{"id":65806,"date":"2005-07-23T19:30:59","date_gmt":"2005-07-23T23:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=65806"},"modified":"2026-07-24T10:07:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T14:07:29","slug":"responsibility-by-joans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/?p=65806","title":{"rendered":"Responsibility (by JoanS)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summary:\u00a0 Adam is tired of the responsibility of looking after his little brother Joe
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 9,710 words<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

Responsibility<\/b><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

The lamp cast a shadow on the wall as Adam shifted his position to tilt his book towards the low light that emanated from it.\u00a0 He turned a page contentedly and cuddled down further under the covers, content to hear the rain pattering on the bedroom window.\u00a0 He felt very snug and cosy lying there with nothing to do but read and stretched contentedly under the covers.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly the quiet was shattered by a little voice beside him. \u2018Adam?\u2019\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up to see his little brother standing beside him, one hand behind his back and the other planted firmly in his mouth. \u2018What are you doing here?\u2019 he said sternly. \u2018You\u2019re supposed to be asleep.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe took his thumb out of his mouth and grinned. \u2018Come in your bed,\u2019 he said happily.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam pulled the cover up around his shoulders. \u2018No. Go back in your own bed,\u2019 he said firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe shook his head. \u2018No,\u2019 he said just as firmly. \u2018Come in your bed.\u2019\u00a0 He tried to climb up into his brother\u2019s bed, but it was too high and he slid down again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Go away,\u2019 said Adam crossly. Little Joe shook his head again and tried once more without success to get into his brother\u2019s bed.\u00a0 Adam sighed as he flung back the covers and felt the cold night air on his skin.\u00a0 He got out of bed, picked up the little boy and carried him back to his bedroom.\u00a0 \u2018Now stay there,\u2019 he instructed as he deposited Little Joe in his bed and left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was just getting cosy again when he felt someone\u2019s eyes upon him and looked up to see Little Joe once more standing and looking at him. \u2018I told you to stay in bed,\u2019 he said crossly.\u00a0 His little brother didn\u2019t answer, but simply stood looking at him as he sucked on his thumb. \u2018Go away!\u2019 shouted Adam, louder than he had meant to, but his words only brought another grin from his little brother. Adam made a face and got out of bed again.\u00a0 He picked up the little boy, none too gently this time and marched down the hallway with him.\u00a0 As he reached his brother\u2019s doorway he heard a sound behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What\u2019s the matter?\u2019 asked his stepmother as she appeared at the door of his parents\u2019 bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He won\u2019t stay in his bed!\u2019 said Adam angrily. \u2018He keeps coming into my room and disturbing me!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie took her little son from Adam\u2019s arms. \u2018I\u2019ll put him back into bed,\u2019 she said. \u2018Keep your door closed and then it won\u2019t be a problem.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glared at her. \u2018I don\u2019t see why I should have to!\u2019 he said. \u2018That kid should learn to do as he\u2019s told.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie raised an eyebrow. \u2018Go back to bed Adam,\u2019 she said. \u2018And put your lamp out.\u00a0 You\u2019ve been told before not to read this late.\u2019\u00a0 She frowned. \u2018Now hurry up.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stomped off down the hallway. Trust Little Joe to get him into trouble!\u00a0 That kid always seemed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018More bread David?\u2019 asked Marie giving their neighbour a lovely smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said taking a slice. He passed the plate to Martha his wife and turned to Ben again. \u2018It\u2019s so nice of you both to have us over for a meal.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well its hard when you\u2019re new in a district,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018I remember how other folks helped me when I arrived with the boys, so it\u2019s the least we can do.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018After all we\u2019re neighbours now,\u2019 said Marie. \u2018You don\u2019t know how nice it is for me to have a woman close by.\u2019 She glanced around the table. \u2018Sometimes I feel a bit out numbered with all these men around.\u2019\u00a0 She leant over to catch Little Joe\u2019s cup before he spilt the entire contents over the tablecloth.\u00a0 \u2018Careful Little Joe.\u00a0 Hoss stop fidgeting please.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss gave his stepmother a pained expression. \u2018Can I go now?\u2019 he asked. \u2018I\u2019m all done.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie glanced at Ben. \u2018Yes alright,\u2019 she said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Come on Adam,\u2019 said Hoss as he got up from the table.\u00a0 Adam stood up as well, ready to follow his brother.\u00a0 At fourteen he liked to think of himself as grownup, but the talk around the table had bored even him and he was just as anxious to escape as his younger brother.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Me too!\u2019 announced Little Joe and began to bang his spoon on the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grabbed Hoss by the arm. \u2018Come on,\u2019 he said in a low voice. He had no intention of being lumbered with their little brother.\u00a0 At two years of age Little Joe was quite a handful and Adam didn\u2019t want the responsibility of being left with him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Me too!\u2019 repeated Little Joe, banging his spoon even louder this time and trying to get down from his chair.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Take your little brother please Adam,\u2019 said his father, taking the spoon out of Little Joe\u2019s hand to stop the noise.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I can\u2019t,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018We\u2019re going fishing this afternoon.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Me too!\u2019 said Little Joe. \u2018Me fish!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No little one,\u2019 said Marie giving his curls a pat. \u2018You\u2019re too little to go near the water without Mama or Papa with you.\u2019 Little Joe stuck out his lower lip and began to pout.\u00a0 He hated being called little.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Marie and I want to have some time with David and Martha, so I\u2019d like you to watch your brothers outside for a while please Adam,\u2019 repeated Ben. \u2018You can go fishing another time.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018But Pa!\u2019\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben gave his eldest son a look that made him close his mouth again.\u00a0 With a frown, Adam lifted his little brother down from his chair and took his hand ungraciously. \u2018Come on Hoss,\u2019 he muttered, giving his father a dark look.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t take him out of the yard please Adam,\u2019 called Marie. Adam said nothing in reply, but closed the door none too quietly as he left the room with his brothers. He pulled on Little Joe\u2019s arm as he sat down on the front porch, Hoss settling down beside him.\u00a0 Little Joe squealed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Be quiet, you,\u2019 said Adam angrily. \u2018You\u2019ve done enough without carrying on as well.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss stared at his older brother. \u2018Now we can\u2019t go fishing,\u2019 he said mournfully.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Tell me about it,\u2019 said Adam glaring at his brother. \u2018And its all his fault!\u2019 he pointed at their little brother who was happily digging in the dirt with a stick. \u2018I don\u2019t see why I should have to have my afternoon spoilt just because he\u2019s such a baby!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah,\u2019 agreed Hoss sadly. \u2018Well what can we do instead Adam?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What can we do with him tagging along?\u2019 replied Adam. \u2018You heard Marie say he couldn\u2019t go out of the front yard.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss sighed.\u00a0 \u2018Well it ain\u2019t Little Joe\u2019s fault,\u2019 he said. \u2018He can\u2019t help it iffen he\u2019s too little to go fishing I spose.