Three days later on a beach halfway between Tijuana and Cabo San Lucas Mexico. Jack and Jim are walking out of the ocean with surfboards under there arms. The collapse onto the beach and stare out into the waves.
JIM
You know I would be at work right now.
Jack smiles at him. Just then his cellphone rings and it's his work. He stands up immediately and almost answers it, then chucks his phone deep into the ocean. Jack smiles bigger.
JIM (cont'd)
I quit.
JACK
So what now?
JIM
I don't know, I guess I like the idea of saying yes to life and see where that takes me.
JACK
Can I tell you something if you promise not freak out.
JIM looks out over the ocean.
JIM
Sure?
JACK pauses and takes a deep breath.
JACK
I'm dying.
JIM turns sharply and stares at JACK.
JIM
(confused and upset)
What!?
JACK
You said you wouldn't freak out! It's pancreatic cancer. The doctor
told me I had six months to live.
JIM
What? When did this happen?
JACK
Couple months ago.
JIM
What in the fuck are we doing here! Why are you not in a hospital getting treatment? We've got to go back!
JACK
No point. Doctor said it has spread and there is nothing more to do. That is why I moved in with Grandpa.
JIM
He knew?
JACK
No, he never knew, but he didn't ask questions.
JIM
(hysterical)
We have to do something!
JACK
(calm)
We are. We're living.
JIM
It's not fair.
JACK
Heh, you've got to have faith.
JIM stares at JACK.
JACK
This trip is enough reason to have faith.
JIM
How's that?
JACK
If it weren't for you agreeing to leaving. I would be dying on your couch back in your shitty apartment. It was a miracle.
JIM wipes a few tears from his eyes.
JIM
But not the miracle you hoped for.
JACK
You're wrong! I was dead and then in an instance you gave me my life back. This trip. I feel nothing but happiness.
JIM
How?
JACK
Because not many people get to choose how they spend the last days of their lives. I'm choosing.
JIM gives JACK a hug.
JACK (cont'd)
Thank you.
JIM and JACK'S hug breaks away and they stand side looking out at the ocean.
JIM
So what do you want to do?
JACK
Well I always wanted to see St. John's.
JIM
Then let's go.
YOU ARE READING
I QUIT
Fiksi UmumJim is living a normal life until tragedy changes his life forever. He will have to decide between starting over or continue living in this life of mediocrity.
