,\u201d I slowly opened my eyes, my surroundings a blur, \u201cJoe.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d I managed a weak whisper.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right here little buddy,\u201d he smiled as my vision finally cleared. I gleamed; his reassuring face smiled at me, as I gave a weak yawn, and soon found myself drifting to a peaceful sleep.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam<\/p>\n

\u201cNo change from yesterday,\u201d Paul frowned; he had done all he could.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome on Joe,\u201d He breathed deeply, cold emotion in his voice, longing for him to get better. His eyes were heavy from lack of sleep; his hazel eyes reflected the scene like glass.<\/p>\n

They heard Pa and Hoss come into the other room. \u201cOh Ben,\u201d Paul went out to greet them.<\/p>\n

A deep breath was heard as Joe\u2019s chest rose and fell like waves on the sea.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaul,\u201d he called.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss<\/p>\n

The sunrise was bright as we finally made it to Virginia City. The vibrant colors brilliantly shone as the city loomed in the valley. We urged the horses on to go a bit faster.<\/p>\n

We raced into the Doc\u2019s office, wasting no time to see Joe. I walked in to see Adam knelt beside Joe.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d I heard Adam say to him, Joe\u2019s green eyes sparkling with life.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d he whispered. It put a smile on my face to see Joe still awake with life.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m right here Joe,\u201d I saw Joe give a wry smile. He yawned and soon drifted back to sleep.<\/p>\n

I waited till Adam was sure Joe was fast asleep. He stayed there and caressed his cheek. I waited till he noticed me. He must\u2019ve been though a lot last night. He turned his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCould be better,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou look plain exhausted, Adam,\u201d I observed.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a long night,\u201d he said, the tiredness showing in his eyes. \u201cWe nearly lost him for a bit,\u201d he yawned.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, you go get some rest,\u201d I put my hand on his shoulder; \u201cPa and I will stay with him.\u201d<\/p>\n

It must\u2019ve been a challenge just staying awake. It was worse than riding a horse, but the worry and agony he\u2019d gone through that night must\u2019ve been terrifying. Adam seemed to be falling asleep right in front of me. I don\u2019t think he\u2019d be able to keep his tired eyes open much longer. I held Adam\u2019s wobbly figure as he nearly fell asleep on my shoulder.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d I heard Hoss say, \u201cJoe you\u2019s got us all worried, going off like that,\u201d he said, a tinge of anguish in his somewhat playful voice. I felt his warm gentle hand holding mine. \u201cYou\u2019s scarin\u2019 me Joe, like the worst scared I\u2019ve ever been.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam<\/p>\n

I could feel the warm sun from the window, shining into the room. I heard a ruffle of familiar voices from the other room.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did it happen?\u201d Pa asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe was \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

I found myself drifting off to another time; another place, as the softness of the sofa encompassed me, leading me to years gone by.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe! Joe!\u201d Adam called, looking for little Joe; he was a rambunctious boy who could always find trouble, either that or trouble found him. Adam climbed up the ladder to the hay loft, finding the youngster crouched atop one of the rafters, \u201cJoe how did you get up there?\u201d<\/p>\n

Little Joe shook with fear, tears streamed from his young green eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe,\u201d Adam ascended to where he could reach him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m scared Adam!\u201d His face was filled with fright.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere must be a way you got up there little buddy,\u201d Adam thought aloud.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Adam, I\u2019m scared!\u201d the young boy moaned.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, it\u2019s going to be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Adam, I\u2019m scared!\u201d he pouted.<\/p>\n

He gently gripped Joe\u2019s leg, almost as if it were magic, he was calm. Joe breathed a sigh of relief.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, move your other leg by me,\u201d he said to the still scared child.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t Adam!\u201d Joe held a tight grip to the wood, shaking with fear.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes you can Joe!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam, I\u2019m scared!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, you can do it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joe took a deep breath, trying to control his nervousness.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay Adam,\u201d fear shuddering in his voice, as he slowly moved his leg over the rafter.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, I got you,\u201d Adam held onto Joe\u2019s abdomen, \u201cCome on,\u201d he smiled, letting Joe fall into his strong arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d he held him against his chest as Joe breathed and put his arms around his shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s alright Joe, I got you,\u201d he rubbed his back as Joe slowly calmed down, putting his soft blond hair against Adam\u2019s warm shoulder.<\/p>\n

