Disclaimer: Wish I could be as good as Ms. Proulx, but, I'm not.

After the divorce became final, Jack decided to head for Wyoming. He hasn't seen his mother in almost a year. He was supposed to be there back in November, but, the postcard from Ennis confirming their next fishing trip never arrived. Guess he meant what he said. Well, Ennis, I can let ya be even though it's killing me a little more each day. Guess ya found a way to just go on with yer life. Guess ya really didn't love me like I thought. These thoughts followed him for days afterward and on his trip to Wyoming as well.

Intending to head straight to his folk's place, he found himself entering the little town of Riverton instead. It seems his heart took over while his mind was wondering. His heart was still in control when he stopped at the only motel and paid for the only room that could bring back memories for him. After waking from a nap, he decided to get something to eat and walked over to the diner next door. Stopping long enough to grab a paper on his way in, he sat down at a table in the back and read the paper front to back. Reaching the section that contained the obituaries, he suddenly felt a cold shudder run through him. Not knowing why he did so, he opened it up to the obit page and read:

Del Mar, Ennis

Ennis Del Mar, Age 40, died yesterday due to complications.

Mr. Del Mar had been in a coma for the past six months following

A traffic accident caused by a sudden heart attack. Viewing will be

At the United Methodist Church tomorrow at 2 p.m. followed by

Funeral and burial Friday at 1 p.m.

Mr. Del Mar is survived by his daughters Mrs. Alma Junior Richardson and

Miss. Francine Del Mar.

"Friend of yers?" Jack looked up to see the waitress hovering over him.

"Yes, ma'am. He was a real good friend."

"I'm real sorry. Just barely knew him myself. Always came in here for pie and coffee. Real shame, he was so young. How long ya known him?"

"20 Years. We met when we were hearding sheep up on Brokeback Mountain one year. Pretty much stayed in touch ever since." Course, he'd never tell anyone what else Ennis was to him. Nobody's business but theirs.

Jack was still in shock when he got back to his room, but, as soon as he lay down on the bed the tears started coming and didn't seem to want to stop.