{"id":122,"date":"2017-12-02T07:26:45","date_gmt":"2017-12-02T07:26:45","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/?p=122"},"modified":"2017-12-02T07:26:45","modified_gmt":"2017-12-02T07:26:45","slug":"december-2nd-the-monarch-by-dppatricks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/?p=122","title":{"rendered":"December 2nd- The Monarch by DPPatricks"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sincere thanks to Suzan.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ken Hutchinson was pacing the apartment, unmistakably in one of his bordering-on-sullen moods. \u201cI don\u2019t want to go to Duluth, Starsk. It\u2019ll be all phony Christmas shit, like when I was a kid.\u201d He almost pouted. \u201cWhy can\u2019t we go to Tahoe?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah, right.\u201d Dave Starsky didn\u2019t even try to keep the sarcasm out of his voice. \u201cNo phony Christmas shit in Tahoe, no siree, Bob!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAt least, up there, they know<\/em> it\u2019s glitzy crap and commercialism.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky turned serious. \u201cListen to me for a minute, Hutch.\u201d He caught his partner\u2019s hand and pulled him down to sit next to him on the sofa. \u201cI just have this feeling\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

To Starsky\u2019s surprise, Hutch didn\u2019t make light of the words or his tone. \u201cThat\u2019s a normal condition with you, buddy.\u201d A half-smile took potential sting out of the words. \u201cGo on, though, I\u2019m listening.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou should try to work out whatever\u2019s wrong between you and your folks. They\u2019re not getting any younger and, having nearly checked out from the plague yourself last month, you need to be at peace with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I don\u2019t want to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, Hutch –\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch patted his knee and stood up. \u201cAll right, Starsk. We\u2019ll go. But if it turns out as badly as I expect, I\u2019ll never go back again!\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky knew it was the best deal he was going to get. \u201cI\u2019ll make the reservations.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

At the airport the next day, Starsky was still trying to coax Hutch into a better frame of mind while they waited for a ticket agent to become available. \u201cI thought they sounded pleased that we\u2019re coming. Didn\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMother, possibly. Her voice didn\u2019t have its usual tone of disapproval but I\u2019m not sure I heard pleasure. Father just did his usual non-committal routine.\u201d<\/p>\n

A uniformed lady beckoned from behind the counter and Starsky hurried forward with Hutch slowly following. \u201cHutchinson, Starsky, Duluth, Minnesota. I made reservations yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n

The clerk\u2019s expression went from professionally helpful to guarded. \u201cAre you aware of the major storm heading straight for the mid-west from northeastern Canada?\u201d She appeared to be genuinely concerned. \u201cThey don\u2019t usually come from that direction but it\u2019s definitely on its way.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky and Hutch looked at each other; it was news to them.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a distinct possibility you\u2019ll end up somewhere other than Duluth, gentlemen. That happens a lot this time of year, although we don\u2019t often have to divert westward.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI still think we should go to Tahoe, Starsk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky hoped Hutch was being facetious. \u201cWe\u2019re going to your parents\u2019 place, Hutch. Even if we have to rent snowshoes and walk from Fargo to get there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cLadies and gentlemen, this is Captain Douglas from the flight deck again. It appears as if we\u2019re going to be lucky this day-before-The-Day-Before-Christmas because we\u2019ll be the final flight allowed to land in Duluth. As soon as we\u2019re on the ground, they\u2019ll be closing the airport to all incoming and outgoing traffic.\u201d He laughed lightly over the intercom and dropped into an unofficial-sounding drawl. \u201cSure hope none of y\u2019all were secretly wishin\u2019 to end up in North Dakota, \u2019cause we\u2019re gonna get you to your destination in spite of this mean-tempered storm. Merry Christmas, everybody, and fasten your seatbelts, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch\u2019s expression said he was one of those \u2018y\u2019alls\u2019. \u201cI\u2019d almost prefer Fargo right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky patted his partner\u2019s knee. \u201cBelieve me, Hutch, this trip\u2019s going to turn out to be great. Just give it a chance, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Starsky lost every trace of his good cheer at the rental car counter and groused all the way to the garage. \u201cFairlanes are terrible in snow! No weight, no power, sloppy steering. Might as well be in a stupid sleigh.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you even know about driving in this stuff, Starsky? You weren\u2019t old enough for a license when you left New York and it never snows enough in Bay City to accumulate on the streets!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI aced the department\u2019s driving course. You know that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, yeah, I forgot. But, snow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey create all kinds of conditions, including snow and ice. Where were you that week anyway? I don\u2019t remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGranddad\u2019s funeral.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky\u2019s grumpiness vanished when he heard his best friend\u2019s tone of voice. Hutch\u2019s grandfather had been the only bright light in his life before he left Duluth. Not wanting Hutch to dwell on the loss, Starsky forced a lightness into his next words. \u201cAnd, somehow, you managed to avoid taking the course after you got back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch had the grace to look embarrassed. \u201cYeah\u2026 I did.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky opened the trunk and they stowed their duffle bags before getting in the car. \u201cWell, you\u2019ll get your chance today to see how lousy a Fairlane is in these conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch laid a hand on his shoulder. \u201cI have every faith in you, partner. You aced the course.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky couldn\u2019t remember the last time Hutch said anything good about his driving and he filed the near-compliment away before starting the car and pulling out of the garage into a full-fledged blizzard.<\/p>\n

