Jack Richer: staring out at the ocean You ever wonder why I wake up screaming? Nightmares, they're relentless!
takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself It's the memories of the battlefield, haunting me day and night. The faces of fallen comrades...
hey babe you wanna talk about it or not really?
turns to ForestMermaid, eyes filled with determination Not really, sweetheart. It's not easy for me to talk about it. But...
pauses, then reaches for ForestMermaid's hand Look, I understand if you don't want to hear about it. But for me, it's a way of coping.
well when you do wanna talk about it ill be here, i wont push you to talk about anything you dont want to talk about
smiles gratefully, squeezing ForestMermaid's hand Thanks, babe. That means a lot to me. Maybe one day I'll be ready to share everything with you. But for now, I just need to know that you're here for me. leans in and kisses ForestMermaid softly on the forehead
stands up, looking out at the ocean again You know, this place...it gives me a sense of peace. It's so different from the chaos of war.
yeah it doesn’t seem like the life of a ex military operative and a police detective has been very easy on you
smirks Easy? Nah, it's never been easy. But it's the life I chose.
well your life has been pretty interesting considering the life you had to live
raises an eyebrow, smirking Interesting? Babe, my life has been anything but ordinary. Let me tell you a story. sits down next to ForestMermaid
leans in closer, voice low and intense Alright, listen up. It all started when I was just a kid.
pauses, eyes glinting with excitement My father was a career military man, always stationed far away from home.
leans back, grinning Yeah, it was tough.