For all those loved and lost.

I think I like when it rains.

Jackson – October 2024

You didnt see Joel much after that night when he was gripping onto the pole so hard, he might bend

it. Hes probably just settling into his new life at Jackson just like you did 5 years ago. You continue

your patrols and helping around Jackson, Maria is starting to show a little now and people are getting

suspicious, you ignore the whispers around Jackson, but no one dares to ask you because they know

you wont tell a soul of Tommys secret, especially with his big brother still in the dark.

Youre up early this morning around 4:30am and you decide enough is enough of moping around the

house like you have been doing all night, sleep yet again betraying you. So, you grab your boots and

decide to go and see who you are on patrol with this morning.

Town is usually pretty quiet this early in the morning, just the stable hands and the barn keepers who

are awake at this time, you wave a quick hello and continue walking, you decide to go the long route

past Tommys place and you see the lights are all turned on, youre a little confused because Tommy

usually goes to bed pretty early and thats when you spot Joel in the window, shouting coming from

the small house, it looks like theres an argument going on.

You stand for a moment frozen in place trying to hear what they could possibly be arguing about at

4:30am and suddenly the door flies open and Joel storms out.

You ignored me for 5 years to build a life in some new place, you get married and get her pregnant

and you dont think to contact me one time on the goddamn radio Tommy! Joel says in an angry

tone.

What the hell was I supposed to say Joel? Oh, hey big bro I know I abandoned you to join the

Fireflies but Im in this new settlement now why dont you pop over for a whiskey and a round of

fucking poker Your taken aback a little because youve never heard Tommy speak in such a angry

tone before hes always been soft and gentle when it comes to you or Maria but it looks like this time

Joel has really pissed him off.

No Tommy you remember what you said to me that day you left? Huh? I dont ever want to see your

god damn face again Joel is seething with anger now and you have to really hold yourself back and

get in the middle of the brothers fighting like rabid dogs in the street. Tommy sighs and rubs his eyes

with his fingers, and you can sense the defeat in him, he doesnt want to argue with his brother, he

just wanted to tell him that hes finally found a life for himself away from all the shit on the other

side of those giant wooden gates that keep this whole town safe.

Finally, Tommy speaks again Joel you know goddamn well enough that I cant just announce over a

radio channel what we have here, raiders would be here within days and then wed all be fucked, the

people in this town are not fighters apart from me and JJ.