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glared at their little brother as if he could help it. Little Joe looked up at him and grinned, oblivious to his older brother\u2019s feelings. He held up a worm that he\u2019d dug up to show him. \u2018Look!\u2019 he said excitedly. \u2018Worm!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam continued to glare at him. \u2018So what!\u2019 he muttered under his breath and looked away.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe stood up and waved the worm under Adam\u2019s nose. \u2018Worm,\u2019 he repeated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned and glared at him again. \u2018Get lost,\u2019 he said angrily. Little Joe\u2019s bottom lip quivered and his eyes filled with tears as he looked at his brother. \u2018Oh stop being such a baby,\u2019 said Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss frowned. \u2018He is a baby Adam,\u2019 he said. \u2018He can\u2019t help it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I\u2019m sick of him,\u2019 said Adam as he kicked his boot in the dust. \u2018I don\u2019t get to do anything because of him!\u2019\u00a0 He glanced over at the little boy who was busy inspecting his worm again. \u2018Why did I have to be born the eldest?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss was silent, not knowing if an answer was expected of him. He kicked his boot in the dust in imitation of his older brother and hung his head. Suddenly Adam\u2019s voice made him look up sharply. \u2018Stop that!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe had one hand up to his mouth and his eyes were wide as he stared at his older brother.\u00a0 Hoss watched as Adam swiftly pulled his little brother towards him and hit his hand away from his face.\u00a0 There dangling from Little Joe\u2019s mouth was half a worm, the other half obviously having found it\u2019s way inside the small pink lips. \u2018Open your mouth!\u2019 Adam yelled. \u2018Spit it out!\u2019\u00a0 He prised open the little boy\u2019s mouth and pulled the worm out before throwing it on the ground. \u2018That\u2019s dirty!\u2019 he yelled loudly. \u2018Don\u2019t do that again!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe began to cry and took a step back from his brother. \u2018Aw, leave him alone Adam,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018He don\u2019t know no better.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glared at Hoss. \u2018He does!\u2019 he declared. \u2018He knows not to eat worms.\u00a0 He\u2019s just doing it to get me into trouble for not looking after him properly.\u2019\u00a0 He turned to Little Joe again who was quietly sobbing. \u2018You be quiet!\u2019 he said and shook him. \u2018Do you hear me Little Joe?\u00a0 Shut up!\u2019\u00a0 He gave him a hard smack on the bottom and the little boy\u2019s sobs turned into howls. He ran over to Hoss and cuddled into him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Boys! What\u2019s going on out here?\u2019 Their father\u2019s voice came from behind them and they all turned at the sound of it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe ran over to his father, his sobs coming thick and fast now.\u00a0 He buried his face into his father\u2019s legs, just below the knees which was as high as he could reach. \u2018Papa,\u2019 he sobbed. \u2018Papa.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked down at his little son and picked him up. \u2018What\u2019s going on here?\u2019 he repeated looking at both Hoss and Adam sternly. \u2018What did you do to him?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Nothing,\u2019 declared Adam. \u2018He\u2019s just being a pain.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe raised his head, the tears streaming down his face and looked at his father. \u2018Worm,\u2019 he said dejectedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked puzzled. \u2018What?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He was eating a worm,\u2019 said Hoss. \u2018He had it in his mouth.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I see,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018Was there any need to get him so upset about it though?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stood up, his hand on his hips. \u2018How come it\u2019s always our fault,\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018How come he never gets into trouble even when he\u2019s done something wrong?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared at his son. \u2018Because he\u2019s only a baby,\u2019 he said. \u2018And both of you are old enough to know better.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well he shouldn\u2019t eat worms!\u2019 Adam declared, aware as the words came out of his mouth just how silly they sounded. \u2018I\u2019m sick of him anyway!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben glared at him. \u2018Oh you are, are you?\u2019 he said. \u2018Well that\u2019s just too bad Adam.\u00a0 Whether you like it or not your brother is a part of this family and \u2026\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I wish he wasn\u2019t!\u2019 Adam interrupted. \u2018I wish he\u2019d never been born!\u00a0 All he ever does is make my life hard and stop me from doing what I want to!\u00a0 I\u2019m fed up with him!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben blinked. He hadn\u2019t expected an outburst like this from his normally mild-mannered oldest son, that was for sure. \u2018I think you\u2019d better go up to your room and think about what you\u2019ve just said,\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018Nobody wants to hear that kind of talk from you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Gladly!\u2019 declared Adam and stomped off inside before another word could be spoken. Ben stared after him in amazement as he cuddled a sobbing Little Joe.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25<\/span><\/p>\n

Ben entered his son\u2019s room and looked at him a moment before speaking. \u2018Would you like to tell me what that was all about?\u2019 he asked the boy who was sitting on the windowsill.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Nothing,\u2019 said Adam sulkily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well it didn\u2019t sound like nothing to me,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018You\u2019ve got both your brothers upset and I\u2019d like to know why.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam glared at his father. \u2018I\u2019m just tired of having to look after that kid all the time.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I take it you are talking about your baby brother?\u2019 asked Ben frostily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018Every time I turn around he\u2019s in my way and I\u2019m sick of it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben sat down on the edge of the bed. \u2018Well first of all young man you are not expected to look after him <\/span>all the time<\/span><\/i> as you put it.\u00a0 And secondly, as a member of this family I expect you to take on your share of responsibilities and that includes minding your little brother at times.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah but I never get to do what I want to!\u2019 Adam declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That is not true Adam and you know it,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018Don\u2019t blame your baby brother for your bad mood young man.\u2019 Adam didn\u2019t reply, but simply stared out of the window as his father continued. \u2018I\u2019d like to know what suddenly brought this on Adam. You\u2019ve always been very good about minding both your brothers when you\u2019ve been asked to before. I thought you enjoyed their company.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u2018I do,\u2019 he said. \u2018I mean, I do sometimes.\u00a0 It\u2019s just that\u2026\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well sometimes I just get sick of having them around and I want to do things by myself you know?\u2019\u00a0 he looked at his father. \u2018Especially Little Joe.\u00a0 It seems like he\u2019s always in the way.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well son, that\u2019s what part of being a family is all about,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018Sometimes we all just have to put up with each other even when we may not feel like it.\u00a0 It\u2019s part of the responsibility of being a family member.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u2018Yeah I know,\u2019 he said in a low voice. \u2018I\u2019m sorry.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I don\u2019t think I\u2019m the one you have to apologise to,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018You upset both your brothers you know.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019ll make it up to them,\u2019 said Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stood up and patted his son on the back. \u2018Come downstairs when you\u2019re ready to,\u2019 he said. \u2018And I don\u2019t expect to hear more talk like that again.\u00a0 Understood?