A BROTHER FORSAKEN

By Hope

This story is a follow-up to my short story ONE OF THOSE DAYS? - for everybody who asked, "Where's the rest of it?". You guys! :-)

I want to thank Sel (my e-publisher) for her terrific suggestions & for posting this on Matt's site for me, thank Slim for his technical assistance, and thank Kierin for kindly posting this on The Ponderosa site for me. I'd like to thank David Dortort for creating the Cartwrights we all love. And I'd also like to thank Matt, Danny, Drew and Jared for their wonderful portrayals of the younger Cartwrights who made writing this story so easy! (All the usual disclaimers apply.) Hope

Rated PG-13 (I'm guessing) for some violence.

Adam Cartwright was leaving.

Finally able to pursue his dream of going to college, the last few weeks leading up to his departure had become a mixture of excitement for Adam, sadness for his father, Ben Cartwright, and his middle brother, Hoss, and turmoil for Little Joe, Adam's youngest brother.

It seemed that Ben and Hoss were missing Adam already, long before the day the stage was scheduled to leave town. They tried to remain upbeat and cheerful for Adam's sake, but deep inside they knew he would be sorely missed in the years he would be gone.

Adam wouldn't admit it to anyone but he found himself questioning his plans also, sometimes at night when he was alone and left to his thoughts. He'd been wanting to go away, get an education and see another part of the world for as long as he could remember. Yet now as the time approached he knew he would miss his father and brothers terribly. In spite of that, there would be no turning back. He was determined to get a good education and in a few years would return to his family and his home. He was really looking forward to the time on his own and the adventures he would have.

Little Joe had chosen this time to become rebellious. He was already feeling deserted by his older brother and so had decided to return the favor. He kept his distance from Adam as much as possible, refused to listen to anything his oldest brother would ask him to do, and was downright belligerent toward Adam without the slightest provocation. Their father had noticed the change in Joe almost immediately upon the announcement of Adam's plans to leave and Ben had tried to counsel Adam to be patient. But the gap between the two brothers continued to widen and their father was somewhat at a loss to stop the momentum.

Surprisingly, Little Joe didn't turn his attention to Hoss. However, a new family appeared in town around this time and they happened to have a son slightly older than Joseph who rapidly became the youngest Cartwright's pal and confidante. At first, Ben was pleased that Little Joe had a new friend. However, it soon became apparent that this boy, Jacob, was leading Joe in a direction the Cartwright Patriarch wasn't sure he wanted Marie's son to be headed.

First there was the candy stolen from The Trading Post. Eli had caught the two boys red-handed and Ben had been furious that Little Joe would even think of stealing from the family's dear friends, the Orowitzes. A stern lecture from Pa with a promise for more severe punishment in the future didn't seem to affect Joe in the least, who acted amazed that such a big deal was being made out of a few pieces of lifted candy. Ben was sorely tempted to carry through on his threat of more punishment, but tried to consider what else Little Joe was going through with his big brother soon leaving him and he held back for the time being. Cartwright soon regretted this inaction.

A week later, the two boys had been found sharing a bottle of rotgut whiskey that Little Joe swore they had "found in the street somewhere". Fortunately, Little Joe had only had a few sips before Ben had come upon the scene so the boy only had his father's wrath to deal with and not the liquor's wrath also. This time Ben carried through on his previous threat and Little Joe had a rather painful backside for the rest of the day and evening.

Dinner that night was fairly quiet. Hoss and Adam were aware of what had transpired with the whiskey and Little Joe's punishment and they tried not to focus on their little brother's discomfort. Hop Sing busied himself away from the table attending to the remainder of the meal while the four Cartwrights sat quietly eating their supper. Every once in a while, Hoss would glance over at Joe then at Adam. Little Joe had a nasty scowl on his face and Adam kept his attention on his meal to avoid any confrontation with his youngest sibling. Ben kept an eye on the solemn group and continued to eat his dinner. Finally, he broke the uncomfortable silence.

"Hoss, I need you to finish straightening up the barn tomorrow."

Hoss looked up, relieved for the tension to be broken at last. "Sure, Pa."

Ben continued. "Hop Sing and I will be gone for a couple hours in town." He looked over at his eldest. "Adam, I'd like you to get the ledgers caught up after you come back from the north pasture."

"Okay," Adam said easily.

"Little Joe," Ben started to say. "You get all of that firewood stacked that Hoss chopped today."

