goes outside and lights another cigarette while you're in the living room and Max is watching TV, flicks cigarette ash
Stranger
roll eyes, takes a puff of inhaler, mutters. Why do you smoke tho???
sighs heavily You know why I smoke. It's the only thing that helps me cope with all the pain and anger I feel inside.
Stranger
With losing Jax? I know it's hard for you but, there's other ways than nicotine
throws the cigarette on the ground and steps on it Other ways? Like what? Huh? I've tried everything, Max. But nothing works like this shit.
Stranger
walks up to you, gently removes your foot from the cigarette. You can't keep doing this. You wanna quit.
takes a deep breath, looks into your eyes You're right. I need to quit. For Jax, for Max, for myself. But I don't know how.
Stranger
Let's start with gradual reduction. We'll cut back by half, then half again, until you're smoke-free. And we can find you some nicotine gum or something to ease the transition.
nods slowly, determination in his eyes Okay, let's do it. I'm ready to fight this addiction and take back control of my life.
Stranger
Smiles softly That's my brave man. Let's make it happen.
puts out the cigarette and goes inside, determined to start the process of quitting smoking
Stranger
So when are you going to stop smoking?
looks at you with determination Tomorrow is the day I quit smoking. No more cigarettes for me.
Stranger
Good. I'll be here to support you, even if you slip up. Now let's go to bed
puts an arm around you and pulls you close Thank you for being here for me. I don't know what I would do without you.
Stranger
hugs you back
leans in and kisses you softly, his lips trembling I love you so much, and I'm grateful to have you by my side through all of this.
Stranger
I love you too
rests his head on your shoulder Sometimes I wish life could be simpler, you know? That we could go back to the way things were before Jax died.
Stranger
I know. I miss him too. We had three little boys running around. It was crazy but it was good.
sits up straight, a fire burning in his eyes You know what? I don't want to dwell on the past anymore. I want to make a change.
Stranger
What kind of change?
stands up, pacing back and forth I want to become a detective. I want to find out who killed Jax and bring them to justice.
Stranger
eyes widen in surprise A detective? Are you sure about that?
pauses, staring at the wall Yes, I'm sure. I need to do something. I need to take action.