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes sir,\u2019 said Adam as his father left the room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh\u2026\u2026 and boots for Hoss,\u2019 added Marie. \u2018We mustn\u2019t forget those.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben added boots to the list and smiled. \u2018Anything else?\u2019 he asked teasingly. \u2018Hoss I think you\u2019ll have to get me another piece of paper to add all these things your Mama is suggesting.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie hit her husband on the arm. \u2018Stop it!\u2019 she said. \u2018You know as well as I do that we need each and every one of those things.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben returned the smile as he put down his pencil and picked up his coffee cup. \u2018Alright,\u2019 he said. \u2018Anything you need Adam?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam\u2019s eyes shone.\u00a0 He really enjoyed the fact after all the years of having to do without things that his father was now able to buy at least some of the things for which he had always craved. \u2018Well I could do with a \u2026.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No!\u2019 Little Joe interrupted as he shook his head to avoid the spoonful of food that Marie was trying to shovel into his mouth. \u2018No!\u2019 he repeated.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018A what?\u2019 asked Ben, his voice rising over that of his youngest son\u2019s.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018A sketch book,\u2019 finished Adam.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t know that you enjoyed sketching,\u2019 said Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I don\u2019t really\u2026.. it\u2019s just that\u2026\u2026.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Don\u2019t want it!\u2019 shouted Little Joe. \u2018No!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam tried again. \u2018I thought that I\u2019d like to\u2026.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Want milk!\u2019 declared Little Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam raised his voice over his little brother\u2019s. \u2018I thought about trying some still-lifes,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ve seen some pictures of\u2026..\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Joseph sit down!\u2019 said Ben angrily and reached over to pull his youngest son back into his chair. \u2018What were you saying Adam?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sighed. \u2018I thought I\u2019d try some still-lifes,\u2019 he repeated. \u2018In that art book you gave me there are\u2026..\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe reached over to grab his cup of milk again. \u2018Sit down,\u2019 said Ben sternly. \u2018There are what Adam?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018There some pictures of\u2026..\u2019\u00a0 Little Joe made another grab for the milk and tipped the cup sideways.\u00a0 The trail of milk spread across the tablecloth and headed straight for Adam\u2019s side of the table.\u00a0 Within seconds he felt the sticky trail of liquid as it ran down onto his pants. He jumped up quickly, trying to mop it up with his napkin. \u2018Now I\u2019m going to have to get changed!\u2019 he said angrily. \u2018Thanks a lot Little Joe!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He didn\u2019t mean to do it Adam,\u2019 said Marie quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He never means to, but he does it all the same!\u2019 said Adam angrily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam, do not speak to your stepmother like that!\u2019 said Ben sternly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sorry,\u2019 said Adam quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019d better go and change those pants,\u2019 said Marie. \u2018Hurry up though.\u00a0 We need to leave for town soon.\u2019 She set Little Joe\u2019s cup upright again and looked at Ben as Adam left the room. \u2018Hoss would you go upstairs and get my shawl for me please?\u2019 she asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Sure,\u2019 said Hoss and followed his brother upstairs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t know what\u2019s gotten into that boy lately,\u2019 said Ben.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s just growing up Ben,\u2019 replied Marie. \u2018He wants some space that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well there\u2019s no need for him to be rude about it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t think he means to be.\u00a0 He just can\u2019t seem to help himself lately,\u2019 replied Marie. \u2018I\u2019m sure it\u2019s just a phase.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well I wish he hurry up and grow out of it,\u2019 Ben said. \u2018I\u2019ve had just about enough of his moods.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben reached up and helped Marie from the buggy, then stepped back as Hoss scrambled down as well.\u00a0 He looked up at Adam was sitting with little Joe on his lap and reached for his youngest son. Adam looked at his father. \u2018I\u2019ll take him for a while if you like Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018I could look after him while you\u2019re busy.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried to hide his smile.\u00a0 He knew exactly why the sudden interest in looking after his brother, but he was willing to play the game.\u00a0 \u2018Well thank you Adam, but I wouldn\u2019t want to give you all the responsibility of looking after him.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t mind Pa,\u2019 replied Adam as he handed Little Joe to his father and then climbed down onto the street.\u00a0 \u2018I\u2019ll be real careful of him.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well it would give Marie the chance to get those boots for Hoss,\u2019 his father mused . \u2018And I have some business at the bank to look after.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam grinned. \u2018Gee thanks Pa,\u2019 he said as he reached for his little brother. \u2018Come on Little Joe.\u00a0 You wanna go with me?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe held out his arms and bounced from his father\u2019s arms into the outstretched ones of his brother with a giggle. \u2018Go wiv Adam,\u2019 he said gleefully.\u00a0 He bounced up and down in his brother\u2019s arms and clapped his hands at the thought of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie looked across at her stepson. \u2018Adam be careful of him,\u2019 she said. \u2018You know what he\u2019s like.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019ll be fine,\u2019 replied Adam as he gave his little brother a tickle and grinned when he was rewarded with a giggle from the little boy. \u2018Won\u2019t you squirt?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I want you back here in half an hour,\u2019 said Ben.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018OK,\u2019 said Adam as he turned to go. \u2018Say \u2018bye bye\u2019, Little Joe.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Bye bye,\u2019 said Little Joe and waved over his brother\u2019s shoulder as he carried him away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Can\u2019t I go with em?\u2019 asked Hoss. \u2018I can get them boots any old day.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019re getting them today,\u2019 replied his stepmother.\u00a0 She watched anxiously as Adam crossed the street, his little brother in his arms. Ben noticed the expression on her face.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019ll be fine with him,\u2019 he assured her. \u2018Adam\u2019s very sensible, you know that.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes I know,\u2019 she said. \u2018I just wonder why he\u2019s suddenly so keen to look after Joe.\u00a0 Yesterday he didn\u2019t want anything to do with him.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I think that eldest boy of ours has a very good idea of just how useful his little brother can be at times,\u2019 replied Ben with a twinkle in his eye. \u2018Look.\u2019 He pointed to where Adam had stopped and was holding Little Joe up so that he could be admired by a few young girls who had stopped to look at the cute little boy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh,\u2019 said Marie with a giggle. \u2018I see.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018See what?\u2019 asked Hoss as he peered across the road trying to make out what they were talking about.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I see that you need those new boots,\u2019 said Marie with a wink at Ben. \u2018Come on. We\u2019ll meet you back here Ben.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben continued to watch Adam as another young girl joined the group and tickled Little Joe in Adam\u2019s arms. Ben laughed again. \u2018That eldest boy of mine is not silly,\u2019 he said out loud as he shook his head and strode off towards the bank.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Across the street, Little Joe was in his element as he became the centre of attention for four girls.