Little Joe didn't answer right away.

"Did you hear what I said, Son?"

"Yeah, I heard ya. But I was gonna..."

"Gonna what?" his father asked, a stern look on his face.

"I got plans, Pa."

"What plans?"

Little Joe got quiet.

His father ventured, "With Jacob?"

The youngest Cartwright boy didn't answer.

Ben asked again. "I asked if your plans were with Jacob?"

"Yeah," Little Joe said defiantly.

"What did I tell you?" Ben waited but got no response from his son. "Didn't I tell you you're not to see Jacob again - at least not right away?"

"Yeah," Joe said slowly.

"Well?"

"He's my friend."

"I know he's your friend. But your friend has been getting you in trouble lately and you're not to see him for awhile."

"Why not?"

"Because I said so."

Hoss and Adam kept quiet throughout this discussion, occasionally glancing over at each other.

Little Joe again looked defiantly at his father, but Ben's stern gaze made him look down at his plate and mutter, "Ain't fair."

"What was that, Son?"

Little Joe looked at him again. "I said it ain't fair, Pa! We wasn't hurtin' anything. Jus' had a few sips! And you make out like it was a whole lotta somethin'!"

"Son?" Ben warned. Adam and Hoss again looked at each other, knowing that Little Joe was asking for it.

"Go ahead. Hit me! I don't care!" With that, Little Joe pushed back his chair noisily and ran to his room, slamming the door as he did so. Ben took a deep breath to try and calm himself and looked at his other two sons who just shook their heads. Then their father rose and went in to deal with his youngest.

The next afternoon, while Ben and Hop Sing were gone, Adam worked on the ledgers inside the house while Hoss worked in the barn and Little Joe petulantly stacked firewood between the house and barn, as slowly and haphazardly as possible. He muttered to himself as he did this and every once in a while kicked at a piece of wood in anger.

"Hey, Little Joe!"

Little Joe looked up and around toward the back of the barn to see Jacob tying his horse to a branch.

"Thought ya was comin' ta town?" Jacob asked.

"Can't. Pa said I hafta stay here."

Jacob looked around. "Where's yer Pa?"

"In town with Hop Sing."

"Well, come on. Let's go somewhere."

Little Joe had a piece of wood in his hand and tossed it over onto the stack. "Can't. I told ya. Gotta stay here."

Adam, in the meantime, had come out to the well, filled the bucket and was carrying it toward the house. He spotted the two boys together and, annoyed, came part way over toward them. Little Joe was irritated that Adam had seen his friend.

"Joe, remember what Pa said," Adam warned.

"Ya gonna tell him?!" he asked antagonistically.

Adam considered giving his brother a good swat up alongside the head but thought better of it. He just shook his head disgustedly, turned and went toward the house.

"Hey, Joe. Wanna see somethin'?" Jacob started over toward his horse. Little Joe's curiosity was aroused and he started over toward the horse also. Jacob reached into his saddlebag and brought out something wrapped in an old towel. As he brought it out and started to unwrap it, Little Joe's eyes grew wide at the sight of the pistol.

Little Joe went closer. "Where'd ya git it?!"

"Found it," Jacob lied. He held the gun down and walked back over toward the area where Joe had been stacking the wood.

"Lemme hold it?!" Joe begged.

"I don't know..." Jacob teased.

"Is it loaded?"

"'Course not." He aimed it at the wood, pulled back the hammer and slowly squeezed the trigger. Nothing happened. "See?"

"Lemme hold it?!"

Jacob held it for a few seconds longer to tease his friend and finally, albeit reluctantly, held it out to him pointed downward. Joe accepted it excitedly. "Jeepers!" He aimed it toward the woodpile, then toward the well, then turned and aimed it toward the back of the house, near a tree, pulled the hammer back, though he had a tough time of it, and squeezed the trigger. Again nothing happened. His eyes grew wide in excitement.

"Come on, Joe. Let's go." Jacob started to reach for the gun, but Joe pulled away and aimed it again, first he aimed it up toward the roof, fixing his aim on the closest corner, then aimed it down toward a bucket on the porch, then turned and aimed it at a big knothole on the side of the barn, pulled the hammer back, again with effort, and pulled the trigger. This time there was a deafening boom and Little Joe fell back from the momentum, knocking Jacob back at the same time. Joe looked at his friend in shock and Jacob was also stunned. They looked at each other, then at the gun still smoking in Joe's hand. After a moment, Adam came running off the porch and halted at the sight of the gun in his brother's hand. At the same time, he heard Hoss yelling for him. Adam took off in a run for the barn and Little Joe just stood there, still shocked by what had happened.

