Duskwood After Story

Memory, Part 1

Author's notes:

TW: Trauma, depiction of death

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We anticipated that the journey from Duskwood to Helianford would take about 10 hours. So, in order to get there in one day, we agreed to depart early in the morning and arrive late in the afternoon. 

We drove beyond the Duskwood exit tunnel, and the road opened its arms, with amber leaves lined up to the horizon. The trees were turning colors all around us since it was October. The early morning air was crisp and refreshing. Aside from us, no one else was on the road.

For the first leg of the journey, Jake was in charge of the wheels. He was wearing sunglasses, with one hand on the wheel and the other on my lap. My heart still skipped a beat everytime I saw Jake, no matter how many days we'd spent together. It was easy to see how silky his hair felt in the breeze. And from the side, the distinct features of his face seemed even more attractive.

Noticing me stealing glances at him, he smiled.

“Do I have something on my face?”

“No, haha. I just love looking at you.” 

Being caught off guard by my honest response, he blushed lightly. Even with the shades on, I could still notice a small flush to his cheeks.

“Do you remember the first night we met? I was driving and you were just sitting there, observing me? Well, now you know how that felt.” – I smirked.

“I guess it’s only fair. I’ll take revenge later.” 

We had a great time laughing and talking about anything that came to mind. From the shape of the clouds in the sky, to how autumn was both of our favorite seasons, to how beautiful the leaves in the trees were.

I asked Jake how it felt to be always on the go, traveling all those miles alone, and being under the strain of a chasing game for so long. I wonder if he had ever wished things had been different before we met.

He said he had grown accustomed to loneliness and that running had become a survival instinct for him. He did it without much thought. Then when I came along, everything changed, for the better. Life was more enjoyable when I was there with him. Even on a boring drive such as today, he still found himself laughing more than he ever did in all these years. 

Then I wondered what would have happened if we had never met. If Hannah hadn’t sent my number to Thomas. The thought of us just passing each other by as strangers made me sad. 

He said it was no use spending all the what-ifs thoughts in my head. The only thing mattered was that we were together, and that we were there at that moment, holding each other’s hand.

"I am glad to be here with you, Jake."

"As do I, Bailey".

As we neared the midway point, the landscape became more arid, with mountains in the distance. There were cows grazing, horses galloping about, and a plethora of other farm animals to see as we drove through the countryside. I told Jake that I had always wanted to live in a secluded farm with a herd of animals. My farm would include cows, poultry, and maybe honeybees. I would raise my own food and cook with what I had on hand. I would wake up each day to the sound of nature and be surrounded by greenery wherever I went. When I realized it was the kind of dream that an old lady would tell about, I laughed at myself.

"Would you mind if I join?" – He asked with a gentle voice. The corner of his lips turned up into a smile. 

"Of course I wouldn't mind. You will be the old man next to me."