Jack Burzdea Part 3: Fate

He had been in the hospital for three weeks, mostly just family had visited him. The beating had caused a war between his family and the arab-community in town. Jack just wanted to vanish. His only true support was Sickla, who had grown a lot thinner during the last weeks. Jack was worried about his brother, he hadn't been visiting for the last few days and Jack thought something had happened to him. Waiting in the hospital bed one day his father came in and gave him a stern stare
"Did you know of Sicklas filth?" he asked and a rock of ice formed in Jacks chest
"What are you talking about? Has something happened?" he answered and tried to avoid his fathers eyes. A crash from the wall told him that his father was angry. What had Sickla done?
"He ran away last weekend, left a note saying that he was never coming back to live under our oppression. Then we found out he had run away to New York, living in some kind of a homo-sanctuary. Did you know!? Did you encourage him!?"
Jack swallowed his fear and met his fathers eyes
"So what if I did? I wouldn't tell you. I know you would kill any of us for thinking different. I hope he finds the happiness he seeks"
His father hit him with an open hand over his face and Jack found himself chuckling
"Hitting me while I'm still in the hospital father? Please..."
"... What is wrong with you? Why do you do this?"
"maybe I'm just tired... tired of being at war for no other reason then stupidity.."
"I will not have this conversation with you. Not now. Hope you feel good about having sentenced your brother to a slow death"
His father turned around and walked out. Jack sighed and closed his eyes. So tired.
"You could call the cops you know..they would have to do something" a soft voice said, startling him. When he looked towards the door he saw a young nurse standing there, a beautiful young woman with caring dark eyes.
"You heard that? No worry... I don't care what they do to me... and the cops won't do a thing... they are on their side"
She came in to the room and started to tend to his wounds with caring eyes.
"Suicidal?" she asked and Jack had to think about it for a moment
"I don't know... I just... don't care anymore. It's not my life I'm living anyway... If I did I would..." he bit his lip realizing what he was about to say
"You would what?" she asked curiously and pulled a bit of escaped black hair back to the bun she had it in.
"I'd date someone like you.. but they would kill us both..."
"Interesting thought. I'd date a brave man like you any day" she said checking his droplet and leaving him with a weird feeling inside of him.
"Hey what's your name?" he called after her
"Naima" she answered. It was the most beautiful name he had heard. Maybe just because it was hers.