Summary:\u00a0 Ben and Joe try to put the memories of their trip to town behind them. They must now rely on their inner strength to help them see past the guilt, anger, and pain. Can Joe forgive himself for what happened and allow the healing to begin?<\/p>\n
Rating:\u00a0 K+ \u00a04450<\/p>\n
Inner Strength Series:<\/strong><\/p>\n Part 1<\/a> IT IS STRONGLY ENCOURAGED FOR YOU TO READ THE FIRST PART OF THIS STORY BEFORE READING ITS CONCLUSION.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Inner Strength – Part II<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cPA!\u2026.PA!\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam was jolted awake by the screams of his little brother across the hallway.<\/p>\n \u201cOH WHAT HAVE I DONE!?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe suddenly bolted upright in bed. Beads of sweat were forming on his brow and his heart was beating wildly. He wiped the moisture from his forehead and took in a deep breath. Just then, the door to his room quickly opened and his brother Adam entered. Little Joe looked up at his older brother with tear filled eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cIt happened again, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n Then he bowed his head and the tears began to flow. Adam had fallen witness to these outburst several times the past few months. Ever since the boy and his father had been injured on their way to town, Joe had not been able to forget what had happened. His father had been recuperating steadily and the two had talked extensively about the matter, but Joe was having difficulty letting go.<\/p>\n Adam cradled Joe\u2019s head in his arms and let the boy release his emotions. After a few moments, he quietly spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cJoe, you have to let this all go. Pa told you that it was an accident caused by both<\/strong> of you not thinking.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe simply nodded and wiped his sleeve across his nose.<\/p>\n \u201cI know, Adam,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I just keep hearing that wood crack and Pa yelling out in so much pain.\u201d<\/p>\n He winced at the thought of that piercing scream that fueled his nightmares.<\/p>\n Just then Ben Cartwright hobbled into the room.<\/p>\n \u201cSon, are you okay?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Pa, I\u2019m sorry I woke you.\u201d Joe responded. Ben looked past the words of his son. He saw a tired young man who, in the last few months, had taken on the role of family patriarch. He had kept things going around the ranch, handled business in town, monitored the books and records, and took care of his two younger brothers without one complaint. The dark circles under his eyes and the noticeable thin body frame told Ben that the burden was beginning to wear the nineteen year old down.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, why don\u2019t you let me read to Joe tonight. You need your rest, too. Besides, it\u2019s about time I started doing my share around here again, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n Adam gave his father a grateful smile. He, too, understood the meaning behind his father\u2019s words.<\/p>\n \u201cGoodnight, Joe. Sweet dreams,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He then brushed past his father as he exited the room. Ben quietly closed the door and slowly worked his way over to the bed. Joe watched his father\u2019s every move. The bones in his legs had healed well, but it would take some time for him to gain the muscle strength back after being bed ridden for so long.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, young man. What would you like to hear?\u201d Ben asked his son as he sat himself awkwardly down on the edge of the bed.<\/p>\n Joe averted his eyes and looked down. Guilt began to swell within him, knowing all to well that he was the reason for his father\u2019s condition.<\/p>\n After a long moment, he softly said, \u201cI don\u2019t feel much like a story, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben ignored his son\u2019s words. He reached over and raised Joe\u2019s chin up with his finger, gaining full eye contact with the boy.<\/p>\n \u201cCome now, I may not read with as much expression as your brother, but I\u2019ll give it my best effort. Now lie back down and close your eyes. Try to think happy thoughts, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n It didn\u2019t take long for the 7 year old to relent. Ben began the story and his voice was soothing. In a matter of moments, the boy had fallen fast asleep.<\/p>\n Ben sat watching his son for some time. There was a deep look of concern on his brow. He and the boy had had many discussions about that fateful day and he thought Joe understood. Yet, the nightmares were becoming more frequent and intense.<\/p>\n \u201cThere has to be something the boy is not facing,\u201d<\/em> thought Ben.