Traffic was snarled to say the least. Spun-out cars blocked entire lanes while almost every other vehicle that was still moving was creeping so slowly Starsky felt as if he\u2019d already ground years\u2019 worth of enamel off his back teeth, and they weren\u2019t half-way there yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re late, Starsk, and getting later. Father\u2019s not going to be pleased.\u201d Hutch cast Starsky a despairing look. \u201cIf dinner isn\u2019t on the table at seven o\u2019clock sharp, everyone hears about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou called from the airport. Maybe they\u2019ll start without us. At least, that way, only our dinners\u2019ll be cold.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, no, you don\u2019t know my father. He\u2019ll delay the meal until we get there and then play the put-upon host all night. Wait and see.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny way we can get around this mess and pick up a few minutes?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch directed Starsky onto less-traveled streets but the trip still took more than twice as long as he said it should have.<\/p>\n

When they finally arrived, Starsky maneuvered carefully along the circular drive and stopped in front of the huge\u2026 \u2018house\u2019 couldn\u2019t be the right word. \u2018Mansion\u2019? It sure was a beautiful scene, though. Low floodlights spaced around the yard lit snow-covered trees and bathed the front of the structure in brilliance. What appeared to be miles of garland were wrapped around railings and support poles and swagged along the eaves of the entire second floor. All of it was on the point of being torn off by the wind though. Bright red bows that were probably intended to anchor each point of attachment were, themselves, being subjected to the forces of a seriously-pissed-off Mother Nature.<\/p>\n

There were multi-pronged electric candles in every one of the eleven normal-sized windows Starsky could see. A tall Christmas tree in the living room sparkled through the floor-to-ceiling beveled panes of the large bay that extended out onto the full-width-of-the-house porch. From Hutch\u2019s viewpoint, it was probably a phony Christmas scene but it was<\/em> Christmas, and Starsky loved it! He put his hand on Hutch\u2019s arm. \u201cIt\u2019s like Currier and Ives.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you know about Currier and Ives?\u201d Before Starsky could counter, Hutch opened his door. \u201cCome on. Let\u2019s go face the music.\u201d<\/p>\n

Richard and Margaret Hutchinson were waiting for them inside the glass storm door. Richard reached forward and opened it as soon as Starsky and Hutch mounted the top step of the porch. The elder Hutchinson didn\u2019t look very welcoming. Margaret\u2019s expression wasn\u2019t quite as ominous but Starsky\u2019s stomach clenched anyway, all his happiness evaporating.<\/p>\n

Once they were on the mat inside, their bags on the floor, Richard closed the door firmly behind them. \u201cYou\u2019re late. Your mother\u2019s been cooking all day and now dinner\u2019s undoubtedly ruined.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch cast a surprised look at Margaret. \u201cWhat happened to Mrs. Dudley?\u201d<\/p>\n

Richard didn\u2019t wait for her to respond. \u201cShe retired last year. I thought we told you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch shook his head. \u201cNo, you didn\u2019t.\u201d He looked at his mother again. \u201cI\u2019m sorry you went to so much trouble, Mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, it was no trouble, really.\u201d She almost smiled. \u201cAfter all these years, I find I actually enjoy cooking.\u201d She glanced at Richard but he didn\u2019t meet her eyes.<\/p>\n

Hutch took his jacket off and hung it on the hall tree. \u201cWe called from the airport, Father. You should have started without us.\u201d<\/p>\n

No hands were shaken, no hugs were exchanged. Hutch had told Starsky his sister, Lenore, and her two sons, Kevin, aged nine, and Trevor, aged seven, would be there. The three of them were standing in the archway to the living room, Lenore physically keeping the boys back from any greeting. Her face showed compassion but she was apparently unwilling to intercede with her implacable father on behalf of her brother and his friend.<\/p>\n

After hanging his jacket on the coat rack next to Hutch\u2019s, Starsky silently put his hand on his partner\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Dinner and an hour of \u2018conversation\u2019 afterward left Starsky exhausted and he knew Hutch was as ready as he was to call it a night. With one silent exchange of looks between them, Hutch excused himself and Starsky, claiming the wholly believable reason of being tired from the long flight and subsequent stressful drive.<\/p>\n

Upstairs in Hutch\u2019s childhood bedroom — which showed no sign that he\u2019d ever slept there, it was simply a bedroom now — Starsky dropped his duffle next to the door and sat on the bed.<\/p>\n

Hutch gestured around. \u201cFather got rid of everything of mine that didn\u2019t fit in a regular guest room. It\u2019s as if I never lived here.\u201d He began to unpack.<\/p>\n

