Lisa
Once they had all changed into clothes that would protect them from the chill of the morning air, Lisa, Jennie and Marcus started their trek up the hillside. The walk was quiet and sombre as Jennie led the way, looking over her shoulder periodically to give Lisa a sweet smile. As soon as they reached the clearing Lisa let Jennie take the lead. Sure Lisa had loved that Jennie had shared her place with her, but at the end of the day she was a welcomed visitor and this spot belonged to Jennie.
Jennie took Marcus by the hand and led him over to the edge of the drop off. Lisa was unsure of how Marcus would react to Jennie's physical touch and involvement in something so deep and personal, but to her surprise Marcus seemed grateful for Jennie's small gesture of comfort. Marcus closed his huge hand around Jennie's and followed her until they were both standing close to the edge, looking out onto the cloudy horizon above the trees.
"Stay as long as you want Marcus. We're right here." Jennie soothed as she took a few steps backwards leaving him there with his thoughts.
Lisa wrapped her arms around Jennie from behind once she was within arm's reach and squeezed her tight, resting her chin on her head as they watched Marcus from off to the side, waiting to see if he needed them.
Marcus took in a deep breath that inflated his massive chest and looked up at the cloudy sky. He stood like that for a while before the sun finally decided to peek around the shifting clouds, shining a few rays of sunlight onto the side of his face and chest. Closing his eyes, Marcus took another deep breath, lifting his chin as he basked in the light. "Hey Red." Marcus said softly with his face upturned toward the sky.
Lisa felt Jennie tense and gasp as Marcus spoke and before she could react Jennie was walking towards Marcus, taking cautious steps, approaching him on one side. She looked up at Marcus and they exchanged a look that Lisa couldn't decipher before Jennie snaked her arm around Marcus' back. Marcus instinctively put his arm around Jennie and pulled her flushed with his side, obviously welcoming and needing the physical comfort that Jennie was offering.
Does Jennie know about Red?
Lisa slowly approached from the other side, putting a hand on Marcus' shoulder and leaving it there as a show of support. The three friends stood at the edge of the clearing, desperately trying to feel connection with the loved ones they had lost, comforting each other through physical touch and proximity.
After a few minutes Marcus and Lisa saw Jennie shift her weight and reach down to rub her calf, prompting Lisa to produce a drink for her from her bag as the three of them took a seat a few feet from the edge. "Of course you did." Jennie sassed as she took the drink from Lisa.
"You're surprised?" Marcus chuckled.
"Not in the least, in fact I'm shocked she doesn't have a full supply of all three of my meds in her pocket." Jennie joked.
Like I wouldn't bring her meds and electrolytes on a hike.
Lisa and Marcus gave her big knowing grins as they stared back at her. "I'd be willing to bet that she does." Marcus said with a half-smile. "I mean they aren't in my pocket. So technically speaking, you'd lose that bet." Lisa said with a laugh. As their laughter dissipated thick silence filled the air around them.
"I'm sorry for being such a fucking downer today." Marcus said, running his hand backwards through his hair. "You have nothing to apologise for." Jennie said. "Grief is like a giant hole that never goes away. Some days you're able to go around it, able to avoid it and other days you fall in and need help getting out." she added. "You're just down in it today, brother. But Jennie and I are here to help pull you out." Lisa said.
