Raging like a bull, hurting like a rabbit...

Only his beloved's tears could pierce Jasper's guarded heart but when he moved to comfort Edward, a raised hand halted his advance. Astonished by his refusal, Jasper could only stare at Edward's bent head.

Taking a deep breath, blazing green eyes met brown ones and spiting justified wrath Edward told Jasper about everything he had endured from their colleagues and the truth of his relationship with Mrs. Hale. Giving Jasper no time to respond, he left without looking behind.

Humiliated from his own stupidity and belittled by his own ignorance, Jasper turned his fury against himself. His defective mind seemed unable to cope with the magnitude of his feelings, so he unconsciously tried to implode his already damaged relationship.

Humbled by self-awareness he sought a mercy that would never come.

At that moment only hope sustained my steps...