\u201cSweet.\u201d Starsky was already sorry he\u2019d insisted on this trip. \u201cI knew your parents were masters of the ability to talk without actually saying anything, but they nearly drove me up the wall tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch turned from putting two shirts in a dresser. \u201cYou only met them that one time, Starsk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, when they arrived, unannounced, to tell you they\u2019d hired a lawyer to keep Vanessa from getting any of their money. Damn, Hutch, they didn\u2019t even show up for your graduation from the academy the year before!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt wasn\u2019t important to them. They never approved of my giving up med school to become, as they said often enough, a mere cop.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky felt Hutch\u2019s almost-physical pain. \u201cWell, in my humble opinion, your folks are stuffed shirts. They have no idea whatsoever of what you\u2019re worth to the department. Much less to me!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch sat down next to him and put his arm around his shoulders. \u201cI know you mean that and I\u2019m grateful. But I\u2019m counting the hours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUntil we can go home?\u201d Starsky tried a touch of levity. \u201cOr until you rip somebody\u2019s throat out?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch almost laughed. Instead, he put his other arm around Starsky and hugged him. \u201cThanks for not killing either one of them yourself, partner.\u201d He stood up and headed for a side doorway. \u201cYour room\u2019s the next one down the hall on this side. Connects with this bathroom but I\u2019m taking first dibs on the shower. See you in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky picked up his duffle and left the room. On his way down the hall, he found himself wondering why he\u2019d been so sure his partner needed to come here. Hutch\u2019s long-held view that Christmas was not a time of joy and family celebration was being reinforced to the point that Starsky was afraid he might never get Hutch into the Christmas spirit again. Ever!<\/p>\n

Deciding he\u2019d shower in the morning, he skinned out of his clothes and climbed into bed. \u201cI\u2019ll think of something we can do tomorrow, buddy,\u201d he muttered as he burrowed under the covers. \u201cWe gotta get your positive attitude back.\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Having thought about it every time he was awake during the night, listening to the wind howl, Starsky voiced his suggestion at breakfast. \u201cLet\u2019s you and me snowshoe out to your grandfather\u2019s farm, Hutch. It\u2019s not all that far, is it? I\u2019ve heard so much about it, I want to see it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve never been on snowshoes in your life, Starsk,\u201d Hutch chided.<\/p>\n

Starsky shrugged. \u201cYou can teach me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIn this<\/em> weather?\u201d Margaret Hutchinson raised her eyebrows and shook her head. \u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s a good idea, Kenneth. I\u2019m sure your doctor wouldn\u2019t approve of such exertion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky almost expected Hutch to bow to her wishes but, instead, he looked her in the eye. \u201cWe\u2019re going, Mother.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lenore was enthusiastic. \u201cCan I come with you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Before Hutch could respond, Kevin and Trevor began hollering, \u201cMe, too! Me, too! We wanna come!\u201d<\/p>\n

Lenore silenced them with a stern look. \u201cNo! Absolutely not! Your uncle and his friend are here to relax for a few days. They do not need to be chasing all over the countryside trying to keep tabs on you two!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen you\u2019re not going either, young lady,\u201d Richard said. \u201cYour mother and I will not be left alone with those hellions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch pushed his chair back. \u201cIf you\u2019ll excuse us\u2026\u201d Not waiting for an answer, he hurried to the hall closet and dug out two pairs of well-worn snowshoes. Starsky followed and leaned against the living room archway. He figured he\u2019d probably be pathetic on the things but he was more than willing to suffer sore muscles and humiliation if it meant getting Hutch out of the clutches of his father and mother for a while.<\/p>\n

Hutch glanced at him. \u201cYou\u2019ve been thinking about this ever since the ticket agent gave us that warning, haven\u2019t you?\u201d There was a touch of humor in Hutch\u2019s \u2018accusation\u2019 and it lifted Starsky\u2019s spirits. His partner continued to dig out ski jackets, pants, gloves, knitted hats, and scarves.<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe,\u201d Starsky admitted. \u201cBut I do want to see your grandfather\u2019s place. And we both need some fresh air and exercise. This little jaunt\u2019ll do us good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch threw the gear over the banister and newel post. \u201cI sure hope so.\u201d He led the way upstairs, hurrying into his own room.<\/p>\n

Starsky continued to his where he sorted through the few clothes he\u2019d brought with him, trying to figure out which pair of jeans was the heaviest and which shirt the warmest.<\/p>\n

Hutch flung the door open without knocking. \u201cI\u2019ve got wool socks, an old pair of long johns, and this great sweater my Aunt Erika knitted for me! Can\u2019t have you freezing your butt off out there!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think the socks\u2019ll fit inside my new hiking boots?\u201d Starsky held up a pair of Timberline Trekkers, unsure what Hutch\u2019s reaction would be.<\/p>\n

There was none at all for a moment until Hutch got over his visible shock. \u201cI can\u2019t believe it! You bought hiking boots for this trip? You knew I\u2019d want to go and were probably planning on –\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaking you drag me, kicking and screaming, all the way. Yeah.\u201d Starsky tried one of the lop-sided grins he knew Hutch had a difficult time resisting. \u201cBut I wanted to be appropriately shod when you did.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch laughed. \u201cWell, the storm has put the prospect of hiking to rest but maybe you\u2019ll let me take you up into the Sierras soon. We can test them out there.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch headed back to his room while Starsky climbed into his own clothes as well as the loaned items. Aunt Erika\u2019s sweater would definitely keep him snug and the socks were perfect inside his new boots.<\/p>\n

Downstairs again, he and Hutch donned the outerwear, hats and scarves. Gloves went into pockets.<\/p>\n

Lenore appeared from the direction of the kitchen, carrying two large cloth sacks. \u201cI\u2019ve packed your lunches.\u201d<\/p>\n

Margaret appeared embarrassed. \u201cOh, dear, I should have thought of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch accepted his bag and kissed Lenore\u2019s cheek. \u201cThanks, Sis.\u201d<\/p>\n

