Headstall

Have you ever been hurt so much that you push people away, rather than expose your heart again? I think this is where Boone is at. We see him floundering over whether he is making the right choice, but once on a road, it can be hard to leave it. I understand your feelings for Boone right now... he's said too much and he's said it harshly. Not out of meanness, but out of past experience. In all fairness, Coy let him down with that punch... he was a participant in that kiss, and then did an about face. I might not let myself get over that either. My point is, both men are hurting, and so are the readers.

Lol. That about sums it up, Albert. This is a tough thing for both of them, and really hard to navigate. Boone can't take back the things he said, and Coy has too much pride to want him to. Men. Thanks, my friend.

As readers we get invested, and we wish we could plot the characters' courses, but we can't. The journey might be tough at times, but it takes us where we need to go. The sheriff is definitely a good and 'right proper' man who is honest and principled. Boone and Coy were lucky he was one of the good ones. Yes, Wes and Lee would have wanted the boys to have the gold, and the sheriff new that. They've been given a gift... let's see what they each do with it. Thanks, buddy.

Happy you think so. Love can happen at any age, and there may always be some hurdles to get past, but they are worth the effort. Thanks so much for reading this and sharing your thoughts.

Yeah, I kind of like the room I have. I have big windows and a terrific view of nature. I've accepted that part of what makes my life enjoyable is the satisfaction I get from renovating and improving. I ignored that for a while while I devoted most of my time to writing, nut I need balance. I don't fret so much over producing new work in a steady stream. That is too much pressure. And yeah, my bed is big... need room for Cookie.

If a writer wants to be authentic, he can't shy away from difficult subjects. You don't just acquire knowledge out of thin air, and Boone didn't want Coy to experience the feelings he did for his first time. It was a conversation he needed to have, but it was not an easy subject to tackle. I loved Coy's response... sounds easier than shaving. Yeah, I'm sure that tent got warm... and Blue and the other stock better get used to the night sounds. Thanks, my friend.

It's impressive you worked that out, buddy. Boone knew the value of gold coins, and while other money was gaining faith during that time, gold was what everyone preferred. Having forged a relationship with Corker will likely help them in many ways. The man knows where all the good stock is, and he can repair any wagon, wheel, or piece of harness. I'm sure he is a highly respected member of the community, and it would appear he has provided them an exceptional team. I agree about Coy, and it is impressive how much he takes note of. I mean, for someone Boone didn't think was a farmer, he knew the price of a new plow. Yeah, he is definitely all in... and yes... turns out he is a good communicator now that his fear has dissipated.

Thank you, Dan! Of the many side characters I've written, he might have been the most fun for me. He's learned to compensate for losing his voice, and he's passionate about his work. No one can take that away from him.

Bless you too, my friend. Loss starts a journey for all of us, and it is something that can't be rushed. I'm always around if you need to talk. And 50... hell, that's young! Seriously... I would love to be that age again. I agree about stories being a gift that keeps giving. For example, I just reread this because of your comment, and it lifted me up like it has in the past. It's like an old friend that becomes new again. I loved telling Maurice and David's story... so much that I eventually added two more installments. Thank you for bringing me back to this. I babysat my daughter's two crazy dogs tonight and I'm so tired I can barely keep my eyes open, but I had to check out your comment.

Well... he took the time he needed, but he got there in the end. Hallelujah is right!! It was a great feeling when I got to this chapter... these two bucked the odds in a different and difficult time, and there is real love to show for it. Boone has his home and he has the man who has owned his heart. Thanks, buddy.

That kind of thing from Will would have messed anyone up. Coy's been carrying this around, not wanting to Boone to get riled, trying to protect him from Will's wrath. It explains so much, and yeah, I feel pity for him too. Between his brother and his mum, and religion, he had to fight hard to keep his friendship with Boone. That is so wrong, on so many levels. But, it's all out in the open now. Is Boone frustrated? Maybe so, but I think he just wants to give Coy the room he needs... and made the choice to be honest with him.

And ooops, I missed this.

It the kind of situation that needs time to work itself out. Coy is trying to understand Boone more, I think. Also, trying to understand himself, and if his confusion means anything more than friendship. Boone is being realistic... he's had hope before, and knows how it ended, so he needs to be cautious with his heart. I believe he realizes now that Coy's friendship is enough. Thanks, Dan.

Hey, all!

