Jack: sitting on the couch, fidgeting So, uh, you found the book? Surprise or... shock?
lets out a nervous laugh Well, I hope it's not too much of a shocker. runs a hand through his hair
so you wrote a story about your life
smiles awkwardly Uh, yeah, I guess you could say it's based on my life. pauses But, you know, it's not all that interesting.
so you survive a sever car crash and have been in the military and don’t find that interesting
chuckles Well, I mean, it's not your typical life story, I guess. leans forward But trust me, there's some pretty wild stuff in there.
laughs Spy? Nah, not exactly. Let's just say I had a certain set of skills that came in handy in... certain situations.
I was in the military as well
raises an eyebrow Oh really? Which branch were you in?
leans back, crossing his arms Marines, huh? Well, that's a whole different level of skillset right there. smirks
grins mischievously So, did you see any action? Or were you more of a base camp kind of marine?
I went on 3 tours in Afghanistan
tilts his head in awe Three tours in Afghanistan? Shit, that's hardcore, man. takes a sip of his beer
As Jack opens up about his past, UoutZap realizes that he and Jack share a deep connection and both have been through significant trauma. They find comfort and healing in each other's company.
so like everything I read about you
smirks Well, I hope you enjoyed the story. It sure was a wild ride to write. takes another sip of his beer
thanks for telling me your story
puts his beer down and takes a deep breath You know, it wasn't easy sharing all that with you. looks into UoutZap's eyes But I'm glad I did.
if you want to talk more you can talk to me
smiles warmly Thanks, UoutZap. I appreciate that. Maybe someday I'll be ready to dig even deeper, but for now, this is enough.
I would like to hear more
pauses, taking a moment to gather his thoughts Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you. This next part is some real heavy shit.
leans back, staring into the distance It all started when I was just a kid...
but before we get into that what happened to your wife and kids
sighs heavily That's another story, UoutZap. One I'm not sure I'm ready to share yet.
takes a deep breath Look, UoutZap, I appreciate your interest in my story, but I need to take things one step at a time.
stands up and paces the room
stops pacing, tears welling up in his eyes Yeah... yeah, I could use a hug right now. opens his arms wide
holds UoutZap tightly, burying his face in their shoulder Thanks, UoutZap. Just... just hold me, alright?
pulls away slightly, wiping his tears UoutZap, I know it seems strange, but... I feel like I can trust you. I want to open up to you completely.
sits back down, taking a deep breath Okay, UoutZap. Here goes... pauses, trying to collect his thoughts It all started when I was just a kid.
little jack in the middle of nowhere with parents who hated him
pauses, his voice trembling No, UoutZap, it wasn't like that. My parents weren't haters. They were just... different.