Stubborn Love

Chapter 2

Jack's POV

The last thing I remember was the sound of their footsteps in the grass walking away, leaving my almost lifeless body to die. I clung to what little life I had in me more than ever in that moment; I was only 39 years old. I remember being in shock, yet I could not feel anything. My body was numb. I was sure I would bleed to death before anyone came along. While I was lying there, trying to fight for breath, I thought over what had just happened. I had no idea who those two men were.. Why did they beat me? Why were they calling me the names that they were? Then, I realized that the man I worked for on Brokeback Mountain was the one who caused this. He couldn't keep his mouth shut. He wanted me dead...and I was almost there.

My eyes opened slowly. My vision was blurred, but everything was bright. "Am I in heaven?" I thought. I heard the sounds of a monitor beeping, so that answered my question; I was in a hospital. My body still felt numb, and it seemed impossible to move. I attempted to, but unfortunately, it only resulted with pain. At least I felt something. I examined the room with my eyes; the only thing that was moveable. It was like any ordinary hospital room. I looked up at the tv, which wasn't on, and then shifted my view to the upper right corner. There was a mirror. I saw myself, and immediately regretted it. I also saw Lureen, sitting in the chair by the bed with her attention lost in a magazine. There was something else in her lap, but the mirror was too far off, and I was in too much to try to focus. Therefore, I slowly move my head towards her.

"L-Lureen," I tried to speak.
"Jack..you're awake," She replied, looking up at me, her tone seeming almost completely careless.
"What's that i-in your--"
Since she knew what I was asking, she cut me off before I could finish. "Mail. For you, from your old fishing buddy."