<\/p>\n Ben leaned down and gently kissed his son on the head. He carefully arose from the bed and worked his way to the door. Standing in the doorway, he took one final look at his son\u2019s peaceful body and silently said a prayer. He could only hope that time would eventually bring everything to the surface.<\/p>\n ********************** \u201cI prepare food for four\u2026 only two here to eat\u2026 food no good when cold.\u201d He grumbled in a strong Chinese accent.<\/p>\n Adam piped up in his father and brother\u2019s defense. \u201cJoe had another nightmare last night, Hop Sing. Both need their rest.\u201d<\/p>\n Thirteen year old Hoss was stunned by his brother\u2019s comment. \u201cI didn\u2019t hear anything last night, Adam. Is Little Joe, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Adam acknowledged, \u201cbut the dreams seem to be getting worse and we can\u2019t figure out why. Pa keeps saying to give it time, but I can tell he\u2019s worried, too.\u201d<\/p>\n Just then, Little Joe bolted down the staircase with a smile on his face. It was Saturday and he didn\u2019t have to go to school.<\/p>\n \u201cMorning,\u201d he simply said as he took his place at the table. Hop Sing looked at Joe and scowled.<\/p>\n \u201cNumber three son late to table \u2026Eggs are cold\u2026 not very good. You eat\u2026 now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Hop Sing,\u201d Joe simply said and began to dish up his plate. He noticed both brothers watching him intently.<\/p>\n After a moment, he stopped mid-scoop and questioned, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong? Do I have a wart on my nose?\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss snickered at his brother\u2019s comment.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry, Little brother,\u201d he said. \u201cAdam told me you had another bad dream last night is all. How ya feelin\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay, I guess. I slept the rest of the night anyhow.\u201d<\/p>\n Just then their father appeared at the top of the staircase. Adam and Hoss began to rise.<\/p>\n \u201cHere Pa let us help you\u2026\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d Ben said firmly, \u201cI can do it boys.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned back to the table and motioned Hoss to do the same. Both boys focused their attention back on their meal.<\/p>\n Joe\u2019s eyes, however, were locked on his father as he began his decent. Although he had improved greatly, he still wore braces below the knee and used two canes for support. It was a laborious effort for both father and son as Joe watched his Pa painstakingly take on every step. Joe could tell by his father\u2019s facial features that each jarring move brought pain and he shared that pain with him in his heart. Suddenly, as Ben neared the bottom, his right leg slipped and he tumbled down the remaining few steps.<\/p>\n Ben let out a loud yell, intermixed with a few chosen other words, and lay on the floor wallowing in pain. Adam, Hoss, and Hop Sing rushed to his aid. Joe, however, was frozen at the table. Tears began to well in his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, are you okay?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYes\u2026 just get my canes.\u201d Ben said harshly, \u201cI\u2019m tired of being an invalid!\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone helped Ben to his feet. When they turned back toward the table, Joe was gone. The only sign of his presence was the opened front door and the uneaten food still on his plate.<\/p>\n There was silence for a long moment. Ben suddenly pounded one of his canes on the floor in frustration.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, why did he have to see me fall?\u201d He then moved slowly towards his favorite chair.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Pa. We\u2019ll find him,\u201d Hoss said. \u201cHe couldn\u2019t have gone far.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy don\u2019t you try to eat some breakfast, Pa. We\u2019ll go look for Joe,\u201d Adam reassuringly added.<\/p>\n They left their father in care of Hop Sing.<\/p>\n ********************** \u201cJoe! Joe! Wake up little buddy,\u201d were the first words he remembered hearing.<\/p>\n He raised up to find his brother Hoss smiling down at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve been lookin\u2019 everywhere for ya, boy. How\u2019d you end up here by the lake?\u201d<\/p>\n Joe sat up and wiped the dirt out of his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d he softly said.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, you gave us all a pretty good scare. We best git ya home.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe just shook his head no stubbornly.<\/p>\n Just then, Adam rode up. He jumped down from his horse and came right up to his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you all right, Joe?