Running into the barn, Adam yelled, "Hoss?!" and he heard his brother's frantic, "Over here!" Instantly the oldest Cartwright son looked over and saw Hoss kneeling beside Beauty, Adam's beloved horse. The horse had been shot in the side and was bleeding profusely. She was down in her stall, in severe pain and thrashing about, even though Hoss was trying to keep her still. Adam looked at his cherished friend suffering, then at Hoss and all Hoss could do was shake his head in sorrow. Adam felt total despair yet knew immediately what had to be done and who had to do it. He took a second to compose himself, then hurried out of the barn and ran toward the house, glancing once over at the two boys as he ran by. Little Joe and his friend were just standing there, not aware of what was happening in the barn but certain they didn't want to know. Jacob grabbed the gun away from Joe then hurried toward his horse. He called back at Joe as he neared his horse. "Come on!" Little Joe was terrified about what could be going on in the barn. Then he saw Adam running out of the house with a rifle and head toward the barn and Joe decided that whatever occurred was real bad. He took off quickly toward Jacob and jumped up behind the other boy. Jacob kicked his horse and it went galloping off with the two terrified riders.

A short while later as they were riding off, they heard one loud gunshot and Jacob pulled up the horse. They looked back toward the ranch house and barn then looked at each other in fear. Jacob turned and quickly got the horse moving once more.

Several hours later, Ben and Hop Sing pulled up in the wagon. It was near dusk and Hop Sing jumped off the wagon, grabbed a few supplies from the back and headed toward the house. Ben headed toward the barn to open the doors in order to lead the team in. He stopped just before opening the doors when he saw Hoss coming slowly around from the side of the barn. Hoss had a look on his face that instantly alerted Ben that something had happened.

"What's wrong, Hoss?"

Hoss looked down as if to compose himself, then looked up with tears in his eyes. "Pa, Adam...his horse..."

Ben grew concerned at the mention of his eldest. "What happened?"

Hoss again looked down to try to get the words out. "Adam's horse was hurt real bad. Adam--well, he had ta shoot her."

Ben was stunned. "Oh, no." He glanced around, hoping to spot Adam. "Where is he?"

Hoss looked up at him. "He just walked off. Coupl'a hours ago. Beauty's in the barn, Pa. Gonna need yer help takin' care of her."

Ben nodded solemnly, then reached out to squeeze Hoss's arm gently to comfort him and asked, "Where's Little Joe?"

Hoss got silent again. Ben again grew concerned. "Hoss? Where's Joseph?"

"I don't know, Pa. He was out putting the wood in the pile. I heard a gunshot and heard Beauty fall. I was tryin' to help her and yell fer Adam. Ain't seen Joe since before that."

Ben was worried about both missing sons now. And he was also concerned for his middle son who loved animals so much.

"Hoss, we'll deal with this after awhile. You go in the house now and relax."

"But, Pa..."

"It's okay. I'll find your brothers. Then we'll take care of Beauty." Hoss looked at him for a few moments, wanting to do something to help. But he eventually yielded to his father's wisdom and headed on toward the house. Ben watched him go then looked toward the barn. He had to get the wagon unhitched and get his horse saddled so he could go looking for his other sons. Hesitating for a moment, he shook his head then reluctantly went on into the barn.

After the sun had breathed it's last breath on the horizon and the moon had gently lit the night sky, Ben Cartwright finally located his oldest boy. He found Adam sitting on the ground near the pond, leaning up against a tree and looking out over the water. The crickets chirped softly nearby. Adam heard his father's horse softly whinny but didn't turn at the sound. His father walked over to his son and rested his hand on Adam's shoulder.

"I'm sorry, Son."

Adam didn't move and kept focused on the stillness of the water.

Ben sat down next to him and looked out at the water, too. "Want to tell me about it?"

Adam gave a long sigh but didn't say anything.

"Adam?"

Adam gave another long sigh, as if to collect himself, then turned toward his father. "Little Joe shot Beauty."

Ben was stunned. He waited for Adam to go on but was dreading to hear the details.

Adam continued. "He and Jacob had a gun..."

Ben closed his eyes, picturing what must have happened. "Oh no."

