The following takes place right after the ending of season 6.
The sun raised as Jack Bauer stood on the cliff watching the ocean. A new day began in his life, the second day back in America. He stood on the crossroads of his life. He had just left the love of his life. Audrey. The only woman he really loved. He had to leave her, like Heller said… He is cursed. But was he really cursed? It's true that he lost a lot of things through his job but was it really a curse? The only thing he knew and had known when he was in China, was and had been that he loves Audrey. She came to China to find him, like Cheng said that everybody had given up on Jack except for Audrey. How ended it? Can he deny what happened to her because of him? Obviously, Audrey went through a lot but there was still a chance for her to recover from her brain damage.
Jack looked over the ocean, his eyes tried to find something to concentrate on but without success. He had no life. In his mind was only the thought that he just lost the woman he loves.
"I can't do this! I can't leave her! She is everything I've got." he thought.
With these thoughts in his mind, Jack went back to Heller's house, while the sun was rising even higher till finally day arrived.
Heller was still in Audrey's room and sat patiently on her bed. He was surprised when Jack rushed in. He didn't expect to ever see him again.
"Jack, what are you…." he tried to say.
"I'm sorry Sir but I can't do this!"
"Can't do what?"
"Leave Audrey. I know that my life is dangerous for her but I love her. She means everything to me, you know that." Jack explained.
"Yeah, I know! But like I said before… She will pay the prize! You can't take care of her. I won't allow it." Heller said angrily.
"I know you don't like me but I will get through to her. I love her with all my heart like no other man can love a woman. I can't leave her, no matter what you say. Some minutes ago, I tried to say goodbye to her and leave her but here I am. I can't stay alive without her. My love to her kept me alive when I was in China" Jack explained under tears.
Heller realized that he can't stop Jack from being with his daughter.
"I know that her condition is not all your fault but you are a part of it!" he finally said.
"I know and I will always blame my self for that but I can't change it. Believe me, if I had any chance to change what happened in China I would." Jack responded.
"I see. Um… Jack I'm sorry that I wasn't fair to you. I understand that you love her and that you want to be with her, you know. So I give you a last chance but if you mess up, I will take care that you won't get anywhere near Audrey. Did I make myself clear?"
"Yes Sir. Thank you!" Jack said relieved.
"Good. I'm going to leave you alone with her. I will drive to the hotel and get the rest of my stuff. She hasn't spoken a word the whole time so try to speak to her when she wakes up and take care of her until I get back. I see you in a few hours!" Heller said leaving the room.
"I will Sir!"