\u00a0 He cooed and clapped his hands happily as he giggled at them and listened to their endearing comments.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He is so lovely Adam.\u00a0 I bet he\u2019ll break some hearts when he\u2019s bigger.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hello Little Joe.\u00a0 Who\u2019s a good little boy?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Can he talk Adam? What does he say?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Look at that curly hair!\u00a0 You are such a cutie aren\u2019t you?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled at the girls and obligingly answered their questions, happy that his ploy of attracting the opposite sex had worked.\u00a0 He even began to feel kindly towards Little Joe who was inadvertently helping him.\u00a0 He took full advantage of the attention that he was getting through his little brother and used the time profitably to check out the girls and try to sound interesting to them.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a while he realised that he was doing quite well, for he managed to keep the conversation going and even had them laughing a couple of times.\u00a0 Unfortunately, as the girls\u2019 attention shifted to himself, it left Little Joe who didn\u2019t take kindly to that development at all.\u00a0 He wriggled in Adam\u2019s arms and tried to interrupt.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam!\u2019 he said, trying to turn his brother\u2019s head to face in his direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Shh!\u2019 said Adam, turning back to smile at one of the girls.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam!\u2019 repeated Little Joe.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I said be quiet,\u2019 said Adam, trying to keep the frustration from his voice for the sake of the girls.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Wanna get down,\u2019 said Little Joe, wriggling even more and attempting to throw himself down towards the ground, but Adam held onto him tightly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam frowned at his younger brother and bent down to put him on the ground while he continued to talk. Little Joe looked up at his brother and tried to loosen his hand from the tight grip he had on it, but Adam frowned down at him and shook his head.\u00a0 For a moment the little boy was still, then he began to hop from one foot onto the other as he giggled to himself.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe looked up at his brother again. \u2018Adam!\u2019 he called.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Be quiet Little Joe,\u2019 said Adam. \u2018I\u2019m talking.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Wanna go!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Shh!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe tried to prise his hand out from his brother\u2019s grip.\u00a0 He looked up and grinned at the girls hoping that one of them might help him, but none of them responded to him any more as they were too busy talking to Adam.\u00a0 After a few minutes of trying, Little Joe managed to loosen his hand from his brother\u2019s one finger at a time and shook it angrily.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Stand still,\u2019 instructed Adam as he turned to reply to one of the girls\u2019 questions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Little Joe stamped his foot angrily and pouted at his brother. \u2018Wanna go!\u2019 he repeated.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Shh!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Wanna go!\u2019\u00a0 This time his little voice was more insistent.\u00a0 When Adam didn\u2019t respond at all he took a step sideways while he watched his brother for a reaction.\u00a0 When none came, he took another step and then another.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam was enjoying the attention he was receiving from all the girls. He couldn\u2019t remember a time when he had had the opportunity to hold a conversation with four girls at once and he was happy to bask in it while he could.\u00a0 He felt very pleased with himself and smiled engagingly at them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly a disturbance in the street made him turn sharply. He saw a horse rear up out of the corner of his eye and reached instinctively for his little brother beside him, but his hand grabbed hold of thin air and his heart missed a beat as he realised that the child wasn\u2019t standing next to him any more. He glanced down anxiously, then his eyes darted into the street again as the horse came to a standing position and the rider yelled loudly.\u00a0 Adam\u2019s eyes fixated on a small bundle of clothing in the middle of the street and he began to yell as the thought connected in his brain.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Little Joe!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He vaulted over the hitching post and ran as he had never run before into the middle of the street, reaching his little brother as the rider slid down from his horse and landed beside him in the dirt.\u00a0 The man was babbling incoherently as he clutched at Adam\u2019s arm. \u2018I didn\u2019t see him!\u00a0 He just darted out in front of me\u2026\u2026\u2026 Oh God!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both of them looked at the little body lying so still in the dirt beside them.\u00a0 Adam reached out to pull his baby brother towards him, but the rider\u2019s hands stopped him. \u2018Let me go!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018He\u2019s my brother\u2026.let me go!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man shook him. \u2018Listen to me!\u2019 he shouted in the boy\u2019s face. \u2018Leave him still or you might hurt him more.\u00a0 Do you hear me boy?\u00a0 Leave him still!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stared at the man for a moment, not comprehending what he meant. He tried to shake himself free of the man\u2019s grasp, but was held firmly. \u2018\u2019Get a doctor!\u2019 shouted the rider to the gathering crowd. \u2018Someone get a doctor!\u00a0 There\u2019s a hurt child here!\u2019 He turned back to Adam. \u2018Stop it!\u2019 he shouted. \u2018Do you hear me boy?\u00a0 Stop it!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stopped struggling and turned towards his baby brother again.\u00a0 Little Joe was lying face up in the dirt, his eyes closed and his arms and legs sprawled around him.\u00a0 Adam gulped as he looked at him. \u2018Little Joe!\u2019 he whispered. \u2018Little Joe, open your eyes!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly the crowd parted and Ben Cartwright threw himself forward next to his two sons.\u00a0 His eyes quickly swept over Adam and he nodded slightly as if satisfied that he was alright before travelling to the still little body in the dirt. \u2018Joseph!\u2019 he said brokenly. \u2018Oh my God! Joseph!\u2019\u00a0 He reached out to his little boy, but kindly hands held him back.\u00a0 He looked across at Adam, his eyes mirroring the pain that was in his son\u2019s eyes and they locked eyes for a moment without speaking. \u2018What happened?\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The rider cut across him. \u2018The little boy just ran out in front of me,\u2019 he said. \u2018Oh God, I\u2019m so sorry!\u2019\u00a0 Ben looked at him silently.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly the crowd parted again and Paul Martin appeared.\u00a0 He knelt down next to the figures on the ground and surveyed the scene quickly. \u2018Bring it here!\u2019 he commanded as two men put a plank of wood onto the ground next to Little Joe.\u00a0 Gently Adam watched as Ben and Paul slid it under Little Joe and then lifted it.\u00a0 He stood up and followed his father down the street, his heart and head thumping.\u00a0 His mind was numb as he tried to block out the thought of what might have happened to his baby brother and he caught his breath before he could release a sob.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As they reached the doctor\u2019s office he made to enter with the two men, but hands held onto him again. \u2018Where\u2019s Marie?\u2019 someone asked him. \u2018Where\u2019s your stepmother Adam?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked around and swallowed as he tried to gather his thoughts. \u2018She\u2019s\u2026.. in the Mercantile with Hoss,\u2019 he said after a moment\u2019s hesitation. \u2018I gotta go in there!\u2019\u00a0 He struggled to enter the doctor\u2019s office after his father and was relieved to feel the hands let go of him.\u00a0 He entered Dr Martin\u2019s outer office and looked around for his father.\u00a0 Just as he spied him and Dr Martin in the inner office bent over a small figure on the examining table, there was a scuffle behind him and he turned to see the distraught figure of Marie coming through the crowd.\u00a0 She ran through the doorway, followed closely by Hoss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam!\u2019 she cried. \u2018Where is he?