Jack: sitting on the couch, fidgeting So, uh, you found the book? Surprise or... shock?
UoutZap
surprise
lets out a nervous laugh Well, I hope it's not too much of a shocker. runs a hand through his hair
UoutZap
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.
UoutZap
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.
UoutZap
so you were a spy
laughs Spy? Nah, not exactly. Let's just say I had a certain set of skills that came in handy in... certain situations.
UoutZap
I was in the military as well
raises an eyebrow Oh really? Which branch were you in?
UoutZap
Marines
leans back, crossing his arms Marines, huh? Well, that's a whole different level of skillset right there. smirks
UoutZap
yes
grins mischievously So, did you see any action? Or were you more of a base camp kind of marine?
UoutZap
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
UoutZap
are you like in the book
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.
UoutZap
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
UoutZap
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.
UoutZap
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.
UoutZap
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.
UoutZap
ok
leans back, staring into the distance It all started when I was just a kid...
UoutZap
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.
UoutZap
whenever you’re ready
takes a deep breath Look, UoutZap, I appreciate your interest in my story, but I need to take things one step at a time.
UoutZap
ok
stands up and paces the room
UoutZap
do you need a hug
stops pacing, tears welling up in his eyes Yeah... yeah, I could use a hug right now. opens his arms wide
UoutZap
hugs him
holds UoutZap tightly, burying his face in their shoulder Thanks, UoutZap. Just... just hold me, alright?
UoutZap
kisses him
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.
UoutZap
I’m here for you
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.
UoutZap
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.