I do NOT own Bonanza nor any of the original Cartwright characters… nor do I own Albert Michaelson or his father, Sam.

Don't Forget the Stars

Chapter Eight

"Your father's legs are not responding like they should." Dr. Martin looked at Adam. He, Adam sat next to Paul's desk a look of great concern appeared on his face. Dr. Martin hurried to reassure him it didn't necessarily mean permanent damage had been done. "Still, I do get enough response to let me know that there's a chance of full recovery. I don't suggest moving him quite yet though. Once his back is healed up, you can take him back to the Ponderosa. I'll continuing checking in on him, and I have various things you and your brothers can do for him until he's able to get around in a wheelchair and plenty of exercises for him to do even then. Though," the doctor said as he stressed his next words, "the chair should never take place of his exercises. You're going to have your hands full for awhile I fear." The good doctor knew all too well Ben would never walk again if letting the wheelchair take place of the exercises was allowed to even be an acceptable option.

Once his back was healed up? "How long will that be?" Adam needed to know, as he needed to start planning his, and his brothers', work days around what he was sure was going to be an interesting ride, if that was even the word to use in this situation. Maybe, he should have thought of 'Nightmare' first. Then again, his father would probably only tell him to be more positive if he did. Guess he could work on that one; after all, right now they were blessed to have some of the finest hands on the ranch. That, having dependable hands, would be mighty important as who knows what this deal with his father would entail.

Paul rubbed his forehead feeling the weight of the case on his shoulders. He was a mere man with the knowledge of a man, that was sometimes frustrating. "At least six weeks, maybe even two months, and that's just for the break to heal. I can't say how long it will be before he starts walking again. It wouldn't surprise me if it take at least a year." He couldn't say he blamed Adam for the grimaced look that came upon his face.

Adam didn't speak for a moment. His father had always been so active and hardworking. Being in the wheelchair, for any amount of time, was going to be hard on him and everyone around him. "I've got to do something…" Mike's words rang in his ears. Adam knew Mike was still seriously considering taking tests and getting out of school, despite what Ben had said. "We'll have help. Right now, I best go find a place for pa to stay in town while that back of his heals." Adam picked up his hat and headed for the door.

Adam didn't have to think twice about where he wanted his pa to stay. Mike needed two things; one, to feel like he was doing something for his, Adam's, father and two, to have something, or someone, knock some sense into him when it came to his education. Somehow, Adam knew if anyone could get through to the lad it would be Ben Cartwright himself. When he reached the store, Sam was behind the counter and Mike was stocking shelves.

Sam's face filled with concern when Adam walked into the store looking so serious. Fear filled his heart as he thought, perhaps, Ben had not made it after all. The look that came upon Mike's face, once he saw who had come in, was the same as his father's. "How's your father?" Sam asked as he braced himself for the worst.

"He'll live." Adam gave him a half smile as he leaned against the counter. Relief flooded through Sam, though he waited to hear what he could see was coming. "You have a spare room here, right?" Adam looked through the opening that led to the back of the store and into the Michaelson's living quarters.

Sam sighed and nodded. "Yes, we do. If you need it for awhile, it's yours." He wasn't about to turn the man away. The Cartwrights were some of the best friends he'd ever had. They'd helped Sam's family out on more than once occasion.

Adam slowly explained what the doctor had said. He wasn't surprised to see the pain and guilt that appeared in young Mike's eyes. Adam was through trying to get through to the boy though; all he could do was hope his father would have more luck than he had. "I'd like to move him here. Hoss, Little Joe and I will be here as much as we can, until it's safe for him to be transported back to the Ponderosa. I was hoping you could spare Mike though. He's been saying he wanted to help, and we help is something we need right now, especially pa."

Mike heart skipped a beat; he wasn't about to try to get out of helping the Cartwrights anyway he could. He stepped away from the shelves. "I could go get the room ready papa." His face showed how badly he wanted to get started on it. Sam wasn't about to tell the lad not to, though he too still wished he could get through to Mike; his head had to be made of granite though.

"Fine," Sam said as he nodded towards the back, "Go and get it ready." Mike didn't have to be told a second time as he practically flew to the store and back to the room. Both Sam and Adam shook their head.

"I hope your father has better luck than I have had. That boy will not listen to a word I try to say." Sam barked softly, his frustration could be heard in his voice. He'd try again, if he knew what to say that would break his son's stubborn wall down.

Adam hoped so to, but he wasn't going to dwell on it for now. He had to get back to the Ponderosa and check on things there, talk matters over with Hoss and Little Joe and then either come back into town himself, or send one of his brothers. He took his hat and put it on his head. "Thanks, Sam." He said as he turned and left the store.