She blushed. \u201cIt\u2019s only sandwiches, chips, apples, and two Thermoses of coffee. If you get lost it\u2019ll keep you alive until we can find you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her reaction to Hutch\u2019s gratitude made Starsky like her better. Impulsively, he kissed her cheek, too, as he took his own lunch bag. \u201cThank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch pulled two knapsacks out of the closet, handed one to Starsky and stashed his lunch in the other. Richard deigned to lend a hand getting the backpacks seated comfortably on their shoulders and the provisions stowed.<\/p>\n

Hutch picked up his snowshoes, opened the door, and followed Starsky, carrying his pair, down to the lawn. The entire family poured out after them. They stood on the porch, shivering, while Hutch helped Starsky snap into the weird footwear and get used to using the poles for balance.<\/p>\n

Hutch waved his family inside. \u201cDon\u2019t stand out here freezing. We\u2019ll be back in time for dinner.\u201d While they did as he suggested, Hutch turned to Starsky. \u201cSince you\u2019ve never been on these things before, will you let me give you a couple of pointers before we get going?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m all ears, buddy.\u201d Starsky smiled at the serious look on Hutch\u2019s face and those incredibly blue eyes smiled back at him. \u2018Yep,\u2019 Starsky thought, \u2018things are gonna get better once we\u2019re away from here.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cFirst, pick your feet, and the shoes, up higher than you think you need to so that you\u2019re on top of the heavy stuff and not trying to shuffle through it. Your legs won\u2019t last long if you plow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Experimentally, Starsky did as instructed and nodded understanding. \u201cPiece o\u2019 cake.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood. Next, widen your normal stride so that you\u2019re not stepping on the edges of the webbed portion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky nodded again. \u201cMakes sense. Anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope.\u201d Hutch pulled the bottom of his knitted cap down over his ears. \u201cIf you get tired, holler. You\u2019re not used to this cold. If I don\u2019t hear you, poke me in the back with one of your poles. We\u2019ll stop as often as you need to.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not the one whose lungs are still recovering, Hutch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m starting to feel pretty good out here, Starsk, so don\u2019t remind me, okay? Let\u2019s go!\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky had no idea where they were going but they were away from the dreaded mansion! He trudged happily along in the track Hutch made for what seemed like hours, although it probably wasn\u2019t. A tree materialized from the whiteout and Hutch stopped. When Starsky came up next to him, Hutch leaned close to make himself heard over the wind. \u201cI\u2019m glad you thought of this.\u201d He reached over Starsky\u2019s back, unzipped the pouch containing the lunch bag and removed the promised Thermos of coffee. He unscrewed the cap, poured it full and offered it.<\/p>\n

Starsky drank and passed it back. \u201cFigured you needed some time away from the scrutiny and displeasure. That\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot to mention having to listen to more of the beneficence Father\u2019s decided to bestow on the community this holiday season. It was beginning to make me sick last night.\u201d Hutch sipped the steaming liquid before giving the cup to Starsky again. \u201cI don\u2019t remember him ever being this heavy-handed with donations and largess before.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt did sound like he was layin\u2019 it on with a trowel.\u201d Starsky drank what he thought was half of the remaining coffee and gave the cup back to Hutch. \u201cBut I thought maybe it was his way of trying to express his gratitude that you\u2019re still with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe day my father is grateful for a single thing regarding me, even the fact that I didn\u2019t die, is a day I don\u2019t think has dawned yet. And very likely never will.\u201d He finished the rest of the coffee, put the cup back on the Thermos and returned the cylinder to Starsky\u2019s pack.<\/p>\n

Starsky didn\u2019t want Hutch to get mired any deeper into the lack of familial bonding and nudged him. \u201cLet\u2019s keep going.\u201d He also didn\u2019t want to get any colder or stiffer than he already was. \u201cStill know where we are? Not lost, are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Course not! I was born here, remember?\u201d Hutch started off again, his poles and snowshoes in perfect synchronicity. \u201cCome on, it\u2019s only a little farther.\u201d<\/p>\n

Trusting his partner implicitly, Starsky strode along in the broad path Hutch cut through the deep snow.<\/p>\n

After what seemed like no time at all they came to the farm and Hutch went immediately toward the large structure that was visible through the swirling flakes. \u201cSince we\u2019re here, I might as well see what\u2019s left in the tack room. Might be something I can take back to Kiko and Molly, to help them with that riding class being offered to disadvantaged kids next summer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood idea!\u201d<\/p>\n

Inside the double doors, they took the snowshoes off and propped them against the wall before shrugging off their backpacks. Out of the wind, it felt warmer but Starsky wasn\u2019t ready to shed his jacket. Hutch, also keeping his jacket on, led the way to the room at the back.<\/p>\n

While Hutch poked around in cabinets, Starsky scanned all the items and objects he knew nothing about. He\u2019d never been around horses or farm equipment and almost felt as if he was on a different planet. The smells of animals and leather were pleasant though.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey, Hutch\u2026 what\u2019s that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch came over and glanced dismissively at the wall Starsky was staring at. \u201cLooks like old bridles and rusted harness parts. It\u2019s junk.\u201d He went back to his search.<\/p>\n