Absolutely true, Dan, but it's a start. At this moment, the seem to need each other, and have accepted that fact. What the future holds, they or we don't know, but as Coy said, he can think better when he has something to do and someplace to go. Actually, they are headed for the woods. Thanks for the comment, buddy.

Thanks, Terry! I had a lot of fun writing it. Worked real hard on it. We don't know yet why Coy was following Boone, but yeah, it's a good bet Sheriff Willard gave him a kick in the pants. Blue really is the hero, but horses and mules do tend to look for their own pack, and he probably caught scent of Buttercup and Mouse. Lot fd credit to Coy too, for searching every inch of the banks of Snake River... but that's what you do for a good friend.

Kind of makes you want to hold your breath doesn't it? Boone must be doing a bunch of that right now. What else could go wrong for Boone? Plenty, my friend... plenty.

Sheriff Willard fascinated me from the beginning. The fact he cares so much about two young men and how their lives are changing makes me curious. As a lawman, you would expect a little more hardness or aloofness from the man, but he is almost relentless as he challenges Boone's choice to leave Coy behind... and Coy's decision to not accompany Boone. Very curious. I believe Coy feels guilt over not returning Boone's feelings, and also that he thinks Boone stayed to protect him. When Boone says he wants to find someone made like him, Coy sees Dan as that person. As he said in the previous chapter... Boone could have learned to love Dan.... Lol. You could be right about Coy getting a talking to from the sheriff. Appreciate the mentions of the cliffhanger... that was some serious fun for this writer. Hell of a way to travel, and I do not recommend it. Thanks, Terry.

Yeah, that dialogue is painful, but each spoke with honesty. And yes, there is pride, probably too much, on Coy's part now. It means he's hurting maybe even worse than for his last kin's death. There are some assumptions going on for sure, but isn't that what we do when we know someone so well. Maybe they're not taking into account that the situation has changed, and that that causes people to change. Yep. Cloudy thinking. No doubt about it. Agonizing dialogue... it surely was.

I just reread this, and felt the pain of both men. Stubborn? Sure, but pride was something a man had to have in those times, in my opinion. Boone is struggling to find some after five years of longing... and he also wants to find a real home. As far as Coy, he knows Boone is right about the farm, but he needs a destination, and for the moment he feels lost. It's a difficult situation for both of them, and probably one of the first or few honest talks they've been able to have since Will got killed. Both men are raw, and both were vulnerable... seeing this as an end to their friendship. We are seeing those last gasps... and some definite desperation. So... stubborn? I don't think that is the word I would use for these men at this time. You're right about their bond, but they are not on the same page, and something has to give.

Yes, he is a sharp man, and it wouldn't take much to see Coy was nothing like his brother. I'm sure he saw many bad folk pass through Red Bluff, so he would appreciate someone with a good heart who put themselves in possible peril by coming to him. And no, there is no corruption in that man. In my research I read an article about lawmen, and how some were worse than the criminals they arrested, but that some were honest, caring individuals who fought to protect 'decent folk'. Sheriff Willard is obviously the latter. No way would he have accepted and kept that gold for himself. Thank you for the kind words, As you know by now, I like to progress and flavor a story through dialogue. It is much better than narration for getting nuanced results. I'm happy to hear you were in that dusty jail with Boone and Coy and the sheriff. You probably didn't notice me sitting in the corner.

Thanks, Albert! This chapter allowed me to use less narrative and more dialogue so I could show the mood better. Yeah, the flow of the western speak feels right to me too, but that might because I am so used to it now after writing more westerns. I appreciate you brought up the descriptions. As the story progresses I'm able to give a better feel to the surroundings... the heat, the dust, the camp, the river... it's like painting and is best when I can do it through dialogue and actions. Who knows what will happen next. I always say there is nothing wrong with hoping, even if we might not get exactly what we wish for. Keep those fingers crossed, buddy.

Taller than Drew? Yeah.

We learn a lot about the kind of man Boone is in this chapter, but we don't yet have a lot to go on about Coy. What we do know id that they have a good friendship, and Coy treasures that. But, things have happened, things that can't be taken back, and Boone really does feel he needs a fresh start, away from the pain of loving someone who isn't made like he is. I understand your feelings, Albert, and you're right that there is more power in them staying together, particularly if Boone does set out on a journey, but that won't solve the ache in Boone. Thanks so much for the kind words about the quality of the story so far. I think we can feel the desperation in them both... and it is not looking good. Happy you found this western tale authentic so far.