Months later the Cartwright's were standing in front of the Stage Line Depot waiting for the stage to come and take Adam away to college.
Joe's P.O.V
I'm not angry with Adam anymore. I'm proud that he's fulfilling his dream and going to college. I'll be the only kid in class besides Hoss to say that I have a brother in college.
I'm glad he and I work things out and I'm happy to say that he and I are closer than ever. I sure am gonna miss Adam but I know that he'll come back and I know things won't change between us.
I wish this day didn't come Pa's been dreading it for the last few weeks. Hoss didn't want this day to come either but Hoss being Hoss he kept telling Pa about the wonderful things Adam would get to do and how his new found education was gonna be a great help to the Ponderosa. I'm sure both Adam and Pa were most appreciative for that.
Pa said that the stage was late and for the first timed I never seen Pa so glad that the stage was late. I think Adam was relieved to.
I can't imagine how hard this must be for him. He never left the ranch before at least no more than a week.
I'm sure he's looking forward to go to Boston and reconnect with his grandfather. I'm sure the fact that Adam's grandfather is gonna be around puts Pa at ease.
I hope Pa is holding up alright I know he's gonna be sad for a while.
Adam's P.O.V
I can't believe this day has come. I wish I didn't have to say goodbye. I'm glad that the stage is late at least it gives me more time to prepare myself and my family.
I'm glad Joe and I work things out I would have hated it if I left before working things out. I know this day must be hard for him as it is for Pa and Hoss.
I hope Pa would be alright after I leave. I'm glad Hoss was able to help Pa see the positives of me going to Boston. I'm very grateful for my brother Hoss for that.
I know it's gonna be hard for him to fill in my shoes not only on the ranch but as the older brother.
I hope my little brother is holding up better than me. I think it's gonna be harder to say goodbye to him then Pa or Hoss.
The stage comes roaring down the hall and pulls up in front of the Cartwright's. Adam takes a deep breath and turns to his father who was trying to but on a brave face but Adam knew that inside his father's heart was breaking.
"You have a safe trip son. I sent a telegram to your grandfather he'll meet you when you get there" said Ben trying to stop the tears forming in his eyes.
"Thanks Pa" said Adam. "Take care of yourself son" said Ben. Adam nods his head. He shakes hands with his father then hugs him.
Ben pulls away from him. "I love you Pa" said Adam. "I love you too son" said Ben.
Adam turns to Hoss and walks up to him. "When I come back I bet you're gonna be taller than me" teased Adam. "Maybe but you'll still be my 'big' brother" teased Hoss.
"Take care of yourself brother" said Adam. "You too Adam" said Hoss. Adam hugs him. "I love you Hoss" said Adam. "I love you too" said Hoss.
Last but not least Adam walks over to Joe who looked like he was losing his best friend and it broke Adam's heart.
Adam kneels down in front of Joe. "I hope you're gonna behave for Pa and Hoss while I'm gone" said Adam. "I'm not a little kid anymore Adam" said Joe.
Adam ruffles Joe's head. "No but you always be my kid brother" said Adam. "Promise that you'll keep your promise?" asked Joe.
"I promise if you promise to remember what I told you in the cave" said Adam. "I always will" said Joe.
Adam smiles and embraces his brother. "I love you Adam" said Joe trying to hold back sobs. "I love you Little Joe" said Adam.
He looks at Joe and kisses him on the forehead. Adam gets up and says goodbye to Hoss and Ben then climbs into the stage carriage.
As the stage pulls out and drives away Joe starts to cry. Ben puts his arm around his son and comforts him.
Adam was sitting alone in the carriage and began to flashback to special times he spent with his family especially Joe.
He takes a long sorrowful deep breath and tears started to roll down his cheeks. "I promise I'll come back" he said to himself.
~Fin~