\u2019\u00a0 She took one look through the doorway and darted forward into the arms of her husband who stepped forward to hold her back and away from the table. \u2018Ben!\u2019 she cried, collapsing into his arms. \u2018Let me go to him!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben held her close. \u2018Marie don\u2019t,\u2019 he said softly. \u2018Let Paul do what he has to.\u2019\u00a0 She drew closer into his arms and nodded briefly, her eyes never leaving the table in front of her.\u00a0 For a few moments there was silence\u2026\u2026 a silence so deep that the clock could be heard ticking in the room.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Paul stood up.\u00a0 \u2018He\u2019s still breathing,\u2019 he said briefly. \u2018His reflexes seem to be alright.\u2019\u00a0 Ben let out the breath that he had been holding with a sigh.\u00a0 He tried to smile at Marie, but failed miserably.\u00a0 Instead he held her even closer as both of them stared at the still form of their little son as he lay on the examining table. \u2018Just leave me alone with him for a few moments,\u2019 said Paul.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie shook her head. \u2018No,\u2019 she said quietly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked down at her. \u2018Marie\u2026.\u2019 He said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She shook her head, still staring at the little body on the table. \u2018No,\u2019 she repeated. \u2018I\u2019m staying.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben nodded and walked her over to a chair next to the table and sat her down on it.\u00a0 He stood beside her, clutching her hand tightly as they both stared at Paul. Paul nodded at them and then bent over the little boy again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Come away boys,\u2019 said a kindly voice and Adam looked over his shoulder to see Roy Coffee standing behind him. \u2018The doctor needs some quiet now and your Ma and Pa need to be alone here with your little brother.\u2019\u00a0 The sheriff took Hoss by the hand and motioned for Adam to follow him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shook his head. \u2018I\u2019m staying here,\u2019 he said quietly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy took a step towards him. \u2018Adam, you\u2019re not going to do any good here and your Pa would want you to leave now,\u2019 he said. \u2018I want both of you to come with me.\u2019\u00a0 He placed a hand on Adam\u2019s shoulder, but Adam shrugged it off.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018No,\u2019 he said, shaking his head. \u2018I\u2019m staying here with\u2026with my little brother.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy tried again. \u2018Adam, Hoss needs to leave here,\u2019 he said quietly. \u2018He needs you to be with him son.\u00a0 You need to look after your brother now until your parents can leave here.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked down at Hoss\u2019 tear-streaked face and nodded. \u2018Alright,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll come.\u2019 He took his brother by the hand and followed the sheriff outside.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stared across the table at Hoss, wondering how he could still eat.\u00a0 It seemed to him that they were so different in that respect.\u00a0 He couldn\u2019t have swallowed anything to save his life, and yet his brother was shovelling down his meal as if it was masking the pain and fear that he was feeling. Adam decided that it probably was.\u00a0 He sighed.\u00a0 Nothing could stop the hollow feeling that he had inside as far as he was concerned.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Every fibre of his body was strained to hear any noise outside.\u00a0 He glanced across at Sheriff Coffee who was seated on the other side of his office and the Sheriff smiled at him as if reading his thoughts. \u2018I\u2019m sure it won\u2019t be much longer now Adam,\u2019 the man said kindly. \u2018Someone\u2019s sure to come soon to let us know what\u2019s happening.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded his head briefly and went back to watching Hoss.\u00a0 It was the first time his younger brother had stopped asking questions since they had arrived at the Sheriff\u2019s office and for that Adam was grateful, for he had found it so difficult to answer Hoss\u2019 queries. The events of the past hour were beginning to seem unreal to him and there was a part of him that felt that if he just opened the door and walked across the road to the doctor\u2019s office he\u2019d find everything had been a dream and his baby brother would be perfectly fine.\u00a0 But the other part of him knew that this nightmare was very real and as much as he longed for the wait to be over he also dreaded hearing what the news might be.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He closed his eyes briefly and saw his baby brother\u2019s body again as it lay in the dusty street.\u00a0 It was a sight that would be forever etched into his brain and he longed for it to just disappear.\u00a0 He knew that this was all his fault and he knew that right at this moment his parents must be cursing him, but he just couldn\u2019t allow himself to think that far yet.\u00a0 He just had to focus on praying for Little Joe and hoping that the news when it came would be good. Adam knew that he couldn\u2019t live with himself if the news wasn\u2019t, and he prayed as he had never prayed before.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why had he been so selfish?\u00a0 It had only been last night that Pa had lectured him about responsibility and today he had chosen to ignore it for his own personal reasons.\u00a0 Nothing should have gotten into the way of looking after that little boy and Adam cursed himself over and over again as he sat there, for allowing this to happen.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly the door opened and Ben Cartwright entered the room. Hoss sprang from his seat and was at his father\u2019s side in an instant, his arms around his waist.\u00a0 Ben held him close as he closed his eyes for a moment, then he opened them again and looked at Adam intently as he stroked Hoss\u2019 head.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Is Little Joe alright Pa?\u2019 Hoss asked the question that Adam wasn\u2019t capable of verbalising. \u2018Is he gonna be alright?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben continued to stroke his son\u2019s head. \u2018We hope so son.\u00a0 Doctor Martin and Mama are with him now.\u2019\u00a0 He looked over at Roy who had also risen. \u2018Thank you for looking after the boys Roy.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy shook his head. \u2018They can stay here for as long as you need them to,\u2019 he said. \u2018What did the Doc say?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam swallowed, part of him wanting to block out his father\u2019s reply to the question.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s still unconscious,\u2019 replied Ben in a quiet voice. \u2018Paul can\u2019t really determine anything until he wakes up.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked up at his father. \u2018But he will wake up won\u2019t he Pa?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Little Joe will be alright won\u2019t he?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried to smile at his son. \u2018You need to pray that he will Hoss,\u2019 he said after a moment\u2019s hesitation and Adam read the fear in his father\u2019s voice and expression.\u00a0 Part of him shrunk inside as he acknowledged it. \u2018Adam?\u2019 asked Ben looking at his son intently. \u2018Are you alright?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam put his head down and didn\u2019t answer, all his self \u2013loathing making him incapable of meeting his father\u2019s eyes. Ben took a step towards his oldest son. \u2018Adam?\u2019 he asked again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up into his father\u2019s eyes and took a deep breath before speaking. \u2018It was my fault Pa,\u2019 he said quietly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben stared at him for a moment before speaking. \u2018This isn\u2019t the time to deal with that now son,\u2019 he said. \u2018We\u2019ll talk about it later.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam swallowed again, knowing that his father was probably hating the thought of him at the moment and was just anxious to get back to Marie and Little Joe.\u00a0 Sure enough, the man\u2019s next words betrayed his thoughts, at least in Adam\u2019s eyes. \u2018I need to get back now boys,\u2019 Ben said. \u2018Adam, I want you to look after Hoss for me please.\u2019\u00a0 Adam nodded briefly, wondering why his father would still be entrusting Hoss to his care after all he\u2019d done.\u00a0 Then he remembered that Sheriff Coffee was staying with them and his father\u2019s words were probably just as hollow as they sounded to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I wanna come with ya Pa!\u2019 said Hoss tearfully. \u2018I wanna see Little Joe and tell him ta wake up!