"I heard a shot and came running out of the house. I saw the two of them there by the woodpile. Then Hoss started yelling for me in the barn..."

Ben reached out to put his hand again on Adam's shoulder and squeezed it.

"...I saw Beauty bleeding in her stall." Adam closed his eyes at the thought and didn't go further.

"I'm so sorry, Adam."

His son turned away.

Ben Cartwright closed his eyes, feeling for his son's anguish. He knew Adam had loved that animal. And Ben was painfully aware that, as in most of Adam's life, people he loved or in this case his friend had been taken from him so tragically. Now, to add to his grief, he had been forced to destroy his own horse - directly due to Little Joe's actions. Would Adam ever be able to forgive his little brother? Or would the gap that had already developed between the two of them of late become a chasm that would never be crossed or filled again?

Ben sighed then looked at his son. "Adam, where's Joe now?"

Adam gave a slight, disgusted chuckle. "I don't know, Pa, and I really don't care."

"Adam..."

"No, I mean it. I've gotta go back now and bury my horse..." Adam paused for a moment to collect himself, then continued, "...while he's off somewhere playing with his little friend." Adam started to get up as he was talking. "My horse. The one my brother shot! So whatever Little Joe is doing right now doesn’t concern me in the least." With that, Adam started walking off back toward the Ponderosa. His father just stood there sadly watching his son go.

It was an unpleasant task but one that had to be done even though the darkness still enveloped the earth. Ben and his two oldest sons spent the next few hours by lantern-light moving and burying the horse. Adam's face showed no emotion as he worked alongside the other two men, but his father knew that was when his son was hurting the most - when he kept his feelings bottled up inside. Adam had adopted that tendency at an early age. Ben Cartwright had long ago decided it was a way of self-preservation for the son who had seen so much upheaval in his young life. And no matter how well-intentioned his family or others could be, only when Adam himself was ready would he remove his mask of indifference and go back to enjoying his life once again.

The burying done, Adam grabbed a lantern and started walking back to the barn as the other two Cartwrights collected the shovels and the other lantern.

"Adam, wait!" his father called, halting his son before he had reached the building. Adam turned toward him but said nothing.

"Adam, you and Hoss go on inside the house. It's late. I'll take care of the rest." It wasn't a job Ben Cartwright was looking forward to. So much blood. But Adam certainly didn't need to be dealing with it, and for that matter neither did Hoss.

Adam stood there silently for a few moments, then nodded and slowly headed toward the house. Hoss watched him go, then said, "Pa, I can help ya."

Ben smiled at his strong yet sensitive middle son. "No, Hoss. I can handle it. You turn in now. And thanks."

Hoss nodded once, then smiled in support and went to lay the shovels up against the barn. Ben followed him toward the barn and stopped when Hoss remembered something and turned to ask, "What about Little Joe? Want me ta go look for him?"

"No. It's too dark to be out looking now. I'm hoping he's holed up somewhere with Jacob."

At the mention of Jacob's name, Hoss shook his head in disgust and repeated, "Jacob."

"I know," his father said and then gave a long sigh. "We'll find Little Joe in the morning. Get some rest now, Son."

Hoss nodded once more, then headed toward the house.

Ben, Hoss and Hop Sing began their search first thing the next morning. Adam pretended to still be sleeping when his father had come in the boys' bedroom to check on him. Ben had decided it was best if he kept his oldest and youngest sons apart till he at least had a chance to speak with Joe so he didn't disturb his sleeping son.

It was just as well. Adam wasn't sure what he'd do if he got his hands on Little Joe first. "Two more days," he whispered to himself as he watched the bedroom door close.

There were just two more days till Adam would be heading east - away from the monster who used to be his little brother. Adam turned his head into his pillow and closed his eyes tightly to try and block out the image of Beauty lying dead in her stall.

"Two more days."

Ben located his youngest son hiding in the barn at Jacob's place. Jacob's family had been unaware of what had transpired at the Ponderosa the day before and Jacob's father, upon hearing the details, had grabbed Jacob's arm roughly and forced his son into the house, but only after the man had apologized profusely to Ben Cartwright. Both fathers had then agreed that neither son was to visit the other boy in the near future and quite possibly till the end of time and the two boys seemed to understand that this time they'd better listen.

Little Joe was silent as he climbed up behind his father and the elder Cartwright headed the horse out and away from Jacob's parents' home. They rode on in silence for quite awhile until at last Ben broke the ice. "Tell me about it, Son."

