In the Blink of an Eye

Then: August 12, 1972

John heard music in the distance, so he followed it through his dark surroundings. He looked up and noticed the nearly orange moon was full that night. Far away stars shone as he gazed at the overcast sky. There were so many stars that it felt impossible to count. His combat boots kicked at the soft, light brown sand as he walked, resulting in sand hitting the backs of his legs. He glanced at a massive group of people crowding around a large bonfire. They got closer and closer to him with each step he took. A soft melody of laughter, chatter, and guitar strums filled his ears. The massive fire engulfed his vision. His feet carried him to the crowd while he gazed at the magnificent blaze.

When he reached the bonfire, he walked to a large, blue cooler and grabbed a Corona. After opening it with his bare hands, he gulped it down. As he downed his beer, he stared at the intimidating fire. The flames crackled and flickered as the gentle salty water breeze caressed the fire.

Within forty minutes, he opened his third beer and finally tore his eyes away from the flames. People all around him were talking and drinking in groups. With his beer in hand, he walked closer to the water and a shiver shot down his spine without the protection of the fire to keep him warm. He sat on the dark, damp sand and kicked off his boots. He watched the deep, murky water in astonishment. The neutral waves ascended and descended all too quickly, leaving behind rocks and shells in its wake. As the minutes raced by, the water got closer and closer until eventually, it reached his toes. The salt water continued to advance and recede, reaching more of his body.

As John admired the calm ocean, he let his mind wander.

"Ow, stop it. You're hurting me!" a loud shriek caught John's attention.

John's blue eyes searched the beach to where that voice emerged. His eyes focused on a short girl with long, raven black hair and ruby red lips. Her hand swatted away a tall blonde guy with a blue baseball cap pulled over his eyes.

"I told you not to talk to other guys and I catch you doing that again. Really, Karen?" the guy yelled.

"You don't own me, Luke," Karen fired back.

"Oh no?" Luke rhetorically asked before his right hand reared back then struck her tanned face. John sprung into action and reached her side in no time at all.

"You need to calm down," John warned.

"Back off, man. This is none of your damn business," Luke sneered and took hold of Karen's arm. "We're going, Karen," he muttered.

"No, don't touch me," Karen refused and crossed her arms over her chest.

"Leave her alone," John affirmed. "She said no." John stood in front of Karen and blocked her body with his own.

"And what if I don't?" Luke questioned.

"You'll be dead," John cryptically replied.

Luke's throaty chuckle filled the air between them. In a split second, Luke's gleaming eyes turned dark and he shoved John with all his might.

"You shouldn't have done that," John snarled and landed a hefty left hook on Luke's square jaw. Luke scrambled back and when he regained his balance, he charged towards John. In the last second, John dodged him and Luke rammed into Karen instead, knocking her to the ground. John grabbed the collar of Luke's shirt and head-butted him. The impact caused John's sight to spin out of control. Adrenaline pumped through his veins as he grabbed Luke by the waist, picked him up off the ground, and launched him back down on the sand. John straddled Luke and continuously punched Luke's face until his knuckles were covered crimson with blood, and even then, he didn't stop. He couldn't.

"Stop it!" Karen yelled with tears streaming down her face. "You'll kill him!" John hit his face over and over until he felt a strong force wrenching him off of Luke. John watched Luke spit out a mouthful of blood before he moaned in pain.

John directed his attention back to Karen. He grasped her arms and pulled her off the ground. She leaned into his chest as she recovered her balance. Karen rubbed her temples with her index finger and thumb.

"Are you okay?" John asked.

"I'm fine," Karen replied. She looked up at John with wonder in her eyes. He held his breath for a moment as he gazed into her electric green eyes.

Pained winces coming from Luke captured their attention. Luke arose as he held onto the ground for support. "K... Karen. Let's go," Luke said through gritted teeth.

"We're done, Luke," Karen said with her hands on her hips. "It's over."

Luke's hands balled up into fists and he fired back, "No, it's not over. You're coming with me or so help me God you will regret saying no to me."

"You touch her and I'll kill you," John yelled.

"I'd watch out if I were you. Defending this slut is going to be a problem for you," Luke said.

"I think you've had enough. Come on, Luke. Let's get you sobered up," a tall, bulky guy in a loose red sweater appeared from the crowd surrounding the three. He grabbed Luke then put his arm around his shoulder to get him out of there. Luke limped off the sandy beach with the help of his friend.

"Thank you," Karen mumbled while looking down.

"It's no problem," John replied.

"I'm sorry."

"What for?" John asked. "It's not your fault your boyfriend is a douchebag."

"Ex-boyfriend," she muttered. "Anyways, I'm Karen."

John laughed then replied, "I'm John."

That night was the beginning of something magical. That was until it all came crashing down.