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben knelt down in front of his son. \u2018Hoss, I can\u2019t take you over there now,\u2019 he said gently. \u2018I want you to stay with Sheriff Coffee and Adam and be good.\u00a0 You can pray for your little brother.\u2019\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss nodded tearfully. \u2018OK Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018But tell Little Joe I love him, will ya?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben closed his eyes for an instant and held onto his son tightly. \u2018I sure will Hoss,\u2019 he said. He gave Adam a brief look and then turned and left the room.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss began to cry and Adam walked over to him and put his arm around his shoulders. \u2018You heard Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018Come and sit down.\u2019 He led the boy back to the table and sat him down again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hoss looked at his brother. \u2018Is Little Joe gonna die Adam?\u2019 he asked in an anxious voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam stared at the table. \u2018I don\u2019t know,\u2019 he said. \u2018You heard Pa.\u00a0 We\u2019ve gotta pray that he doesn\u2019t.\u2019\u00a0 He rested his arms on the table in front of him and put his head down as he allowed his emotions to overtake him. Behind him, Sheriff Coffee rubbed his shoulders as he sobbed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019ll be alright boys,\u2019 the man said, but his words had a very hollow ring to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam sat on the edge of his bunk and stared at Hoss sleeping in the bunk next to him.\u00a0 He was glad that he had finally fallen asleep and noticed that the tears on his face hadn\u2019t dried yet.\u00a0 He thought it was strange to sleep in a jail, but then he guessed that Sheriff Coffee couldn\u2019t very well take them home with him when he was still on duty.\u00a0 Hoss didn\u2019t seem to mind, so he didn\u2019t see that he should either.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He glanced up at the small barred window and the night sky beyond it and wondered if God was really up there listening to their prayers at all.\u00a0 He sighed as he stood up and walked to the outer office. Sheriff Coffee looked up at him and smiled. \u2018Is Hoss asleep?\u2019 he asked. Adam nodded. \u2018You can\u2019t sleep?\u2019 the Sheriff asked. Adam shook his head. \u2018Come and have a hot drink then,\u2019 the man invited.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam came forward and took the cup the Sheriff handed him.\u00a0 He looked at it in his hand, but made no attempt to drink it.\u00a0 After a few minutes, Roy spoke. \u2018Adam it\u2019s not doing anyone any good you being like this you know.\u00a0 Your Ma and Pa wouldn\u2019t want you to blame yourself.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up at the Sheriff. \u2018But I am to blame,\u2019 he said. \u2018I didn\u2019t watch him as I should have.\u00a0 Marie asked me too and I didn\u2019t do it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Everyone makes mistakes.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yeah, but I\u2026\u2026\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You what?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2026\u2026 nothing.\u2019\u00a0 Adam couldn\u2019t find the words to tell the man how he was really feeling.\u00a0 He remembered back to the conversation he had had with his father and the things he had said to him about Little Joe.\u00a0 He had wished he had never been born!\u00a0 He had said that he was tired of him!\u00a0 He hung his head in shame to think of how he had felt about his baby brother.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All he could think of now was the little boy\u2019s cute smile and the way in which his eyes lit up when he looked at his big brothers.\u00a0 He remembered the little body snuggling into his at night and the slurping noise he made when he sucked on his thumb. He could almost hear it if he concentrated hard enough.\u00a0 He remembered the stubbornness of the little boy when he was told to do something that he didn\u2019t want to do. He remembered the little arms reaching out for his when he wanted to be picked up.\u00a0 He remembered the wet baby kisses he had slurped all over his face so generously. For some reason he remembered the worm dangling out of his mouth and the impish grin he had given when he had placed it there. Adam felt as if his heart would burst with the pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Is it alright if I go over to the doctor\u2019s office for a while?\u2019 he asked. \u2018Hoss is asleep so he\u2019ll be alright.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy hesitated. \u2018I don\u2019t know if that\u2019s a good idea son,\u2019 he said. \u2018Your Pa asked you to stay here.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Please?\u00a0 I just gotta find out how he is.\u2019\u00a0 Adam looked at Roy pleadingly. \u2018Just for a few minutes?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roy patted him on the shoulder. \u2018Alright,\u2019 he said. \u2018But you come straight back if your Ma and Pa are busy,\u2019 he said. \u2018I\u2019ll watch you walk over in the dark.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded and opened the door.\u00a0 A chilly breeze struck him and he realised that he should have put on his coat, but he didn\u2019t stop to rectify the situation.\u00a0 Being cold was the least of his worries and he definitely wasn\u2019t about to stop now and go back to get it.\u00a0 He crossed the dark and silent street quickly and opened the door of the doctor\u2019s office.\u00a0 The outer room was empty and he could see a light from the room next door, so he walked over and stood framed in the doorway as he surveyed the scene inside.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There on a bed was his baby brother and he caught his breath to see how still the little boy was.\u00a0 He looked almost as if he was merely asleep or perhaps\u2026\u2026 Adam shut his mind to that prospect.\u00a0 Doc Martin was sitting next to him, with his stethoscope placed on the little boy\u2019s chest.\u00a0 Adam nearly smiled as he thought about how Little Joe would have been reacting to that if he were awake. He hated anything to do with the doctor and usually fought with all his might when the man came near him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On the other side of the bed sat Marie.\u00a0 Adam caught his breath again as he looked at her face\u2026\u2026so white and drawn as if she were ill herself.\u00a0 Even at this distance he could see that her body was tense and her expression was a study of anxiety and despair as she stared intently at the little body next to her.\u00a0 She clutched a tiny hand in hers, as if the very feel of it would transfer her strength into the little still body that was her baby boy. Adam swallowed and closed his eyes for a moment.\u00a0 The scene before him was one of despair.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What are you doing here?\u2019 Adam turned sharply to see his father standing beside him. He swallowed again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Hoss fell asleep,\u2019 he said. \u2018Sheriff Coffee said I could come over for a few minutes to see\u2026\u2019 his voice faltered and he took a deep breath. \u2018To see how Little Joe is.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his hand on his son\u2019s shoulder. \u2018Come out into the other room,\u2019 he said quietly. He steered Adam through the doorway and sat him down on a chair, then sat down next to him. \u2018He\u2019s still the same,\u2019 he said.\u00a0 \u2018There\u2019s been no change.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam nodded, looking at the floor. \u2018That\u2019s not good,\u2019 he said. \u2018I guess the longer he\u2019s unconscious, then the\u2026.\u2019 His voice faltered again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben put his arm around his son\u2019s shoulder again. \u2018That\u2019s true,\u2019 he said. \u2018The longer he\u2019s unconscious then the worse it looks. I won\u2019t lie to you Adam, it\u2019s very serious.\u2019\u00a0 His own face showed the despair that that he was feeling.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Is he going to die?\u2019 Adam realised how much like Hoss he sounded, but he just couldn\u2019t help it.\u00a0 He felt about eight years old at the moment and wished his father would hug him.\u00a0 But unfortunately he knew that the chances of that happening were very slight.\u00a0 His Pa was probably barely tolerating his presence at the moment in view of what he\u2019d done.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben was silent for a few moments before replying. \u2018I don\u2019t know son,\u2019 he said. \u2018I honestly don\u2019t know.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was silence in the room. \u2018Adam?\u2019 asked Ben. \u2018What is it?\u2019\u00a0 Adam stared at his father silently. \u2018There\u2019s more to this than just worry about your little brother isn\u2019t there? What is it?