Barb and Marge,
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m very glad you both found “Dead Horse” believable since I wanted to do right by Ennis’ mother.
We know how Ennis and Jack can possess us. Ennis’ mother did the same thing, when she ‘showed up’ to answer the question I’d wondered about from my first time reading “Brokeback Mountain”.
And I felt that this answer was consistent with what we know from the story and film about what her son carried, and how those burdens – not just the memory of that horrific walk with his father’s hand pressing on his neck, but all the days before and after with a father who could commit such acts – would affect Ennis’ choices and reactions even after his father was dead.
Marge, I saw on the new moderators thread that you’re writing. I do hope you post a link soon.
Barb, yes, the detail about her hating the cold was by design, if I can call it that. Writing this story felt more like listening and observing than deliberately creating.
I’m so happy that your step-mother made a new life with your father. It’s wonderful to hear a real-life story that ends happily.