"It wasn't my fault, Pa."

"Then whose fault was it?"

Little Joe didn't answer.

"Well?"

"We didn't know the gun was loaded. Honest!"

"Were you supposed to be playing with a gun?"

Again the youngest didn't respond.

"Well?"

"No, Sir."

"Was Jacob supposed to be at the house?"

Once more there was no answer. Ben turned in the saddle to look back at him. Little Joe shrugged and said, "No."

His father turned back to watch the road. "You know you could've killed Hoss or Adam. Or even yourselves."

The boy answered after some hesitation, "Yeah."

They rode on.

"Joe, I know you didn't mean for this to happen. But you have to own up to your mistakes. And you also have to accept the consequences when you do wrong. I'll have to punish you for using the gun and for having Jacob over. And then you're going to have to find a way to make this up to your brother somehow."

Little Joe instantly cried, "No!" and jumped off the horse. His father immediately stopped the animal and looked down at his son.

"Pa, you can punish me. But I'm not gonna make anything up to Adam!" With that, he ran off. Ben watched him go, stunned at his reaction. Cartwright kicked his horse to get it moving and watched to make sure Little Joe stayed on course back to the ranch. As he rode along, Ben wondered sadly how he was going to salvage Adam's last days at home.

Adam had gone to town to purchase some last minute things for his trip that afternoon so keeping the situation calm at home that day proved easy. He returned home shortly before dinner, dropped off his purchases, and grabbed a bedroll while making an excuse to want to spend one of his last nights on the Ponderosa under the stars. Ben knew right away the real reason for the unscheduled campout but didn't try to dissuade his son. Hoss figured it out also and decided to accompany his brother. Adam agreed readily to this as he was happy to be spending some extra time with Hoss before leaving.

Little Joe kept out of sight until Adam had gone then sat quietly at the dinner table with his father. Ben didn't try to initiate any conversation with his son, preferring to let Joe decide if he needed or wanted to talk anything over.

Little Joe's punishment would be dealt out later that week, after Adam was well on his way east. His father didn't want to generate any more ill feelings in the brief time his oldest son would still be with the family.

The next day, Hoss and Adam returned. Adam stayed home to get everything organized and to pack for his trip while the rest of the Cartwrights spent the morning in town getting ready for Adam's goodbye party. Hop Sing stayed home to help Adam get his clothes ready for the trip and to prepare food for the celebration that night. Little Joe was quiet and sulked while being of little help in town. Ben ignored him and encouraged the others helping to prepare for the festivities to do the same.

Late that afternoon, the family, most of whom had returned home earlier to get cleaned up, rode into town in their Sunday best. Ben and Hop Sing rode in the wagon while the three Cartwright sons rode their horses - with Adam riding one of the spare mounts from the ranch. Little Joe followed the others from a good distance behind. If his little brother's presence or lack thereof bothered Adam he didn't show it and assumed a pleasant, although somewhat subdued, demeanor in deference to the friends and family members who had organized his party.

Most of the town had shown up, with the notable exception of Jack Wolf. He, of course, hadn't been invited but had been known in the past to show up whether invited or not, much to the dismay of the rest of the town. Fortunately, this party coincided with a scheduled business trip so there were no worries about him appearing unexpectedly.

There was plenty of food, music and endless good wishes directed Adam's way. He was surprised upon receiving a new valise from a number of family friends including Ruth and Eli Orowitz, Shelby and Big Dan. Hoss gifted his brother with a wooden horse he had carved. As Adam accepted it, he was silent for a moment, almost falling prey to his emotions. Ben immediately picked up on this and distracted his son with his gift - a brand new Colt Dragoon pistol and holster. Adam was stunned. Hoss, Hop Sing and the rest of the town looked on and joked that they had never seen Adam so speechless in his life. Ben remarked that he doubted Adam would be needing the weapon back East but that it would be waiting for him at home if he wished to leave it behind. Adam reached over to hug his father as if he'd just been given the greatest treasure in the world.

Little Joe, who had been moping out on the Town Hall's porch during the whole shindig, took this particular moment to make his presence known. He came to the front door, yelled, "Who needs ya?!" and took off running out of the building.