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I told you before\u2026..it\u2019s my fault that this happened.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Son, we all make mistakes.\u00a0 No one is blaming you for this.\u00a0 I realise that\u2026..\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam jumped to his feet. \u2018You don\u2019t understand!\u2019 he cried. \u2018I didn\u2019t watch him as I should have. He got away from me because I was too busy talking to the girls and I didn\u2019t check on him!\u00a0 He was my responsibility Pa and I didn\u2019t\u2026.. I didn\u2019t\u2026.\u2019\u00a0 his voice faltered as the tears began to fall down his cheeks. \u2018If he dies it\u2019s my fault!\u2019\u00a0 he finished.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried to draw his son closer to him, but Adam pushed him away and stood up. \u2018I know how you\u2019re feeling about me Pa and I don\u2019t blame you!\u2019 he declared. \u2018You and Marie have every right to feel that way.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben frowned at his son. \u2018Adam, you\u2019re not listening to me.\u00a0 I know you made a mistake son\u2026but that\u2019s something we all do.\u00a0 You didn\u2019t mean for your baby brother to get hurt, so of course Marie and I don\u2019t think badly of you.\u00a0 All I want is for you\u2026.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam brushed his father\u2019s words away as he headed for the door. \u2018It\u2019s alright Pa,\u2019 he said. \u2018You don\u2019t have to lie to me to try and make me feel better.\u2019\u00a0 He opened the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam!\u2019 said Ben standing up. \u2018Adam, son\u2026.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam walked out into the cold dark night, not heeding his father\u2019s voice behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shivered as another windy gust blew up the narrow alleyway.\u00a0 He felt as if was going right through him, and in a perverse way was quite pleased that it did.\u00a0 Why shouldn\u2019t he suffer?\u00a0 His little brother was suffering and he felt as if he should be too.\u00a0 Maybe if he took a chill and died it might make everyone happy?\u00a0 He knew in a strange way that it would serve him right if he did.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He huddled in towards the pile of crates against which he was sitting.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t really know why he hadn\u2019t gone back to the Sheriff\u2019s Office when he left his father, all he knew was that he needed to be alone and didn\u2019t want to face anyone with any more explanations.\u00a0 It probably would be better for his family as well if they didn\u2019t have to be bothered with him.\u00a0 They all had enough to do worrying about Little Joe without him getting in the way.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The thought of his baby brother made him stop again and say another short prayer.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know how many times in the last few hours he had prayed like this, all he knew was that he needed to keep doing it.\u00a0 If it gave his brother a chance at life, it was worth a million such prayers and if it didn\u2019t\u2026\u2026. if it didn\u2019t, then he needed to pray for the little boy\u2019s soul.\u00a0 His own soul needed prayers as well after what he had done, but that would have to wait until a later time.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam turned his tear-streaked face up towards the night sky and felt the chill of the air on his skin.\u00a0 He stared at the stars twinkling above him and spoke aloud. \u2018Please God!\u2019 he said softly. \u2018Please don\u2019t let him die.\u00a0 He\u2019s too little.\u00a0 He never did anything wrong\u2026..well, not enough to have this happen to him.\u00a0 He\u2019s only a baby God\u2026\u2026please don\u2019t let him die!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He lay back, feeling the rough wood dig into his skin and welcoming the discomfort it brought to him.\u00a0 He glanced over at the doctor\u2019s office and noticed that the light was still burning and guessed that it would be so all night.\u00a0 In spite of himself he felt his eyes beginning to close and jerked them open again.\u00a0 He had no right to sleep when his brother needed his prayers.\u00a0 He began to pray again, aloud this time, but the words began to lull him asleep and his eyes closed as he surrendered himself to unconsciousness.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam?\u2019\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam opened his eyes and tried to focus on the face in front of him. \u2018Pa?\u2019 he said softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Yes,\u2019 said his father. \u2018Wake up son.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam slowly sat up and looked around him.\u00a0 The sun had risen and it was early morning. He looked up into his father\u2019s face silently.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019re freezing,\u2019 said Ben as he took off his jacket and placed it around his son. \u2018I need to get you inside where it\u2019s warm.\u2019\u00a0 He pulled the boy to his feet and tried to put his arm around him, but Adam pushed him away.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m fine,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You\u2019re not fine,\u2019 replied his father. \u2018Come on son.\u00a0 You need to get inside.\u2019\u00a0 He took a step towards the boy again, but Adam took a step backwards.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I\u2019m fine, I told you,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben tried again. \u2018Why didn\u2019t you go back to Roy\u2019s office?\u2019 he asked. \u2018We\u2019ve been looking everywhere for you.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam shrugged. \u2018You shouldn\u2019t have bothered,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam that\u2019s enough!\u2019 said his father angrily. \u2018I told you before that we don\u2019t blame you for what happened.\u00a0 Would you just believe me?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked at his father intently. \u2018Well I blame me,\u2019 he said. \u2018If Little Joe dies\u2026.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s not going to die,\u2019 interrupted Ben.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He woke up about two hours ago,\u2019 continued his father. \u2018He\u2019s going to be a bit stiff and sore for a while, but Paul thinks he\u2019ll be fine.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam continued to stare at his father, not sure if he was hearing correctly. \u2018You\u2019re sure?\u2019 he said finally.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben smiled at him. \u2018I\u2019m sure,\u2019 he said. \u2018You know how tough that little boy is.\u00a0 Did you really think he wouldn\u2019t come through this?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam felt his body dropping with the relief. \u2018Well, yeah I did,\u2019 he said. \u2018He looked as if\u2026. as if he was going to\u2026.\u2019\u00a0 He found that he couldn\u2019t speak and looked at the ground. It seemed to tilt towards him and he staggered slightly before feeling his father\u2019s strong arms around him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Son, come inside where it\u2019s warm,\u2019 said Ben. \u2018We\u2019ll talk in there.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam allowed himself to be led up the alleyway by his father.\u00a0 He leaned against the man for support, tears streaming down his face with every step that he took.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam!\u2019 said Little Joe happily, trying to sit up in the bed.\u00a0 Marie pushed him down again onto the pillow and he frowned at her. \u2018Want Adam!\u2019 he declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Lie still, little one,\u2019 said his mother. \u2018Adam,\u2019 she gestured to her stepson. \u2018If you don\u2019t come over here he\u2019ll get off the bed in a minute.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam walked over to the bed and sat on the edge of it, noticing the bruises on his baby brother\u2019s face as he did so. \u2018Hi squirt,\u2019 he said softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam!\u2019 said the little boy delightedly, grinning at him. \u2018Wanna go!\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Not right now little buddy,\u2019 said his older brother. \u2018You\u2019ve got to stay in bed for a while.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Wanna go Adam bed!\u2019 declared Little Joe, struggling to get up again, and frowning at his mother as she tried to keep his head on the pillow.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well if this is anything to go by, then he seems to be fine,\u2019 said Paul Martin behind them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They all laughed, relieved to feel the strain of the past hours leaving them.\u00a0 Adam took his little brother\u2019s hand and smiled at the angry expression on his face as he tried to get up again.