20. Guilt

Over the next several days Dex and Jack begin construction on the the shed. They have to make long periodic trips to the forest to get enough lumber for the project. Dex had already started gathering some before the weather got bad but now that Jack’s here he has the extra set of hands he needs. You had tried to help him but your petite frame made it too awkward to efficiently assist him carry large trees back to be split into planks.

You’ve spent the majority of these days inside trying to finally finish reading the book you started weeks ago. You try not to look out the window too often but periodically find yourself there anyway. Despite the cold whether you typically find the men outside with their jackets off and sleeves rolled up as they work silently together splitting large logs. Your eyes linger taking in both men’s forms. They’re built quite similarly yet are so different.

Jack kept his shaggy hair but was happy to borrow a razor to shave his unkept beard off. His face was lean where Dex’s was more square but his features were still ruggedly good looking. You noticed after he shaved that he has another small scar running along down his left check. It only added to his look in your opinion. The shed is nearly finished being built. Dex made sure to insulte it and added a small chimney so Jack could keep the place warm. The men had been working late into the night recently. You’re sure Dex has been hurrying the project along, eager to have Jack out of the cabin.

You think they’ll be finished with it tonight if the continue at this pace. There’s just a few more planks to be fashioned to cover the rest of the left side of the shed. The general atmosphere of the cabin had grown more calm lately. The men seem to have come to a silent understanding. They worked together on the shed but otherwise seemed to stay out of each others way. However, a tension has been building up between you and Dex. He already spent roughly two weeks away from you during his hunting trip and now has had to spend a week sharing the cabin with Jack. You’ve learned from your time together that Dex isn’t always a patient man.

You return to your chair and pick your book back up. You’re still stuck on the same chapter you had started the day Jack arrived. Before you know the sun has set and you finally hearing the pounding of hammers cease. Moments later the door opens and the men come in. You quickly vacate your chair so they can both have a seat. Their breath is rough and you see beads of frozen sweat begin to thaw and run down their faces.

You go grab a couple of kitchen towels and toss one to Jack. He nods appreciatively and you turn to gently wipe Dex’s brow off. Later that night you all share a last meal together before Jack begins packing up his things to move into the shed. You gather the empty dishes and bring them over to the kitchen while he does this. When he’s done you turn to watch him leave and see he’s already staring at you. Moments later you feel Dex’s presence behind you and Jack looks away and opens the door. You shiver from the cold air and lean back into Dex’s chest. His arms wrap tightly around you and you feel as if a small weight has been lifted from your shoulders. But somewhere deep down you also feel a twinge of sadness now that Jack is gone.