Spring Breakdown

A Breakthrough

Luke's pov

After a long and lengthy trial, he got life in prison. But I know my hotheaded best friend isn't going to let him get free meals and a roof. "What're you going to do?" I ask as we walk out of the courtroom. He yanks at his tie pissed off. "I don't know but you can bet your God damned bronco he ain't gonna get away that easy." "But how are you going to get away with this?" He laughs softly. "Luke if I can survive being starved and beaten in enemy territory then thrown weak into a wild ass jungle, I can succeed at sniping a motherfucker who hurt my son." A few people look at us. "Quiet." Miranda whispers grabbing his arm tightly. "Let 'em hear me. Bastards." He grumbles.

*A few days later*

I fell asleep with Brett on my chest. I woke up when he tapped my face. I smile and hug my little boy. My phone rings. "Check the news, Luke." It's Jason. I pass Brett to Caroline and turn it on. Of course they found that guy's dead body. I turned the volume up. "No murder weapon was found at the scene. A typed up note said, justice is served." Wow. "Nice job, Jase." "No one is gonna care about a child molester anyway."  I nod. "How's Jack doing, man?" A long pause greets me which worries me. "The same." "Damn." I whisper. "Maybe he'll come around. I hope." He mumbles. I bite my lip, wishing for it  to be true."

*A few months later*

Jack stayed in his own little autistic world. The doctor said he probably feels safe, blocking the rest of the world out. Of course Jason and Miranda are pretty torn up about it. We decided a picnic at the park could do him some good. I set up the blanket and my wonderful wife laid out the food and carried Brett to the blanket. Miranda and Jason walked over followed by Jack. He had headphones in and was listening to music on an iPod. "It's the only time he isn't ticking." Jason tells me. Wow. Poor kid. He fixes a plate for Jack but he barely eats. "He hasn't talked in days." He whispers to me, looking close to tears. Miranda was trying to get him to eat while Caroline was feeding Brett some mashed potatoes. I was so down. I wish we could help that poor little boy. "We've got a meeting with a doctor in Knoxville who might be able to help." He doesn't sound confident about it though. Just then a dog ran over and across the blanket, making Brett and the girls scream in surprise. Jack stood up and fell over due to the dog jumping on him. "Jack!" Jason cries running over. He freezes when we ear laughter. Jack's laughter. Something we haven't heard in months. "Jack." Miranda whispers. The dog was licking him. He was laughing and playing with him. "He's so soft daddy." The little boy whispers, making Jason hit his knees in front of him. The puppy curls up beside Jack who sits up and pets him. "I want a dog, dad. Can we get a dog?" I stare at him jaw dropped. A dog can pull him out of his weird state. A woman runs over and apologizes profusely for the dog's behavior. Jason shakily stands up. "Don't apologize. What your dog did was save my son. He's autistic and hasn't spoken in months." The woman looks surprised. "Thank you so much." He says shaking her hand. "Oh uh you're welcome then." "Come on Jack let's go get you a puppy." He says, picking him up onto his shoulders. The little boy laughs and the man cries silent tears of relief and happiness.