"The Box" by Sam Walker (PG-13)

[rigel-7.livejournal.com]

Rec Category: Alternate Universe

Pairing: Jack/Daniel (referred) Sam/Janet (referred)
Categories: Angst, AU, Cassandra Fraiser, Jack O'Neill, Jack/Daniel, Sam/Janet, Slash, SG1
Warnings: References to Character Death
Author on LJ: Unknown
Author's Website: The Writings of Sam Walker at the Grove
Link: "The Box"

Why This Must Be Read:

This is one of the best fics that I've ever read that deals with the raw and often wrenching subject of grief. The writing is tight and controlled and offers a bleak vision of how death can paralyze those left behind.

The POV character is Cassie, and her internalized anguish at watching Jack slowly fall apart is absolutely heart breaking.

It's beautiful and poignant, and definitely MUST be read.

A Teeny Extract

"He always tried to tell me he knew before anyone else," Jack says. Cassie just nods. Some nights he tells her the whole conversation, word for word, or at least word for word in the way he's remembered it. Some nights he just goes for a fond smile, or rolled eyes and a knowing 'Scientists!' exasperated look. Tonight it's a smile.

He picks the picture up and holds it for a moment, still obscuring the bottom of the box. Cassie knows it's not because it's a favorite shot. He's trying to delay the last picture.