Joe, I thought, suddenly awakened by my dream; the afternoon light in the room shining brightly through the windows. I stretched as I slowly woke up<\/p>\n

I walked into the room; Joe lay there asleep, as peaceful and as a calm spring breeze. I couldn\u2019t help but notice how young he looked asleep.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a tough one little brother,\u201d I tousled his curls gently, not to wake him up.<\/p>\n

\u201cAdam,\u201d Pa whispered, half awake himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cPa,\u201d I looked at him, his understanding eyes gazed into mine.<\/p>\n

Hoss turned and smiled, \u201cAbout time you woke up, Adam,\u201d his bright blue eyes gleaming as he walked over to me.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Joe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBeen fast asleep the whole afternoon, older brother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks Hoss,\u201d my head tilted, tinged with a hint of uncertainty. I felt his loving hand on my shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou stop worrying okay, older brother,\u201d he paused, \u201cJoe\u2019s gonna be alright.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, I know, Hoss, I just feel,\u201d I sighed, my vision blurring in my watery eyes. I soon felt his arms around me as I let the few tears I had fall.<\/p>\n

I gently eased out of the hug after a few minutes and took a deep breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t realize how hungry I was,\u201d I probably hadn\u2019t eaten since yesterday afternoon.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s some food in the other room.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Hoss.\u201d<\/p>\n

————-<\/p>\n

I walked back into the room, Joe\u2019s green eyes sparkling as he smiled and laughed with Hoss. \u201cJoe,\u201d I grinned<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Adam.\u201d His youthful smile greeted me as I seemingly raced over to his side.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019re you doin\u2019, kid?\u201d I had a smile the size of the Comstock.<\/p>\n

\u201cHungry.\u201d His infectious laughter filled the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s a good sign,\u201d Paul smiled, \u201cFor a while there Joe we really did think we lost you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLose me?\u201d he joked, \u201cThey can\u2019t get rid of me that easily!\u201d<\/p>\n

I looked out the window, and said a silent prayer of thanks, as a happy tear rolled down my cheek.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Joe<\/p>\n

I awoke to a semi-dark room, the light from the street-lamps shined in from the window. Surprisingly, I found Hoss, standing, looking out into the starlit night.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoss?\u201d I asked, audible enough so he could hear me.<\/p>\n

\u201cLittle bro?\u201d A big grin struck his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s Adam?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe dang near got himself sick worrying about you, little buddy.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh,\u201d I sighed, then I saw Pa, asleep in the chair near the foot of the bed, \u201cPa?\u201d<\/p>\n

He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, \u201cJoseph,\u201d he smiled, as he cried, \u201cIt\u2019s about time you woke up.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe.\u201d I heard Adam walk in.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Adam,\u201d I smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019re you doin\u2019 kid?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHungry,\u201d I laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, that\u2019s a good sign,\u201d Doc Martin grinned, \u201c\u201cFor a while there Joe we really did think we lost you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLose me?\u201d I was surprised. Were they joking with me or what? \u201cThey can\u2019t get rid of me that easily!\u201d I laughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey Joe,\u201d Adam said, a solemn look on his face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the matter bro?\u201d I asked as he sat down on the bed.<\/p>\n

\u201cJoe, it\u2019s\u2026it\u2019s just that…\u201d tears began to roll down his cheeks.<\/p>\n

I gently grasped his arm as his head dropped in tears. A smile was hidden within the tears. \u201cHey, it\u2019s alright Adam,\u201d He turned to face me; I could just see the happiness burning in his eyes. I sat up nearly straight as I let him cry in my arms. \u201cShh,\u201d I said, rubbing his back. He was just happy to be able to hold me in his arms again<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

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

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

Summary: \u00a0A simple day in town turns into something more than expected, as a looming sense of apprehension strikes the Cartwrights.<\/p>\n

Rated:\u00a0 K+ (5,330 words)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":183,"featured_media":9517,"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":[1009,23,1008],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6510","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-brothers","category-drama","category-family","wpcat-1009-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-1008-id"],"a3_pvc":{"activated":true,"total_views":1389,"today_views":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/08\/brothers.jpg?fit=399%2C299&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":14457,"url":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=14457","url_meta":{"origin":6510,"position":0},"title":"Short Trip Home (by Arien)","author":"Arien","date":"July 23, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Summary: What could possibly happen to the Cartwright boys between home and Virginia City? 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