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n Joe nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI ought to turn you over my knee right here and now for scaring us like that.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe only muttered a soft \u201cSorry, Adam.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell let\u2019s get you back home\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked up at Adam with fire in his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cNO! I won\u2019t go back, I won\u2019t!\u201d he shouted. He couldn\u2019t bear to look at his father again.<\/p>\n Adam was not in the mood to deal with his younger brother\u2019s attitude.<\/p>\n Adam grabbed Joe forcibly by the shoulder. \u201cJoe, you will go home!\u201d Adam\u2019s voice was harsh and his eyes were intense. Joe, however, stood his ground, pulling away and emphasizing his unwillingness by folding his arms and pouting.<\/p>\n Hoss intervened. \u201cCome on you two, what good is this doin\u2019? Joe ya know you gotta go back… And, Adam, …yellin\u2019 at him doesn\u2019t solve nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam realized he was letting his frustration get the better of him. He heaved a huge sigh and turned away from his brothers to gather his thoughts.<\/p>\n After a moment, he spoke out into the air. \u201cJoe, I know it\u2019s been tough. It\u2019s been tough on all of us seeing Pa the way he is right now. But think of how much he\u2019s improved since it happened. The doctor says that he should be able to walk without the canes and braces soon.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam turned back to face Little Joe.<\/p>\n \u201cIt takes time, Joe, but Pa will eventually get back to his usual self.\u201d<\/p>\n His brother\u2019s words started the tears flowing again. \u201cBut what if\u2026.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe could not finish his statement.<\/p>\n Adam bent down next to his brother. \u201cJoe, if we based our lives only on the \u2018what if\u2019s\u2019 we wouldn\u2019t be living life at all. Please try to understand.\u201d<\/p>\n He then scooped his youngest brother up into his arms and handed him up to Hoss. The three siblings headed for home. It was getting dark by the time they reached the ranch. Ben Cartwright stumbled out to greet them followed by Hop Sing. Joe was sound asleep in the saddle. Hoss gingerly handed the boy down to Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cWe found him over by the lake, Pa. He\u2019s fine, but exhausted. He must have run for miles. I\u2019ll put him to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben softly caressed his son\u2019s curly locks as Adam walked past and disappeared inside.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll take care of the horses, Pa,\u201d Hoss stated as he led them towards the barn.<\/p>\n Hop Sing was a wise man and oftentimes the silent observer to the Cartwright woes. He looked over at Ben Cartwright and saw a man defeated. Defeated in the sense that he could not figure out a way to ease his boy\u2019s troubles. He started to turn towards the house and then suddenly paused. \u201cMr. Cartwright\u2026. Hop Sing glad number three son okay.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben said nothing for he was deep in thought.<\/p>\n \u201cMr. Cartwright,\u201d Hop Sing spoke with more emphasis in his voice.<\/p>\n Ben turned to look at him.<\/p>\n \u201cHealing\u2026. a matter of time\u2026. but also a matter of opportunity.\u201d Hop Sing then turned and walked quietly into the house.<\/p>\n Ben wasn\u2019t quite sure what the China man meant by his words that evening. He was glad his son was home, safe and sound. Again he could only hope that an end to this matter would come in time. For now, he hadn\u2019t much choice. The family would have to face the storm ahead in hopes of eventually reaching calmer waters.<\/p>\n **********************<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The chilly days of spring relented to the heat of the summer. Joe awoke almost every night to the same nightmare. Pa, Adam, and sometimes Hoss would take turns checking in on the boy and providing as much comfort as they could, but it was wearing everyone down. Joe also became more quiet and reserved. He spent a lot of time alone in his room, or wandering around the yard, and seemed to be avoiding his Pa at all costs.<\/p>\n Ben sensed his boy\u2019s invasiveness, and chose to allow him that space. It hurt him deeply to think his son didn\u2019t want to be near him, but perhaps honoring that space would help heal the wounds within.<\/p>\n The truth of the matter was that Ben had steadily been improving these past few months. He no longer needed the braces and he could get around with the use of only one cane. He was demanding less and less assistance in everyday needs and was starting to reclaim some of his ranch responsibilities from his eldest son.