I do NOT own 24 own any of its characters. But I do have the first four seasons on DVD! And I can watch Chase anytime I want! drools
Setting: About a year after Teri's death.
Wounds Will Heal
Summertime was the worst season of year for Jack Bauer, especially the summertime sunset. Why? Because it was his wife's favorite time of the year. A vision of her twirling across the boardwalk entered his head as he walked down that very same place, soon reaching the all-too-familiar ice cream stand.
Feeling a sudden craving for a strawberry cone, Jack stood in line, trying not to think about the last time he had had one. But this time, sharing it wasn't an option, because he had no one to share it with.
He paid for his ice cream cone and walked over to a bench, where he saw a sixteen year old girl, quietly eating a cup of cookie dough ice cream. Call him crazy, but he could sense a feeling of loneliness inside her. And he, knowing all about loneliness, decided to join her, not knowing what just sitting there would do.
She, however, was the first to speak.
"If you don't mind my saying so," she began. "You don't look too good."
After blinking at the bluntness of this statement, Jack chuckled slightly. He noticed it hurt to chuckle.
"I don't feel too good either," he said.
"I'm Tanya by the way," the girl said, extending her hand.
"Jack Bauer," Jack replied, shaking it.
"So, what happened to make you look so miserable?" she asked.
"My wife died," Jack replied, and he felt a sharp pain of sadness.
"I'm sorry," Tanya replied, and Jack could tell she was honestly sorry. "I know a little about losing someone. My mother died when I was ten."
"I'm sorry," Jack told her, truthfully.
"Me too," Tanya replied. "I miss her a lot. But, I've learned to move on. That's what she'd want me to do."
"That's what Teri would want for me," Jack said. "But, I find that hard to do, especially since my daughter won't come near me anymore."
"She will in time," Tanya told him. "And as for moving on, it takes time, but if there's one thing I've learned over the years is, no matter how deep a wound is, it will heal.
Jack smiled at the girl. She seemed like a sixteen year old girl trapped in a mother's body, completely wise beyond her years.
"Thank you, Tanya," he said to her.
She smiled.
"No problem, Mr. Bauer."
"Call me Jack," he replied, and she nodded.
"Well, I have to go," she said, standing. "It was nice meeting you, Jack. I hope we meet again someday."
"So do I," Jack replied, smiling.
Tanya grinned and headed down the boardwalk.
And Jack's burden was lifted a little.
The End! Review please! NO FLAMES! Constructive Criticism Is Welcomed.