Jacob

Cold air of deep Ozark wilderness gently cuts through Jacob’s thick, brown beard, chapping his frowning lips. A quiet breath through his nostrils flood his lungs with poignant scent of desired air. Tall grass and fast running stream proves spring is here and marks the end of Jacob’s tenth winter, alone, and free just how he has always wanted it.

Mr. Bakersfield, a local shop owner in town, asked Jacob yesterday if he ever missed people.

A soft spoken 53 year old man replied in obvious fashion with a quick “No.”

Jacob finds people… inconsequential; thus, chooses to keep to himself. His many failed relationships with: family, friends and most of all, women, has left him content with such an existence.

Finding life in his breath Jacob takes a step towards thick woods adjacent to a fast flowing stream, and begins to feel a stiff sickness in his stomach and tears quietly seep from his eyes. In confusion, Jacob stops and ponders the day before and his simple answer to Mr. Bakersfield’s question.

For several minutes Jacob feels no comfort and continues towards the woods in a new, solemn fashion like never before.