The people at the party, including the Cartwrights, were shocked at first by his outburst, but Ben quickly recovered and started hurrying toward the door. He was followed closely behind by his two older sons. Adam halted both his father and Hoss with a determined, "Let me." Ben considered this for a moment, then nodded and Adam hurried off. He jumped on the horse he had ridden to town and raced off down the street, following the slight dust cloud that Joe had raised when he had stormed off.

It wasn't difficult to run Paint, Little Joe's horse, down. The temporary mount Adam was using was faster and Adam was a more experienced rider than his younger brother. He caught up to the pinto, reached out for the reins and, to Little Joe's dismay, yanked the horse to a stop, pulling his horse up at the same time. Undaunted, Little Joe jumped down and went running off.

Adam dropped Paint's reins and rode off after his brother. The boy had determination Adam had to admit as the youngest Cartwright ran till he had no breath left in him. Finally winded and on the verge of collapse he stopped. Adam saw this and pulled his horse up a short distance away.

Adam dismounted and looked over at his brother. "All right. Let's hear it."

Little Joe answered out of breath and nastily, "Hear--what?"

"What this is all about."

"Oh,--just go back--to your stupid--party!"

Adam clenched the reins in his hands as he stood next to the horse. "Not till this is settled - one way or the other."

"I'm not apologizing.--I don't care--about your stupid horse!"

"This isn't about Beauty. Beauty getting shot was an accident."

Little Joe looked taken aback by these words. Some of the hostility in his eyes faded briefly, to be replaced by a slight ray of cautious relief.

"I know you didn't mean to do it, Joe."

His little brother finally had recovered his breath and had begun to warm to these words, but then the anger re-ignited in his heart. "Oh, just leave me alone!"

Adam reached over to absently stroke the horse's neck as he considered his words. "It's about me leaving isn't it?"

"I don't care what you do!"

"I need to do this, Joe. You know how long I've waited for this chance to go to college."

"So who's stoppin' ya?"

"You are."

"You don't care about me, Adam."

"Yes I do. You know that."

Little Joe looked angry and skeptical.

Adam continued. "You know, Pa and Hoss don't want me to leave either." He paused and then said these next words very carefully. "But they love me enough to let me go."

Little Joe didn't respond to this. Adam looked directly at his brother as he asked intensely, "Do you?"

Little Joe looked stricken by these words and said nothing. After a few moments, Adam turned his horse back in the other direction and prepared to mount. Little Joe saw this and called out desperately, "Adam, wait!"

Adam turned back around to look at him. Little Joe just stood there for a moment, then for a few moments longer. At last, he looked cautiously over at his brother and, with a downcast look on his face, slowly nodded. After what seemed like ages to Joe, a smile started to form around the edges of Adam's mouth. Little Joe saw this and soon had the faintest trace of one forming also. After a slight hesitation, the boy started over toward his oldest brother as Adam likewise began to head in Joe's direction. Then Little Joe broke into a run. Adam knelt down as Joe reached him and he pulled his youngest brother into a desperate embrace.

Tears started to streak down Little Joe's face as Adam held him tightly and Adam himself was having a hard time holding back the moisture that was threatening to cloud his own eyes.

Little Joe clung on fiercely and whispered, "I love you, Adam."

Adam squeezed Joe tighter, closed his eyes in happiness and said, "I know. I love you too, Brother."

They remained as one for a little while longer, each refusing to let go of this special moment. Finally, Adam pulled gently out of Little Joe's grasp and looked him squarely in the eye. "We're missing a party. So what do ya say? Wanna go?"

Little Joe thought about this for a few seconds, then smiled and nodded. Adam stood up and said, "Come on." The two Cartwrights turned and walked toward Adam's horse, each with an arm around his brother's back, and Little Joe using his free hand to wipe off his tear-stained face.

They reached the horse and Adam put one foot in the stirrup and swung his leg over to the other side. As he reached his hand down to help Little Joe get up behind him, he asked casually, "Joe, would you do me a favor?" Joe swung his leg over the back of the horse as he climbed on and gripped Adam's waist as his brother got the horse walking. "Sure, Adam. What?"

Adam was facing forward and he looked off in the distance as he asked, "When I get back, will you help me pick out a new horse?" Little Joe grew silent. Adam turned his head around as far as he could and winked at him. Little Joe smiled and answered without hesitation, "Only the best!"

Adam turned back to face forward again and responded with a chuckle, "Right!" With that, he easily slapped the reins and the horse started galloping off to the promising future that lay ahead.

THE END