Shh… There's no need to struggle. I won't let them take you.
You cease your fighting and glare into my face, your haunting eyes of ice shining with fury, glazed with pain. How different they are from when I first met you! Only hours ago they danced with merriment and interest, with life. Now they reflect the red of the flashing lights outside, the fire of hatred.
Hatred and fear go hand in hand, Jackson. I should know. That scar, my hurtful infirmity that you so tentatively analyzed, has brought me years of terror and bitterness. It has made me the workaholic, the sleepless dreamer, the cowering woman. That's why you came into my life; to make me put aside my cowardice and torment to defend myself.
Oh, you were so cruel.
I gently wipe the blood away from your lips, your breath heavy against my still-trembling hand. It's the least I can do, for you once stroked my skin…after you knocked me senseless. You patted my cheek…after you nearly choked the life out of me. For stabbing you with a pen, I can hold you. Peachy, wasn't it? After shooting you, I can find the compassion to wipe away your blood. You've done far more for me than you can imagine.
A tear streams down your cheek as your pain intensifies. I'm not a predator like you, Jackson. The tears flowing from my eyes are droplets of pity. I couldn't wish your fate on my worst enemy, you or the one who attacked me in the parking lot. I really should be thanking you. You made me strong, made me step out of my weakness and into strength.
I can begin my life again with confidence and assurance that I am valuable and that no one will ever take advantage of me. After all, I did just defy and defeat an assassin who was bent on killing me. You freed me from my cage of self-criticism and doubt. You gave me wings to enjoy life, to no longer fear the shadows. After so many years of unspeakable torment, you came and forced me to face my fears and overcome. I am free; and it is all because of you.
Somehow, I also have the strength to forgive you. I will not become entrapped by bitterness again, and it is your doing.
The police are coming in now, but I won't let them touch you, not until you're gone. You've escaped them countless times, and that fascinates me. To show you my forgiveness, I won't let them capture you now. You are fast fading, and I want your last memory to be of me holding you, someone finally caring about you.
I wrap my arms tightly around you, your blood seeping onto my clothes. I lower my head above yours, shielding your dimming vision from the police.
"Leese," you whisper, your trembling fingers moving to my cheek. "You won. Why the pity?"
"You freed me," I cry, my tears trickling across your blood. I lower my mouth to your ear. "Thank you, Jackson," I whisper.
"You're…welcome…" You choke, a ghost of a smile on your lips and a faint flicker of the old light in your eyes before they close forever.
Your body trembles and then becomes still. Your hand, lifeless and cold, slips from my cheek to my scar. I close my eyes and take a deep breath before I take your hand and gently kiss it as one last peace offering. I then place it on your chest and slowly, shakily, begin to stand.
Physically, I am bruised and broken, but my inner strength, my will to survive, pulses through my veins. I get to my feet and watch as your limp body is picked up and carried out. A stray wisp of brown hair drops lazily over one of your eyes, and I whisper to you as you are carried out of my home.
"You have healed my scar with your blood. You have given me a reason to have faith in myself. I forgive you. Thank you, Jackson."