Vcs

Oh my, we are all so hoping @Doha. Perhaps, with somewhat of an audience for his chat with the sheriff and their input, Little Man will find the strength and courage to share what he observed and remembered, even if it's not much. 🤞

I'll be honest, @Doha, it's a hell of a place to be stuck in, and it's really tempting to shake someone when they're there and say, "Come on, out with it!" What a place, if only...

Having been up until the wee hours yet again, I slept in this morning and must say, receiving a laugh so soon is tremendously welcome @Summerabbacat. Your comments so often have me rolling. Love the names you've come up with. Bwahahaha Interesting question that, on who Kidd really is. Again?! Okay, it's time to boost your immune system. I'm saddened to hear the bugs have caught you again. Hmmm, I'll have to look up my recipe for Spiced Tea. My sweetie always said that and my Matzo Ball Soup were cure-alls.

Thank you, @dboggs9700! Seems they would have, but who knows, maybe something threw them all off? As for panicking, he sure did that the night before. What will Little Man tell the sheriff? So far he seems to have been hesitant to come out with anything. Is that due to memory loss or fear of being a nuisance?

He will at that, @Charles26. I get he has trauma-induced amnesia, but it's frustrating his reluctance to 'bother' the others when he experiences something that could possibly lead to answers. Rational thinking, though, isn't always clear for victims. 🥲

Here we go: with Chapter 14 come the descriptions of both Doc and Sam... Doc Age : 34 Appearance : slender, slightly muscular Height : 5” 11” Hair : light brown, sun-bleached highlights Caucasian Eyes : blue Vet at Two Spirits Horse Ranch, former volunteer paramedic, Sam’s partner, in ‘The Life,' genial personality, shy smile, devoted to others on the ranch, protective, cordial though serious when it comes to those under his care, be they ‘man or beast,' quick-witted, often serious though will break out in a jig when the mood strikes. Sam Age : 44 Appearance : muscular, solid Height : 6” 1” Hair : blonde w/ grey wisps Caucasian Eyes : powder blue Ranch Foreman of Two Spirits Horse Ranch, plays banjo, Doc’s partner, in ‘The Life,' steadfast, is a deeply loving man dedicated to the ranch and his Two Spirits family, often serious, firm but fair, a bit reserved, tends to be a bit gruff and no-nonsense, carrying a serious expression.

Continued... Jake glanced at Hank and straightened at the man’s sudden tilt of the head. Their silent conversation continued for a few seconds before Hank nodded. Jake looked around and back at the other man, his eyebrows arched. Almost instantly, Hank, Frank, Coop, and a couple of others from the ranch stood inconspicuously on alert. ---------- Jake sighed, sitting higher in his seat, and slid a protective arm around his date. “Mannly, I have a surprise for you.” “Really?” L

Woohoo it worked! Thank you @Summerabbacat!! The video is better quality too than you might think. Thanks again 🤗

That he was, @VBlew and I just love how appreciative Little Man is of every kindness. He was adorable with the horses, nuzzling with Starlight, whispering to her, and giggling when Midnight tickled him while eating his apple. Horses are such amazing, magical creatures. Poor Jake just can't keep his thoughts in his head. Sweet innocent Mannly seems to have an incredible power over him. Ugh, sometimes characters come along even in stories that are so tempting to just reach out and smack 'em. No, I wouldn't, but I can't deny that it's tempting. Talking about Starlight and Midnight brought to mind a wonderful place I love to visit, Assateague Island. Those who, like myself, love horses are sure to enjoy seeing and learning about the wild equines there and the history of how they came to be. //dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/eastern/assateague.aspx

Both observation and question are great; thank you @Charles26! It takes someone observant to pick up cues and is even more apparent to those who have experienced trauma of some kind. My take on it at this point in the story is that, yes, Hank and Jake have a clue. Notice the way Hank put his hand on Mannly’s shoulder and then Jake put his arm around him, both protective stances. As for why pretend? There are so many reasons. First, shame is inherent for so many who've fallen "victim." I’ve not met a survivor, and I’m specifically speaking of males now, who hasn’t felt some degree of shame. Is it justified or warranted? Absolutely not, but then society teaches so many beliefs that start with “real men don't..." There is no place for shame in being targeted for any kind of assault. Next, there’s fear, wondering if he’s truly safe and who he can trust completely. What if they find out how damaged he is? Will he be told he’s too much trouble, too broken, thrown out of the only place he has that’s safe? He can’t even remember who he is. Yes, on some level he knows he’s safe. Accepting it, though, is risky, and before he can completely trust others, Mannly first must learn to trust himself. There’s so much more... The final point, though, is denial. There’s a saying, “Denial is not a river in Egypt." Unfortunately, when struggling to come to terms, some cling to the hope that the river exists. It doesn’t, of course, and denial just gets one as far as that non-existent river in Egypt. I hope this helps. For all those who are survivors themselves or have someone in their lives who've experienced trauma, I leave you with gentle hugs to pick up and hold close when you are ready. 🤗 🤗 🤗

And you didn't include a link @Summerabbacat? I'm a little punchy from lack of sleep, so forgive me when I say - Shame on you! LOL Guess I'll have to trust my Google skills to find it. Yeah, I really shouldn't be fussing at anyone given brains here forgot to include the chapter title when revising this morning. Worse yet, I wasn't the one to come up with such a great title. Thank you again by the way. I love what you came up with!

