Right from the start, Ennis and Jack moved in synch. Ennis watched as Jack started toward him, his stride purposeful, and his eyes on the plates that were just washed in the stream. Just as fast as Ennis washed the dinnerware, Jack was right behind: taking the plates from Ennis’ hands, drying them with a towel, and after that, putting them away. Ennis observed how Jack complimented him…not with words, per se, but with deeds. They moved together like a well oiled machine.
And the nights were the same! When the urge hit and the sheep were in danger of watching over themselves, Jack started a dinner fire and Ennis prepared vittles for cooking. Jack roasted the beans and, if they were so fortunate, grilled a piece of steak or a filet of fish. The meal was eaten, usually in silence. But after the dinner dishes were left at the bank of the stream for the waves to wash clean, the fire was left to die and the lads sought warmth in the tent.
The lovemaking was ordered. Ennis loved for Jack to be the aggressor. He let Jack make the first move and usually allowed him to have his way. It was easier when Jack did all the work; he didn’t really need to move a muscle. But after Jack started it all off, a carefully choreographed dance ensued and progressed until the last shudder melted them down, and the last sigh escaped through the flap of the tent.