<\/p>\n One afternoon, Hop Sing came outside to hang up the weekly laundry. He noticed Joseph sitting on the porch looking very glum. Ben was inside doing the books and Hoss and Adam were out rounding up some cattle. Hop Sing watched the boy from afar for quite some time. He knew the boy was not letting go of his anger and guilt, and decided to try and speak with him.<\/p>\n \u201cNumber three son look very unhappy\u2026 very unhappy indeed.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe looked up at Hop Sing.<\/p>\n \u201cHi, Hop Sing,\u201d was his polite response.<\/p>\n \u201cHop Sing want to tell you story\u2026 when he was little boy\u2026 just like you.\u201d<\/p>\n Before Joe could respond, he sat down next to him on the step. Joe didn\u2019t feel much like listening to a story, but he also knew Hop Sing well enough to know you didn\u2019t argue with him. He turned his head to listen.<\/p>\n \u201cBack in China when I was …little boy\u2026my brother and I got into terrible fight. We had a toy we both liked\u2026 We wanted to play at same time. I grabbed toy and pulled\u2026 My brother pulled\u2026 toy ripped in half. We were angry\u2026 started fighting. My father came\u2026 grabbed us by the arm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI bet your Pa was really mad.\u201d Joe interrupted.<\/p>\n \u201cFather very mad\u2026 punish us good. Told us brothers should never fight.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened next,\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n \u201cMy father put broken toy in our room\u2026 Told us it was reminder of what anger can do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI bet you never fought with your brother again, right?\u201d Joe once again interrupted.<\/p>\n \u201cNot so, Little Joe. Toy not good idea\u2026When I looked at it\u2026 brought more anger toward brother. Days went by\u2026 I not speak to brother\u2026 he not speak to me. We still blamed each other.\u201d<\/p>\n Hop Sing paused to look at Little Joe. He then continued.<\/p>\n \u201cOne day my father woke me and brother\u2026 He gave us shovels\u2026 took us where we fought. Told us to dig hole\u2026 we worked all day\u2026 side by side\u2026 very hot day. Finally father told us to stop\u2026 he pulled broken toy out of pocket\u2026 Gave each of us piece\u2026 told us to throw away anger. We threw toy in hole. Then we filled hole back up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWere you still mad at your brother?\u201d Joseph asked.<\/p>\n Hop Sing smiled at the boy, \u201cNo, Little Joe.., anger all gone. Your sadness will go, too\u2026 in time\u2026 once you let it go.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe smiled at Hop Sing as he rose from the steps and headed back to his laundry. He sat there a moment and pondered Hop Sing\u2019s words. He knew Hop Sing was trying to make him feel better, but he did not fully understand the meaning behind the story. After a moment, he arose from the steps and decided to head out towards the barn. As he made his way across the yard, Ben Cartwright came out onto the porch. His eyes steadily watched his youngest as he crossed the yard. He had overheard the conversation between Hop Sing and his son and he, too, was pondering the words. Suddenly Ben remembered what Hop Sing had said to him that night Joe had run off. \u201cHealing\u2026. a matter of time\u2026. but also a matter of \u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cOpportunity!\u201d Ben said aloud to himself. A knowing smile appeared upon his face. He knew at that very moment how he could help his son.<\/p>\n **********************<\/p>\n <\/p>\n That evening at the dinner table Ben Cartwright seemed to be in the best of moods. Adam noticed that he was very talkative and upbeat where as the rest of the table seemed subdued. After the meal, he asked Adam to help him with something out in the barn. Adam knew his father was busting at the seams to tell him something. The two entered the barn and Ben wasted no time addressing Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cI have a plan as to how to settle this thing with Joe once and for all, but it\u2019ll take all of us to do it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAdam responded. \u201cSure, Pa. What do you have in mind?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, first I need you and Hoss to go into town for some supplies. I\u2019ll make a list.”<\/p>\n Ben carefully laid out his plan and what was expected. When he was finished, Adam said,<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, Pa. I think that just might work. I\u2019ll talk to Hoss and we\u2019ll leave early tomorrow morning.\u201d<\/p>\n The next morning when Joe came down to breakfast he found only his father at the table.