Oh, come on now @dboggs9700, you two are killing me. Hmmm, what if... Nah, that'd never work. Besides, we all love their collab on that song too much, so we don't want to chance getting in the way of another.

Holy smokes, @Summerabbacat, you sure get me laughing! I missed the whole Dallas show, so I am just guessing who Sue Ellen's sister was. Poor Midnight, you leave that gorgeous black stallion alone! LOL As for thugs, I'm past ready for them to get theirs. When, how, who, where??? Puuullleeease, someone tell me they get got!

Thank you kindly; @dboggs9700, it's good to see you back. I'll be honest, it's so hard to tell where to break. Hang in there with me, please; there's more to come...

Thank you @Summerabbacat. Writing for GA is a bit different than what I've done before, as it really does feel like the characters of In the Bar are surprisingly enthusiastic about having their stories told. Jo, for instance, really wanted to tell how he arrived at the ranch. Judeo-Christian beliefs certainly have had their influence. Hopefully, the telling will respectfully do justice to everyone's persuasion.

Oy vey, @Wiyot! So, I'm responsible for tears and gagging? Wow, that's quite an accomplishment for so early here in the U.S.! You deserve a couple of 🤗🤗 On a side note, @Summerabbacat, you didn't tell me I needed a gag warning. 🤣

@Wiyot, am I imagining things, or is it already 13 deep?

Jo has a chapter dedicated to him coming down the line, giving a glimpse of his history. As for the belief system on the ranch, it's varied, and being Native American along with following the old ways, neither the Longfeathers nor Jake is of the Christian faith. Religion is such a sensitive subject, with my own belief system being different from most; experiences have certainly colored my views on the subject. I try to be fair, though sometimes I might not succeed. Thank you, @Summerabbacat.

I am most fortunate,,@Summerabbacat to have someone in the background contributing so much. I'd not thought to add a tissue warning until a very wise Summerabbacat suggested it was needed. After that, I put on some background sounds of rain, poured a glass of wine, and reread the chapter quietly. Yes, it was one I'd have left a comment about needing tissues, so thank you! Being sensitive to smells, the part of the 'smell so acrid' was a bit of a challenge. I know all too well what triggers me and am thankful the words written painted the picture. Thank you; @Summerabbacat, your continued encouragement is so very much appreciated.

Two words: Hot damn! Whew, just had to get that out. And I also have to say: I want that Stampede shirt NOW, please. Hmmm, did the Fabulous Mr. Porter contribute his ideas on that one? Alas, I'm guessing not, but just think of the hat he could create to go with. Yes, please, the shirt and hat too, please, please, please!

And the prize goes to..... @dboggs9700, the first to leave the correct guess: dboggs9700 I am guessing it is Jake's horse.

A little about cast members Jo and his girl Sally... Jo Age : 23 Appearance : diminutive, wiry, few freckles Height : 4’11½” Eyes : green, color of clover Irish Hair : untamed, red, curly Overall helper at Two Spirits, makes up for diminutive height with unbridled enthusiasm and an infectious smile, sent to Two Spirits Horse Ranch by the Longfeather tribe to Jaciah and Kahlid Longfeather, who created the Ranch Assistant job for him; dedicated and loyal. His best friend as he was growing up was his hound dog, Ol’ Rex. Jo plays the mouth organ (harmonica) and enjoys Western comics. He was sent to Two Spirits Horse Ranch by the Longfeather tribe to Jaciah and Kahlid Longfeather, who created the Ranch Assistant job for him; he is dedicated and loyal. His best friend as he was growing up was his hound dog, Ol’ Rex. Lacking much education and developmentally challenged, Jo is smart in his own way and much loved by all on Two Spirits Horse Ranch. Sally Age : 24 Appearance : petite, elfin, freckles Height : 4’11” Eyes : deep green Irish Hair : curly auburn, shoulder length Jo’s girlfriend resides in Rudyard and works at Sugar Shack 50’s diner; she has the ‘voice of an angel' and is developmentally challenged, currently background character; however, she might be making an appearance in the future P.S. Thank you everybody for reading!

Continued... Suddenly, he heard Jake calling him from outside, “Hey, Little Man, come out, will you?” Looking somewhat confused and to no small degree curious, he excused himself and stepped out on the porch. ---------- “Good morning, Mannly. There’s someone here who’s been anxious to meet you. This is Midnight. Midnight, this is Little Man, remember him?” The horse snorted in response, his head bobbing. Mannly, stunned, asked, “He understands you?” “What can I say?

@Wiyot, like our dear Shir, this one don't play. Thx 👍

You too? Wow, and I thought I was the only one it happened to.