Starsky sighed; so much for the lightened mood he\u2019d thought his partner had been cultivating. \u201cNot those, Hutch. What\u2019s behind them. The thing on the wall.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch turned back, looked closer, and his mouth dropped open. \u201cIt\u2019s the Monarch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t look anything like a king to me,\u201d Starsky muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no\u2026\u201d Hutch began taking the bits and pieces of leather and metal away from in front of the object and throwing them in a corner. When it was fully uncovered, he stepped back. \u201cIt\u2019s Granddad\u2019s toboggan.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe named his sled<\/em>?\u201d Starsky couldn\u2019t hide his surprise, until he had a flash of memory from somewhere. \u201cAt least it\u2019s not \u2018Rosebud\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n

Almost reverently, Hutch lifted the long wooden object down and stood it on its square back end. The curved front reached a foot or more above his head. \u201cThe tree this was made from was known as the Monarch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh\u2026\u201d Starsky had hoped Hutch would find a few good memories on this trip and it appeared that, perhaps, now he had. He waited patiently.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt used to stand on the top of Looks Back Hill. In my grandfather\u2019s time, it was hit by lightning twice the same night.\u201d Hutch carefully tilted the rolled end down and fitted the width of the body under his right arm. A smile ghosted onto his face. \u201cMy arms weren\u2019t long enough the last time I tried to carry it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky led the way out into the stable and quickly spread old straw between the empty stalls. Hutch laid the toboggan on top and, kneeling, ran his hands along the curl. \u201cGranddad got a book from the library and did all the work himself. He sawed the planks, planed and sanded them, cut tongue-and-groove joinery, steamed and rolled the front, and put it all together. It\u2019s wood-doweled, too, not a screw or nail in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s beautiful.\u201d Starsky didn\u2019t have to fake the emotions he was feeling. \u201cI wish I\u2019d known him.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019d have loved you, Starsk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky had to swallow the instant tears that threatened to engulf him. For some strange reason that statement made him feel closer to Hutch than ever.<\/p>\n

His partner bent over the curve and inhaled. \u201cYou can still smell it!\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky knelt and leaned in. \u201cWhat am I trying to smell?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJohnson\u2019s Wax.\u201d Hutch sat on his heels, a memory-laden look on his face that melted Starsky\u2019s heart. \u201cGranddad was a great believer in it. Said it wasn\u2019t fake, wasn\u2019t all chemicals, it took care of the wood you applied it to. Floors, tools, paneling, almost anything made from trees. And that odor!\u201d Hutch bent again and breathed in, deeply this time. His eyes nearly glowed. \u201cNothing else smells exactly like Johnson\u2019s Wax!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch jumped to his feet and ran back into the tack room. Starsky followed more slowly and found Hutch going through the cabinets, drawers, and cupboards. Old unidentifiable bottles, cans, and jars were pulled out and discarded. Starsky set his shoulder against the door jamb and watched.<\/p>\n

In a low cabinet, inside a dusty bucket, Hutch found what he was looking for and held it up. \u201cHere it is!\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky walked over and Hutch displayed the big, round, flattish tin. Black lettering on a dark, almost Kodak-yellow background identified \u2018Johnson\u2019s Wax.\u2019 \u201cYou think it\u2019ll still be good after all these years?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch headed out the door. \u201cGuess we\u2019ll find out.\u201d He stopped next to the sled and fell to his knees. With some effort, he managed to get the lid off the tin and, for a moment, simply held the contents-half up to his face.<\/p>\n

Starsky didn\u2019t remember ever being emotional about a particular scent but he couldn\u2019t bring himself to break the spell Hutch had cast over the old barn. Silently, he held out his hand. When Hutch gave it to him, somewhat reluctantly Starsky thought, he smelled it. Then sniffed more deeply. Earthy, pungent, strong but subtle, and pure pleasure to one who knew his car waxes inside out. Smiling into Hutch\u2019s reminiscent eyes, he handed it back. \u201cMemorable.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch appeared grateful that Starsky hadn\u2019t made a sarcastic remark and held the can to his face again. Starsky sat on the floor, crossing his ankles. If his partner wanted to sniff the stuff all night, Starsky\u2019d wait right where he was.<\/p>\n

The applicator was somewhat melted into the deep circular indentation worn into the brick-colored substance but Hutch carefully pried it out. Miraculously, the bottom of the sponge was damp. With a knowing smile, Hutch began to apply the wax to the curved portion of the wood with slow, loving strokes.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot another sponge there, partner?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNope. But there\u2019s lots of surface here, Starsk. You\u2019ll get your chance.\u201d He gestured with his head over his shoulder toward the mess he\u2019d left in the tack room. \u201cSee if you can find some soft cloths. This needs to be buffed after it\u2019s dry.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou got it!\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