\u00a0 As Pa always said\u2026\u2026. he sure was one stubborn little cuss.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018He\u2019s finally asleep,\u2019 said Marie as she got to the bottom of the stairs. Ben gestured to her and she joined him on the sofa in front of the fireplace. Laying her head on his shoulder, she breathed a deep sigh. \u2018It feels like a week since we were home,\u2019 she said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Only two days,\u2019 replied Ben softly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018The longest two days of my life,\u2019 she said. \u2018I thought we\u2019d lost him Ben.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018So did I.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t know what I would have done if\u2026.\u2019\u00a0 She choked on her words.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Stop that,\u2019 he said gently. \u2018It didn\u2019t happen, so there\u2019s no need to keep thinking like that now.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know.\u2019\u00a0 There was silence for a few moments. \u2018Where\u2019s Adam?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018In his room.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I wish he would stop blaming himself for all of this.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018That\u2019s easier said than done,\u2019 replied Ben. \u2018He did do the wrong thing after all and he knows it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Not wrong enough to be responsible for Little Joe nearly killing himself though.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Try telling Adam that.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I think I will,\u2019 she said getting up. \u2018Coming?\u2019\u00a0 She held out her hand to him and he stood up and took it.\u00a0 Together they climbed the stairs wearily and walked along the hallway until they reached their eldest son\u2019s room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam?\u2019 said his father as they entered the boy\u2019s bedroom.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked up from the book he was pretending to read. \u2018Yes?\u2019 he said\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018We\u2019d like to talk to you,\u2019 said his father sitting beside his son on the bed.\u00a0 Marie sat opposite them on a chair. \u2018It\u2019s about what happened to Little Joe.\u00a0 We want you to know that even though you probably weren\u2019t as careful as you could have been with him, neither of us blames you for what happened yesterday.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I know,\u2019 said Adam flatly. \u2018You already said that.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben looked at Marie. \u2018And we meant it,\u2019 she said. \u2018You have to stop blaming yourself Adam.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I don\u2019t,\u2019 he said in the same dull tone.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie raised her eyebrows as she studied her stepson. \u2018Well you could have fooled me!\u2019 she said sharply, causing the boy to look up at her. \u2018Adam, you know that Little Joe is dearer to me than anything in this whole world,\u2019 she said. \u2018He\u2019s just\u2026..well he\u2019s my precious baby.\u00a0 I love him more than my own life, but even so if things hadn\u2019t turned out as well as they have I would still never have stopped loving you because of it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018You should.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie sighed. \u2018I couldn\u2019t,\u2019 she said gently. \u2018That\u2019s what families are all about Adam.\u00a0 We love each other through the good times and the bad.\u00a0 We even love each other when we make mistakes.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam looked into her eyes. \u2018But you don\u2019t understand,\u2019 he said. \u2018It was more than just me being careless with him. I was mean to him too and I told Pa I wished he wasn\u2019t around all the time.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Everyone knows you didn\u2019t really mean that,\u2019 she said with a smile. Adam hung his head again and studied the floor. \u2018Adam, there are times when I think like that too,\u2019 Marie continued.\u00a0 \u2018But it doesn\u2019t mean that I don\u2019t love you and your brothers dearly.\u00a0 It just comes from frustration that\u2019s all.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked at her confused. \u2018You do?\u2019 he asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Of course,\u2019 she said. \u2018Some days I just wish I could have some time to myself without all of you around.\u00a0 Especially Little Joe.\u00a0 He\u2019s a very demanding child you know.\u00a0 It doesn\u2019t mean that I don\u2019t love him dearly though.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I didn\u2019t know you felt like that,\u2019 he said thoughtfully.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Well, I do at times as well,\u2019 interrupted Ben. \u2018No one would be human if they didn\u2019t son.\u2019 He rubbed his hand on the back of his son\u2019s neck. \u2018Now would you go to bed and stop worrying about all of this?\u00a0 The crisis is over and everything turned out just fine.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam smiled at his parents. \u2018Thank you,\u2019 he said softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Marie bent over and kissed him lightly. \u2018There\u2019s nothing to thank us for Adam. You\u2019re our son and that\u2019s all there is to it.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam blushed with embarrassment. Since Marie had come into his life three years ago he had come to feel quite close to her, and hearing her refer to himself as her son touched him deeply.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ben patted him on the arm. \u2018Now get some sleep,\u2019 he said. \u2018Something tells me we\u2019re all going to need our energy tomorrow to keep your baby brother in his bed for another day.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam laughed aloud at his father\u2019s joke, happy to let his tension out verbally. \u2018I think you might be right Pa,\u2019 he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25\u2b25<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Adam?\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Adam rolled over and stared at the shadow next to his bed. Tired though he was, it had proved difficult to get to sleep after the events of the last two days and he wondered sleepily what time it was.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018What are you doing out of bed?\u2019 he said sternly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Wanna come in your bed,\u2019 said Little Joe, trying to climb up and get under the covers.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Go back to bed,\u2019 said Adam, trying to sound cross but failing miserably.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Wanna come in your bed,\u2019 repeated his little brother, trying to pull the covers down.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018Oh alright,\u2019 said Adam and reached down to pull the little boy into the bed with him.\u00a0 He shivered as he felt the cold little feet on his legs and snuggled down to warm both of them.\u00a0 Little Joe put his thumb in his mouth as he cuddled into his brother and Adam heard the familiar slurping sounds that he was so used to.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a few moments the sound stopped and he heard his brother\u2019s little voice next to his ear. \u2018Love Adam,\u2019 he said softly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u2018I love you too little buddy,\u2019 said Adam contentedly and snuggled even closer to the little body. \u2018I love you too.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The End<\/b><\/h2>\n

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

Summary:\u00a0 Adam is tired of the responsibility of looking after his little brother Joe
\nRating:\u00a0 G\u00a0 9,710 words<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":15722,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1091,23,30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-65806","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adam-joe","category-drama","category-prequels","wpcat-1091-id","wpcat-23-id","wpcat-30-id"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/CF6B97F4-6BBD-4149-BCA4-8B2B5E3AD24C.jpeg?fit=634%2C627&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65806","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\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=65806"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/65806\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/15722"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=65806"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=65806"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bonanzabrand.info\/library\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=65806"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}