Hello Felix!

Hello Felix!: Part 2

Jones nodded slowly before Jackson released him and with tentative steps, Jones began to follow Jackson as he led the both of them into the depths of the tarnished building.

As they entered the foyer, a waft of old books, aged wood, and carpet permeated the air, seeing worn and slightly torn books and loose sheets of paper scattered across the floor, while the mundane grey carpet born stains of neglect, seeing some of the seams ripped out. The frame of the wooden shelves bent and from age, hearing their soft groans of decrepit sent a chill down Jones's spine.

Jackson inhaled deeply, savoring the scent as he guided Jones past the towering aisles, the beams adorning golden accents, remnants of the structure's former opulence. Jones was unable to talk as it was a very vulnerable moment for him that loomed heavy on his mind, clouding any thought of discourse. Only the cawing of crows and the forest's symphony quelled the resounding silence. Wandering through the stretching corridors, they climbed marbled winding stairs that twisted their way up the second floor. Tripping over a book or two, Jackson and Jones stopped at a balcony and peered through it perched. 

The sprawling forest rolled on for miles, the starry night sky, its white glimmering dots, carelessly dancing within the enormous vacuum of outer space, coupled with Luna's eye gazing down upon the world as the wind gently cupped their face with its tranquilizing touch. 

Jones took a deep breath, his chest heaved taking in the purified air, gradually cleansing the turmoil that raged within.

Jackson smiled faintly as his friend slowly gained composure. "Feeling better?" He asked, carrying a note of concern.

Jones felt the tears on his cheek dry, his devastation steadily fading. He remained silent for a moment, then began. "I don't know," He murmured, his tone devoid of his infectious confidence. Tears began to flood his eyes as he shut them tightly. "I loved them..." A single drop trickled along Jones's cheek, then hung from the bottom of his chin.

Jackson's smile vanished as he placed a hand on Jones's shoulder, softening his tone. "Jones... it's okay. They are in a better place now."

Jones gritted his teeth as he struggled to control himself, eventually gasping for breath from exertion. He glanced away, unable to meet Jackson's gaze. "I'm sorry... I just never thought this would happen..." His voice wavered with emotion. "not so early, at least."

Jackson's grip tightened as he grabbed both Jones's shoulders, making him face him. "I know, Jones, I know..."Jackson sighed, letting a silence surround them before he continued. "Life throws curve balls, bullets... and even nukes, but it's our job to rise back up and keep pursuing it." 

"What if..." Jones murmured. "I don't want to? What if I just want to sit this one out? What I get beat up so many times... I just can't do it?" 

Jackson paused, then continued. "There is no such then as you can't, Jones. It's only if you are willing to do it. And as for not wanting to," Jackson smirked gently. "Then I'm going to tell you what my father said to me. Reach deep into your pants pocket, find your balls, and proceed."

Jones emitted a suppressed chuckle, a small faint smile playing on his lips. "You're a good man, Jackson."

Feeling a shift in the atmosphere, a sense of camaraderie slowly creeps into the air as they both remain quiet, letting comforting silence hug them. They both glance back to the balcony, letting the vast, cauldron black space in the sky that elongated infinity, whisk them away into contemplation, filling them with reverence as they gaze on endless constellations that wove a quilt that spoke timeless grandeur. 

Breaking the silence, Jackson patted Jones on the back, smiling warmly. "You too Jones, you too. Let's get your mind off of what happened, okay?"

Jones's smile grew subtly, but a flicker of amusement danced in his eyes. "Yeah..." He nodded. "Yeah, that would be nice."