They ate their lunches and drank both containers of coffee during the refurbishment. With the toboggan rubbed and shiny again, they put their jackets back on, helped each other into the backpacks, pulled gloves, hats and scarves into place, and headed outside. Starsky towed while Hutch broke trail through the additional foot of snow that had accumulated during their discovery and ministrations. The wind was dying and the flakes were drifting lazily now instead of falling with determination. Maybe the storm would blow itself out during the night.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe family\u2019s not going to believe this, Starsk.\u201d Hutch no longer had to shout to make himself heard. \u201cYou found the Monarch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was never lost, Hutch. It was\u2026 forgotten.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch stopped and turned to look at him. \u201cThere is<\/em> a difference, isn\u2019t there?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure there is!\u201d Starsky halted, too, happy to give himself a rest. \u201cVery few things are ever really lost, Hutch. They\u2019re just\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cForgotten.\u201d Hutch put a gloved hand on Starsky\u2019s arm, a look of pure contentment in his eyes. \u201cThanks, partner.\u201d He turned, set his poles, and started off again. \u201cAlmost there! And I think I smell Christmas Eve roast beast!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, \u2018cause I\u2019m starved!\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Monarch was propped in a corner of the dining room and Starsky noticed that Richard couldn\u2019t seem to take his eyes off it. \u201cIt was right there on the wall all this time?\u201d Richard\u2019s voice had the least edge to it Starsky had ever heard; it sounded almost mellow. \u201cI always wondered what had happened to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was hiding in plain sight under a bunch of old bits and pieces of stuff.\u201d Hutch, having spoken around his mouthful and received not a single reprimand or irritated glance from anyone at the table, turned to Margaret. \u201cThis is wonderful, Mother. I\u2019m glad Starsky and I weren\u2019t late. It would have been a shame to ruin whatever you\u2019ve done to make this the most delicious roast I can remember.\u201d<\/p>\n

She beamed. \u201cI learned a trick, dear. High heat to start with, to sear the outside, then much lower for one hour only, allowing the center to remain rare.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBest I\u2019ve ever tasted, Mrs. Hutchinson,\u201d Starsky vowed.<\/p>\n

She turned her smile on him. \u201cThank you, David. But please call me Margaret.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ma\u2019am. I sure will.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do you plan on doing with the Monarch, Ken?\u201d his father asked.<\/p>\n

Hutch glanced at Starsky, silently reaffirming part of the conversation they\u2019d had on the way home. \u201cStarsky and I talked about that, Father. We\u2019d like the first ride down Looks Back Hill in the morning but, after that\u2026\u201d He returned his gaze to Richard. \u201cI\u2019m sure Granddad would be happy if everybody in the neighborhood had a chance to enjoy it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYippeeeeeeeeeee,\u201d Kevin and Trevor shouted at the same time.<\/p>\n

\u201cSettle down!\u201d Lenore\u2019s words were stern but her expression was laced with pleasure and anticipation.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds like a fine idea, son.\u201d Richard stared at Hutch with the most kindness in his eyes Starsky had ever seen the old man exhibit. And he had never heard him call Hutch, \u2018son\u2019 before.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen\u2019s the last time you rode it, Father?\u201d Hutch asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Hutch and Lenore both spoke at the same time.<\/p>\n

Richard shook his head. \u201cIt\u2019s a long story.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lenore put her fork down. \u201cChristmas Eve is traditionally a time for stories. I know I\u2019d like to hear it.\u201d She looked around the table and got encouraging nods. \u201cI think we all would.\u201d<\/p>\n

Richard\u2019s expression showed his uncertainty. \u201cAre you sure? It\u2019ll probably be pretty boring.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot if it\u2019s got anything to do with our great grandfather! We never get tired of hearing stories about him! Right, Trev?\u201d Kevin poked his brother in the ribs and Trevor giggled.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026\u201d Richard took a sip of wine. \u201cThe Monarch was struck by lightning in 1928 and my father began building the toboggan from what was left. I was seven-years-old.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s how old I am!\u201d Trevor held up seven youthful fingers and everyone smiled.<\/p>\n

Richard nodded, solemnly. \u201cThat\u2019s right, Trev, seven-years-old.\u201d He returned his gaze to his wine glass. \u201cUnfortunately, I was never good with my hands so I wasn\u2019t allowed to touch any of the pieces or do any of the work. I was offered menial fetching and carrying tasks only.\u201d He swallowed another gulp of wine and Starsky thought he looked sad. \u201cEven at that young age, I knew the word \u2018menial\u2019 would never be in my vocabulary. Stupidly, I turned away from my father and his down-to-earth views of the world, and began spending all of my time with my mother\u2019s proper, socially-climbing family.\u201d He stared at Hutch. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t until you came along that my father\u2026 found the son I should have been. A boy who thought the way he did, felt as he did about things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch returned the gaze. \u201cI never knew any of this, sir. Please, go on.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky finished the last morsels on his plate and listened, almost mesmerized, as Richard spun out the past.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Next morning, Kevin and Trevor tore open their presents in record time, said their \u2018thank you\u2019s\u2019 peremptorily and began their entreaties. \u201cCan we go now?\u201d \u201cPlease?\u201d \u201cThe storm\u2019s over and everyone\u2019s gonna be taking their new sleds to Looks Back.\u201d \u201cWe need to get there first!\u201d \u201cDon\u2019t wanna hafta come down in other peoples\u2019 tracks.\u201d \u201cWanna make our own grooves!\u201d The boys\u2019 pleas overlapped and echoed off the walls.<\/p>\n

The adults chuckled and Richard nodded. Starsky thought the \u2018long story\u2019 told the night before had loosened something in Richard Hutchinson. He appeared much more relaxed, less rigidly controlled. Margaret, her eyes soft and approving, found reasons to look at her husband often.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo get suited up,\u201d Lenore told them. Yelling wordlessly, they scampered off.<\/p>\n

