Hank and Jess had something in their marriage most couples cannot claim, an unbelievable connection and fierce love for each other. While on a mission trip to Haiti, Jess is murdered. The shock of loss overwhelms Hank and his journey to reconcile he...
Jesse was gasping for air, only a wheezing noise was escaping from her mouth. She kept looking at me but I couldn't help her. Tears began to run down her face. Eric looked back laughing at me as his hands were around her neck. Josh was beside me pointing and laughing too. I couldn't move; I couldn't stop them; I couldn't help her. "Hank, help me..."
I woke up with a gasp. I was drenched in sweat. That nightmare had been so real. I reached over and guzzled the water bottle I had not finished. In a way I had more answers since going to Haiti but my anger was also ignited again.
I wasn't going to sleep so I got up. I got an overwhelming urge to get out of the house. I could not just sit here a slave to my thoughts. I got dressed and headed out the door. It was 2:00 am so no one was around. At 2:00 am there only a couple places to go around Franklin. I headed on the highway until I saw lights. I pulled in and parked.. I had not been in a bar since my junior year in College. I had given all of it up for Jess and for God.
I got out of the car and walked into the Tipsy Cow. Where do they come up with these names? It was fairly empty. I sat at the bar as far away from human beings as possible. Only the bartender was close.
"What can I get you?"
It had been so long. My mouth was dry. "Give me a whiskey on the rocks."
"Coming up." I looked around and saw a couple of people playing pool and two more cuddling at a table. I had forgotten how cozy a bar felt. The bartender placed a glass in front of me; I declined starting a tab and paid for the drink.
"Don't I know you?" he asked.
"First time here. I don't think so." Being recognized was the last thing I needed. The television plastered my face all over during the trial. It had brought me unwelcome attention.
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I stared at the yellow liquor. It looked like honey. Muscle memory recalled the burning sensation of it going down. It made me remember that night:
It was September of 2013 and me and some frat brothers were hitting up the local bar after school. I ahd not been a drinker when I came to College but had started drinking socially. I felt I had a good grasp on it even though I had to keep it quiet as a ministerial student. That wouldn't go over so well with my professors. After a few drinks I felt the tension sliding away from a hard day. My buddies and I played darts. We had gotten pretty good since we came here so often.
"Sorry Jess, I had his phone in my car so he didn't see it." I turned around to see Billy trying to protect me from the firestorm that was coming but he was no match.
"Hank, please come outside so we can talk for a minute." Jess had not been a fan of me socially drinking. I didn't see a problem with it but she hated it from the first drink.
