Sweethearts Part 2

The cottage, or cabin by the lake, produced the best of times for the family. It was here that Jack taught the kids to fish. It was here that Claire, a born outdoors woman, showed the children to appreciate the beauty of the land. Many times, when the lake was just warm enough, there would be the dinnertime swims with the family. Jack wasn't much of a swimmer, so, it fell on Claire to teach the kids how to swim. Jack didn't mind his role on the sidelines during these moments. It gave him time to take stock of his life and family. He sure was blessed. The kids were growing up good, strong children. His wife and him had done well. And, Jack, would find himself staring at Claire with a love that seemed to grow stronger as the years went on.... As much as they both loved the kids, Jack and Claire had to concede that their favorite moments at the cabin didn't involve the kids. They took place at night, after the kids were tucked away. There was a big fireplace in the cabin. The lights would be turned low. Claire would make them both a drink, and, they would quietly lie by the fireplace in each other's arms. Jack loved to see the light from the fire reflect off of Claire's face. There was sometimes talk between them, but, more often than not, they shared a comfortable silence of love. With the madness of the world just beyond the door, here was a little piece of Heaven, snugly against a quiet fire... With great reluctance, the family would leave the cabin on Sunday nights-- but, not before seeing a heart stopping sunset from the lake-- and, return to normal life. The kids would start up at school, Jack would be selling his insurance, and, Claire would keep the family on track at home. Life hummed along quite normally as the years went by. And, as always, there was the cabin and that magical fireplace in it, that was their oasis...Then..... It started with a small lump under Claire's arm. At first, she ignored it. Then it became too painful to ignore. She went to the doctor and he delivered the grim results: it was cancer. And, it had spread all over her body. He gave her a year at the most. Devastated, she told her family. The kids couldn't believe it. Jack felt as though he had been told he had the cancer. Claire said she would fight it. She was a fighter and she would beat it, dammitt!! At first, she did. The first couple of months she beat the demon. But, the success was fleeting. The cancer wore her down. In and out of hospitals was her life now. She couldn't even visit the cabin anymore.... Jack came out on his memory. Claire seemed to be trying to awaken. It was just the two of them. He was tempted to have the nurse ring for his children in the cafeteria, but, decided against it. Claire opened her eyes one last time. He saw she was going to die. The tears were in his eyes. And, also in Claire's. Jack whispered that he loved her. Claire couldn't talk. She was holding his hand. A squeeze of her hand said the words back to him. Then, Claire closed her eyes for the final time... The family survived after Claire's death, but, Jack was never the same man again. His children were grown and he was proud of them. However, his Claire was gone, and, with her passing, his desire for life. Almost two years later, Jack joined his bride.... The children eventually sold the cabin. They couldn't bear to visit it again without their parents. So, it was sold in due time. A young couple bought it and started their memories with their children. Jack and Claire's children hoped that the new owners liked to lie by a fireplace...