The Emancipation of Dan

Prologue
It is a known fact that drowning to death is the most peaceful way to die. The denial of oxygen is supposed to bring on the the feeling of euphoria that blankets one's consciousness right before losing it. It stands to reason of course as no one's ever talked to someone who's drowned to death. But then again everything stands to reason in this universe, like what is the the purpose of our existence?

Standing by the calm ocean shore, Dan has concluded to end his life. He's escaped a life sentence but he hasn't escaped himself. His hands are still tainted with the blood of his wife.

Chapter 1
It was summer 1984, sitting on the front steps of the porch that afternoon was Dan excited that Jenny was coming over. Jenny was bubbly, passionate and free spirited. She often talks about wanting to be a human rights lawyer to free the Hindus and minorities in India from religious persecution. Earlier that day Jenny had been very persistent in wanting to coming over, insisting it was a matter of urgency though Dan thought otherwise as she kept grinning. He laughed and thought to himself she was always like this, spontaneous and full of surprises. He often wished he could be like her, to just not give a damn, to live, to be free.

Footsteps broke his chains of thought he looked up to see Jenny walking excitedly towards him. “Hello stranger” said Jenny still with that cheeky grin. “Hey you, what are you grinning about?” said Dan suspiciously. “I have a surprise for you!” she took a seat on the steps besides Dan “Close your eyes” Dan closed his eyes nervously, it was quiet nothing happened for a minute all he could feel was the summer breeze blowing gently on his face, suddenly he felt her kissing him. He responded and kissed back, he could feel her hands gliding from his shoulders, down to his arms towards his hand. He opened up his hand ready to take her hand when he felt a plastic sachet in his palm. He opened his eyes and looked down at his palm, it was a condom packet. He looked up and met her gaze he laughed nervously “Where did you get this from?” “I stole it from my parents room” she said casually, on noticing Dan’s shocked look she added quickly “Well we just finished high school! Calls for a celebration don’t you think?” Dan went rigid for a moment, but before he could respond Jenny was pulling him to his bedroom.