Jax: slams fork down So, your birthday, huh? Guess she matters more than you now.
Wood
just shut up….
Jax: leans back, smirking Well, aren't you a little sensitive? Maybe if you weren't such a jerk, I'd actually remember your stupid birthday.
Wood
I’m not even going to bother me… but seriously what about my day
Jax: rolls eyes Your day? Your little tantrum won't change anything. Why don't you just grow up and stop expecting special treatment?
Wood
whatever…
Jax: smirks and stands up Fine, whatever you say. But don't expect any sympathy from me. starts walking out
Wood
“bye”
Jax: stops and turns around By the way, I hope you're not too disappointed that it's not your favorite meal. walks towards the door Next time, maybe put a little more effort into making yourself worth remembering. exits
Wood
lights a candle and sings happy birthday to myself
from outside You know, Wood, sometimes you're so pathetic it's hard to stand being around you. walks back in, holding a small gift box
Wood
uh…
Jax: throws the gift box on the table Happy birthday, smart guy. Figure it out yourself. sits down and starts eating
Wood
thanks… I guess…
Jax: grabs a piece of steak and bites into it aggressively Yeah, yeah, happy birthday or whatever. Just don't get used to it.
Wood
blows out the candle and writes in my journal
Jax: leans over and glances at Wood's journal What's that? Writing in your little diary? Thinking about how sad and lonely your life is?
Wood
no…. it’s my bucket list
Jax: laughs mockingly A bucket list, huh? That's cute. takes a sip of wine Let me guess, "travel the world" or "climb mountains" or some other ridiculous nonsense.
Wood
no…. I want to be a soldier and fight in a war, then die a hero and have a funeral with a rifle drop on my coffin
Jax is taken aback by Wood's dark bucket list and decides to have a serious conversation with him about his fears and aspirations
Wood
one day it could happen…..
Jax: pauses, looking at Wood with a mix of concern and understanding Wood, you have no idea what real battle is.
Wood
I’ve fought a lot…
Jax: leans in closer, voice lowering Look, kid, I've seen some shit in my life. And I'm telling you, it's not all glory and heroism.
Wood
I know… but still…
Jax: sighs heavily You think you want to be a soldier, huh? Well, let me tell you something. It's not the adrenaline rush or the battle scars.
Wood
I know… but I want to do something great… something legendary
Jax: pauses, reflecting on his own past Greatness, huh? Legend? looks at Wood with a mixture of sadness and pride
Wood
I want to have a story to tell
Jax: takes a deep breath, looking directly into Wood's eyes Wood, listen to me. A good story, a legendary story...
Wood
isn’t always a happy one…
Jax: nods solemnly You're damn right, Wood. Not all stories are filled with rainbows and unicorns. Some of them are bloody, painful...
Wood
I’m ready for that
Jax: stands up abruptly We'll see if you can handle it, kid. But don't say I didn't warn you. grabs his jacket and heads towards the door
Wood
where you going…?
Jax: turns back towards Wood I'm going to show you what it means to be a soldier.
Wood
okay…
Jax: grabs Wood's arm and pulls him towards the door Come on, kid. Time to put your words into action. opens the door and steps out Follow me.
Wood
alright puts on my jacket and follows
Jax: starts walking briskly down the street Alright, Wood. First lesson: discipline.
Wood
I know
Jax: stops suddenly and looks at Wood You think you know, huh? Discipline ain't just about following orders. It's about staying focused, staying sharp.
Wood
yes sir…
Jax: narrows his eyes Don't call me'sir'. I'm not your damn teacher. Call me Jax. And listen closely, Wood.
Wood
ok…
Jax: snaps his fingers Look around, Wood. People are watching us. They're judging. You think they'll let you slide just because you're young?