Will breathed a sigh of relief.

"What's the matter, Dad?" Buck asked. "Why are you suddenly asking?"

"No, no, son, it's all right. I just wanted to make sure...

This conversation took all his strength, and it took a week before Will plucked up the courage to talk to his eldest son, seventeen-year-old Jake. One evening after dinner they were alone in the kitchen, and Will, turning to his son, said:

"Jake, I want to ask you a question... A little strange. But I really need to know the truth. Please don't be shy. Speak plainly. I won't be offended. Do you think I love you?

Jake was silent for a long time, looking away. Then he said:

"I don't know, Dad. Maybe you do. You do everything for my benefit. With my mind I understand this, but with my heart... Sometimes it seems to me that you don't love me at all.

"Why, son?" Will exclaimed.

"You don't care about me. It's useless to wait for help from you. Do you remember when the barn caught fire? I started putting out the fire, and Buck sent you for help. You didn't come. You said that we could cope on our own, because the fire was small. And indeed, we extinguished it in no time. But why didn't you want to help?! Why didn't he come? I don't understand. Of course, I know you want me to be independent, so you do it. I want to believe it, but more often than not, I feel like you just don't love me.

Or do you remember, with mathematics?.. When I was sick and fell far behind. I had a lot of problems to solve, and I didn't know how, I couldn't do anything, so I asked you to explain. You replied: "Figure it out yourself, you are not stupid." I saw that you know the solution, you just don't want to help me. You can't imagine how offended I was with you. And when my car stalled... I thought you would help, but you said: "I managed to lead her into the mud, you can pull her out." Of course, I did it alone, but I wanted you to help me. That's why I say you don't love me. And if you do, then I don't feel this love.

At this point, Will could not stand it.

"Jake!" Please forgive me! I offended you so much. But I'm not angry. I didn't even know how much you needed my help. I wanted you to grow up independent, so that you would get used to relying only on yourself. I am proud of you, I love you, and I want you to know about it. Next time you need help, I'll definitely help you, just let me know...

And he hugged his son.

Seven months later, when the road was washed away by the rains, the van in which Jake and Buck were traveling got bogged down in the mud. For two hours, the boys tried to pull him out. Unsuccessfully. In the end, Jake sent his brother for his father. Upon learning of the trouble, Will immediately jumped into the saddle and rushed to Jake's aid. When everything was over, Buck could not understand why his father hugged Jake and thanked him: "Thank you for giving me a chance!"