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are Hoss and Adam, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI sent them to town on some errands, Joseph. They left early this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe began dishing up his plate. Ben waited a few moments before speaking again.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, I want you to come along with me today on an errand,\u201d he simply stated.<\/p>\n Joseph looked up at his Pa.<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean you want me to help you with something around the ranch?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, son, we\u2019re going on a little day trip together. You best eat up because I want to get an early start.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe sat there stunned. Tears began to well in his eyes and anger began to build in his face. How could his father be so cruel as to expect him to go somewhere alone with him? Ben deliberately kept his eyes focused on his breakfast and ignored the boy\u2019s actions.<\/p>\n Suddenly, Joe found his voice and with defiance said, \u201cI won\u2019t Pa…. I won\u2019t!\u201d Tears began to roll down his cheeks.<\/p>\n Ben looked deep into the eyes of his son. His heart was breaking, but he knew he had to stay firm.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, I am not giving you an option in this matter. Now finish your breakfast so that we may go.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe knew by his father\u2019s tone that he had absolutely no choice. He\u2019d be forced to obey his father\u2019s wishes.<\/p>\n After a moment, he softly said, \u201cI\u2019m done.\u201d<\/p>\n He followed Ben slowly out to the barn to get Buck. Ben had him readied in but a few moments and before Joe knew what was happening, father and son were headed down the road once more.<\/p>\n It didn\u2019t take long for the boy to realize that he and his father were headed down the same path they had traveled many months prior. Every step Buck took reminded Joe of the long journey home that evening with his father in tow. He held onto the saddle horn with all his might as tears of anger and grief continued to fall. As the trail to the watering hole appeared around the bend, Joe\u2019s heart began to race. Ben could feel his son shaking and tightened his arms around him as they slowly meandered into the opening. Ben dismounted first and reached up to grab Little Joe. Joe remained like a statue in the saddle.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy, Pa? Why? Why are you doing this to me?\u201d he cried out. Ben grabbed Joe and pulled him down to the ground. Once the boy\u2019s feet felt the earth beneath him he began swinging wildly with his fists.<\/p>\n \u201cI hate you… I hate you…. I hate you…\u201d he repeated. Ben painfully allowed his son to vent. \u201cI hate you… I hate you……. Oh, Pa….I HATE MYSELF!\u201d Joe wailed.<\/p>\n With his last utterance, Joe flung his arms around his Pa and sobbed. Ben scooped his son up and stood cradling him for some time.<\/p>\n Not a word was uttered between them. Ben waited until he felt his son\u2019s body relax and could only hear the sound of sniffles.<\/p>\n He lowered his son to the ground and turned Joe to face him.<\/p>\n Just then, Adam and Hoss pulled into the clearing. Joe watched as they dismounted from a wagon that was filled with lumber. The two boys approached.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Pa we got the things ya asked fer,\u201d Hoss said with a big grin.<\/p>\n \u201cHave you told Little Joe of our intentions?\u201d Adam inquired.<\/p>\n Ben ignored their comments and turned his attention back to his youngest son.<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, there\u2019s something we need to do here today. I think I know a way for us to put what happened in the past behind us forever…but, I\u2019m going to need your help.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe gave his father a puzzled glance. \u201cI don\u2019t understand, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben limped over to the wagon and grabbed his cane and braces. He then returned to his son.<\/p>\n \u201cTake my hand, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n The boy hesitantly took his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cWalk with me and trust me.\u201d<\/p>\n **********************<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The two walked toward the big rock that was one of the established boundaries that fateful day. Neither of them hesitated. They continued beyond, walking, side by side, up to the opening of the mineshaft. Adam and Hoss kept their distance, following behind in the wagon. \u201cJoseph, I want you to take one of these braces and I will take the other. Let\u2019s throw all the pain, hurt, guilt, and anger away.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben led his son to the edge and they both threw the objects down into the darkness. He then took his cane and delivered to it the same fate.