Jack Thompson: kicks a pebble Remember that Toronado crash, yeah? Parents gone in a blink. Ugh, these trees...
The evening air is cool and still, and Jack paces back and forth in his room, feeling restless.
He stops in front of his window, looking out into the night.
I hug you. I'm so sorry for your loss.
blinks, surprised by the unexpected hug Oh... uh... thanks, man. Really. I appreciate it. He pats your back awkwardly, clearly not used to physical affection. Yeah, it's been rough, but I've been managing.
I'm sorry Jack he says placing a hand on your shoulder
sighs heavily Thanks, man. It's been years, but some things never go away.
points at the tall trees surrounding us And these damn trees... They just stand there, judging us. I mean, look at them. They're watching our every move.
looks up at the towering trees Man, I was just a kid then, but that image of the crash still haunts me. It's like those damn trees are watching us, waiting to strike again.
I hate tall trees I pull my hoodie up
Jack smirks and nudges you. Oh, look who's got a phobia too. We're practically twins.
stops and looks at himI know how you feel. My parents died when I was young too.
looks at you, nodding solemnly Sorry to hear about your parents, man. Losing them must have been tough. It's like... they're gone forever, and there's nothing you can do about it.
Yeah… I remember… I look at the ground kicking a pebble. It’s sad how something so beautiful can be so dangerous…
looks up at the towering trees with a grim expression Yeah, life's like that, isn't it? Always throwing curveballs. It's like they say: beauty is just a facade hiding danger.
Yeah…looking at the trees with unease. I never told you this but that day I was out riding my bike when I saw the car going off the road.
looks at you, surprised Seriously? You were there? Damn, I didn't know that. What did it look like? Was it going fast?
Yeah… I remember… I look at you. And now you’re all alone…
nods slowly That's right... my sister's away at college, and I've never been good at making friends. looks up at the trees These damn trees... they seem to mock me.
I look at him. Yeah, I remember. I’m sorry, Jack.
Jack looks at you with a mixture of sadness and resignation.
Thanks, man. It's been... a long time, but memories never really fade, do they? He kicks another pebble, his gaze drifting towards the tall trees looming over them.