Descent into madness Part 3 posted 11/9/2007 10:18:18 PM | 6 kudos what's this?     report abuse tagged: madness, finale

kjac

As the days turned into weeks, Ken's mind slowly deteriorated. But for the most part, he believed he was putting on a good show for the family while his insides slowly died. Not once had he cried over Austin's passing. He got another job and eventually got back on his feet financially, but there was a darkness inside him that didn't exist there before. It had found room in the emptiness and grew. It landed him a small stint in county and a reputation among the local community. But that's a story for another day.

Little known to Ken, his family was growing more and more concerned. He had grown detached, and sometimes would go weeks at a time without even seeing them. This wasn't like him. It was obvious to everyone he needed help. Michelle knew he'd never go see a shrink, but she also knew one person who could help. The one person who might just be able to save his life.

Ken was slicing up hot dogs for his omelet when the thought struck him again. So easy it would be to turn the blade around and finish the job. Finishing off the life that was already ended. But he had heard the stories. People surviving such attempts and becoming invalids. The last thing his family needed was another burden.

As he was finishing his omelet, there was a knock at the door.

'Great... company.' Ken thought. 'Just what I need.' He had no idea how right he was as he opened the door.

"Stacy?" There stood his friend Stacy, who he hadn't seen in a long time. She smiled back at him as he just stood there, stunned.

"Well, are you going to let me in?"

As Stacy came in, she looked around. The place was a mess, and looking at Ken, so was he.

"Your sister called me." She told him as she looked at him. "And I can see why."

"What do you mean?"

"Look around Ken. You're a mess. This isn't you. You don't live like this. What happened?"

As Ken looked into the eyes of someone who used to be his best friend, he lost it. The tears started flowing as he bawled like a child.

"It's OK." Stacy said as she hugged him. "I'm here for you. We all are."

"But... what are you doing here? I thought you lived in Albuquerque?"

"I do."

In that instant, Ken knew the darkness wouldn't win. A friend thought lost had come from clear across the country because she found out her friend was in trouble. One single act of kindness had restored a hope thought lost. Everything that seemed so trivial just moments before had now come crashing to the forefront.

The next day, Ken went to visit Austin's grave. He made two promises.

1) He would find a way back to the man he once was.

2) He would never let anything stand between him and his fantastic friends and family again.

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Blogs by kjac: A prelude to a new year A dream turned reality My best worst Christmas ever The cure for the holiday blues Thankfully, I have a life Hitler, booze, and personal accountability Lessons from a child Burned bridges can be repaired Holidays well spent A darkness unleashed Forgiveness The beginnings Descent into madness Part 3 Descent into madness Part 2 (The trigger) Descent into madness Part 1 Without prior approval Lori, a wasted life I've got to tell someone Well at least I had a great weekend This is how tumors get started Have a great weekend Crazy Billy ain't so crazy Egos, Religion, and Sara You failed again Johnnie Alchoholic elephants exposed