<\/p>\n There was a moment of reflection as father and son stood there with tears in their eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cListen to me son… We are going to fill in this hole, burying all that lies beneath it.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben motioned to Adam and Hoss and they began unloading the lumber.<\/p>\n He released his son\u2019s hand and bent down to pick up a sizable rock. He motioned for Joseph to do the same, and soon, they all were filling the hole with whatever they could find. The four Cartwrights worked silently, but diligently, enclosing the mineshaft. As Adam and Hoss laid the last pieces of lumber flush with the ground, Ben led Joseph over to the wagon.<\/p>\n He reached in and grabbed a small can of paint and a paintbrush and handed it to his son.<\/p>\n \u201cNone of this would have happened that day, Joseph, if we both<\/strong> had taken heed to that warning sign. I think you know what needs to be done to assure others do not follow the same suit.\u201d<\/p>\n Joseph smiled up at his Pa. It was the first smile that Ben had seen from his son in quite some time. He then turned back towards the hole and knelt down by the \u201cDANGER\u201d<\/em> sign. Ben sat himself down on the edge of the wagon and watched his son\u2019s every stroke. He was tired and his legs were aching from the exertion, but the joy he was feeling inside outweighed the physical pain.<\/p>\n Adam and Hoss came over to the wagon to join their father.<\/p>\n \u201cWell?\u201d Adam asked. \u201cDo you think we\u2019re on the road to recovery?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben said nothing, but nodded in approval. He then walked up to Joseph as he was putting the finishing touches on his masterpiece.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you think, Pa?\u201d the boy asked as he stood up to admire his work.<\/p>\n Ben grinned at his son. \u201cI\u2019d say you\u2019d have to be blind not to see that sign all the way from Virginia City.\u201d<\/p>\n Little Joe snickered.<\/p>\n Ben placed his arm around his son as they both took their final look around. They stood in silence for several moments before Joe softly spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cPa… I was so scared that day. I thought… I thought I was going to lose you… like ma.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was scared, too, Joseph. You were my only hope. You saved my life and for that I will always be grateful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut I didn\u2019t listen to you….\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe all make mistakes, Joseph, and we all learn from them.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe hesitated, and then asked, \u201cWhy didn\u2019t you punish me, Pa?\u201d<\/p>\n Ben was taken aback for a moment by his boy\u2019s words.<\/p>\n He looked down at Joe and said,<\/p>\n \u201cSometimes the worst punishments are the ones we inflict on our selves, Joseph.\u201d<\/p>\n Joe kicked the dirt at his feet then turned to his Pa in all sincerity.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I promise from now on to do whatever you tell me, Pa.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben knew deep down that his seven year old had just made a promise that he undoubtedly would not be able to keep.<\/p>\n After a long moment, he said, \u201cI appreciate that Joseph, but you should only promise what you can deliver. Then deliver more than what you promised.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben led Joe over to the wagon. They tied Buck to the back and the four Cartwrights climbed aboard. As the wagon slowly made its way back to the Ponderosa, no one looked back and no one said a word. Their minds were at rest and now the healing could continue. That night Little Joe Cartwright slept peacefully and soundly, as did his Pa and two older brothers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\nPart II<\/a><\/p>\n
\nAdam quickly intervened. \u201cEverything is fine, Pa. I\u2019ll read Joe a story until he falls asleep again. You need your rest.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nThe next morning, Hoss and Adam were the first down for breakfast. Hop Sing, the Cartwright chef, was busily serving the food and grumbling about the two missing Cartwrights.<\/p>\n
\nThe very moment Joe left that table he started running. He ran out the door and down the road just as fast as he could. The direction didn\u2019t matter. He had to get away\u2026 away from seeing his father. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he ran and ran and ran and never looked back. The boy ran steadily for what seemed like hours. Finally he succumbed to thirst and exhaustion. Joe laid face down in the dirt and cried himself to sleep.<\/p>\n
\nBen did not look at his son, but kept a firm grip on his hand.<\/p>\n