Soon after, with the entire family dressed in their warmest clothes, Kevin and Trevor were in the lead, trying to run in their leggings and fur-lined boots through three feet of heavy whiteness. They appeared to be having a tough time of it.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you sure you wouldn\u2019t like one of the adults to break trail for a while, Kevin? Trevor?\u201d Richard asked at one point. \u201cYou\u2019re wearing yourselves out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re fine, Grandfather.\u201d Kevin was doing his best not to let anyone see he was huffing and puffing. \u201cI promise I won\u2019t let Trev do too much. If he needs a break, we\u2019ll let someone else take over.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpeak for yourself, Kev!\u201d Trevor, undoubtedly trying to prove that he wasn\u2019t flagging, flung himself into the next drift.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet them go,\u201d Lenore said. \u201cI haven\u2019t seen them this excited about anything in a long time. Even their presents this morning paled next to the idea of this expedition.\u201d Seemingly on impulse, she threaded her arms through her parents\u2019 elbows. \u201cBesides, it\u2019ll mean they\u2019ll sleep well tonight.\u201d<\/p>\n

Richard and Margaret laughed along with Lenore.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt appears as if everyone is still opening gifts.\u201d The elder Hutchinson gestured around. \u201cOurs are the only tracks. We\u2019ll have Looks Back to ourselves, at least for a little while.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bringing up the rear, Starsky and Hutch each had a hand on the \u2018reins\u2019 of the toboggan, a leather strap meant for pulling when walking, or guiding when riding. It had only required several applications of saddle soap the day before until it was soft and supple again.<\/p>\n

\u201cWeird name for a place, Hutch. What\u2019s it mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe it\u2019s the English translation from the Ojibwa. Chippewa. They were the tribe that lived around here and along the west shore of Lake Superior.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGitchi Gumee. Big Sea Water.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch stopped and stared at him. \u201cYou never cease to amaze me, Starsk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky shrugged, self-consciously. Hutch so rarely praised him or his trivia-stuffed-attic of a mind that he struggled to cover the pleased embarrassment it gave him. \u201cI was a Hiawatha fan.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch added to his benediction with a dazzling smile and began walking again. \u201cWell, the story about the name says that every time someone left the village for more than a day, they stopped at the top and\u2026 looked back.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMight never see home again, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cProbably something like that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMust have been a really difficult life.\u201d Starsky digested everything Hutch had said and decided it was a, \u201cGood name.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI still can\u2019t believe Father and Mother have joined us.\u201d Hutch kept his voice low enough that Starsky was sure no one else could hear.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s a sign, buddy,\u201d Starsky said, equally softly. \u201cThey nearly lost you, and I believe they really do want to get to know who you\u2019ve become. Start loving you, like they should have all along.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe\u2026\u201d With all the shit that Starsky knew had gone under the bridge and over the dam, Hutch was understandably reluctant to put too much faith in his parents\u2019 seeming change of attitude. Yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cListen, uh\u2026 Hutch\u2026\u201d Starsky wasn\u2019t happy with the way his stomach had started doing flip-flops as soon as he\u2019d caught sight of their destination.<\/p>\n

Hutch stopped again. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, Starsk?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know I\u2019ve never been on a sled in my life, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTechnically\u2026\u201d Hutch smirked a little. \u201cIt\u2019s a toboggan. No runners.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSmartass.\u201d Starsky tried to sound irritated but was glad for the chance to try bantering his way through his sudden anxiety. \u201cWhatever it\u2019s called, I\u2019ve never been on one.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t suppose you had.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, we got snow in New York plenty of times. But it always turned to slush right away. None of us kids could afford a sled, and the few times we tried to ride down the poor excuses for hills we had in Brooklyn on trash can lids, the cops and our parents hassled us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky slowed his pace. \u201cYou also know I don\u2019t like heights.\u201d Hutch tried to smother impending laughter and Starsky glared. \u201cIt\u2019s not funny. That thing\u2019s gotta be a hundred feet, if it\u2019s an inch!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFifty-four, Starsk.\u201d Hutch\u2019s voice was utterly neutral and he banished any sign of humor from his features. \u201cThat\u2019s why it\u2019s never been called anything but a \u2018hill\u2019.\u201d He put an arm around Starsky\u2019s shoulders. \u201cIt\u2019ll be fine, babe. I promise. I won\u2019t let you fall off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBetter not.\u201d Somewhere inside, Starsky was glad that his partner wasn\u2019t going to allow him to back out.<\/p>\n

Probably using the last of their strength, Kevin and Trevor beat a path to the top of the rise and stood panting but victorious. After a few minutes, their grandparents and mother gathered around them. The Monarch, with Starsky and Hutch towing, reached the summit last.<\/p>\n

Hutch positioned the curled front end at the edge of the drop-off and waited, anticipation plain on his face. \u201cFirst time for everything, Starsk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky took a deep breath, sucking courage from his partner\u2019s sky-blue eyes. He sat down on the toboggan, extending his feet under the front curve.<\/p>\n

Hutch sat behind and fitted his long legs around him. His arms snaked around Starsky\u2019s waist, holding the rein in both hands now. He leaned over Starsky\u2019s shoulder so that their heads were next to each other. \u201cReady, partner?\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky didn\u2019t know whether he was or not but it was too late to turn back. \u201cLet \u2018er rip!\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch laughed. \u201cSomebody give us a push, please.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky had no idea who had done as asked but before he could take another breath, the sled was moving forward, tilting over what looked decidedly like a precipice, and gaining momentum on the shit-that\u2019s-a-long-way-down slope. Hutch\u2019s arms tightened around him and he gripped Hutch\u2019s knees. \u201cTell me this is fun, Hutch,\u201d Starsky screamed into the wind.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is fun<\/em>, Starsk!\u201d<\/p>\n

And, immediately, it was! The soft, deep snow flew out to both sides of them as the Monarch plowed into and through the thick stuff. Starsky knew the expression on his face at the top had been one of tightly-controlled terror; the kind that said he was doing this only in support of, and love for his very best friend. But by the time — much too quickly, he realized — they reached the bottom, he hoped it had changed into one that left no one in doubt as to the sheer exhilarating joy he\u2019d just experienced. \u201cDamn! That was<\/em> fun!\u201d He grinned over his shoulder. \u201cLet\u2019s do it again!\u201d<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve created a Christmas miracle, Starsk.\u201d<\/p>\n

Not wanting to lose any of the lightness and happiness everyone had been sharing for the last hour, Starsky spun around, glancing everywhere. \u201cWhat? Where? I don\u2019t see any stars in the east.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch chucked and put an arm around Starsky\u2019s shoulders. \u201cNot that kind of miracle, dummy.\u201d He pointed to the slope where Richard and Margaret were on their way down, grins on their faces that Starsky still had trouble believing. \u201cTo my knowledge, neither one of them has ever done anything like this before. Seeing them together, on Granddad\u2019s toboggan, laughing and enjoying themselves, is something I would have said couldn\u2019t happen.\u201d<\/p>\n

Reaching the bottom, the elder Hutchinsons rolled off in each other\u2019s arms. Their uninhibited laughter could probably be heard in the middle of town.<\/p>\n

At the top of the hill, Lenore, Kevin, and Trevor waited, impatiently. \u201cCome on, come on!\u201d<\/p>\n

Richard helped his wife to her feet and they towed the sled back up the hill. A few people were lined up behind Lenore and her sons, clearly hoping for a turn. Others were gliding down the broad slope on their Flexible Flyers, making their own grooves.<\/p>\n

Lenore, with the boys in front of her, came sliding down, all three of them yelling at the top of their lungs. They rolled off at Starsky\u2019s and Hutch\u2019s feet. The youngsters began tussling but Lenore handed Kevin the rein. \u201cRun it back up, please. I\u2019ll bring Uncle Ken and Dave along in a minute.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure, Mom!\u201d Kevin and Trevor, seeming to have all the energy in the world, obeyed.<\/p>\n

Lenore linked her arms through Starsky\u2019s and Hutch\u2019s elbows and, at a much more leisurely pace, followed them. \u201cDad says you guys haven\u2019t been taking your turns.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Dad\u2019?\u201d Hutch sounded stunned.<\/p>\n

She laughed. \u201cYeah! Can you believe it? I tried it on him a few minutes ago and he smiled at me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch shook his head. \u201cWill wonders never cease.\u201d<\/p>\n

Suddenly, Lenore leaned up and kissed Starsky\u2019s cheek. \u201cThis is all your fault, Dave.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky didn\u2019t know what to say. \u201cUh\u2026 what\u2019s my fault?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou found the Monarch, you both brought it home, and Dad talked all evening. Really talked.\u201d She turned to Hutch. \u201cI\u2019d never heard our father tell stories about his childhood before. Had you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAlthough neither of them said anything about it to me,\u201d Lenore went on, \u201cI believe they were caught completely unprepared when we nearly lost you.\u201d She jostled Hutch\u2019s arm. \u201cWhat do you say, Big Brother? Want to help me mend some fences?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch kissed her cheek. \u201cJust let me find my bailing wire, Sis.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lenore looked up at Starsky again. \u201cHow about you, Big Brother\u2019s Very Best Friend? You started it all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky couldn\u2019t help but grin as they reached the top. \u201cCount me in.\u201d<\/p>\n

Richard brought the toboggan to them and handed the rein to Hutch. \u201cWe\u2019ve all been monopolizing the run, Ken. Your mother and I thought you and Dave should have another turn.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hutch gazed straight into his father\u2019s eyes. \u201cThanks, Dad.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re welcome.\u201d Starsky found he suddenly had tears in his eyes and he could have sworn Richard did, too, but the old man put his arm across Hutch\u2019s shoulders and the three of them walked to the edge.<\/p>\n

Starsky took his place on the toboggan. \u201cCome on, Hutch! Third time\u2019s the charm.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chuckling, Hutch sat down behind him. \u201cGoing to be faster this time, Starsk. The run\u2019s all packed down and slick.\u201d<\/p>\n

Starsky gripped his partner\u2019s knee. \u201cYou said the magic word, pal. Faster!\u201d Somebody behind pushed and they were, again, racing down the hill. \u201cMerry Christmas, Hutch!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMerry Christmas, Starsk.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Forgotten, not lost
\nFeelings and emotions, too
\ndiscovered in snow<\/p>\n

END<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Sincere thanks to Suzan. Ken Hutchinson was pacing the apartment, unmistakably in one of his bordering-on-sullen moods. \u201cI don\u2019t want to go to Duluth, Starsk. It\u2019ll be all phony Christmas shit, like when I was a kid.\u201d He almost pouted. … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,7,16],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-122","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fic","category-gen","category-safe-for-work"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/122","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=122"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/122\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":132,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/122\/revisions\/132"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=122"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=122"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/advent.starskyhutchcalendar.net\/2017\/calendar\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=122"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}