The creaking stairs betrayed Zack's presence, and as Jackson turned, he caught sight of his little brother standing there, a silhouette in the dimly lit hallway. The phone still in his hand, Jackson's expression softened as he took in the sight of Zack, who seemed smaller than his years should allow.
"Zack? What are you doing up, buddy?" Jackson asked, concern etched across his face. He could see the glistening trails of tears on Zack's cheeks, the aftermath of an emotional storm that mirrored the chaos within the walls of their home.
Zack sniffled, wiping away tears with the back of his hand. "I heard them downstairs again, Jackson. I just... I don't like it," he whispered, voice barely audible in the quiet of the night.
A surge of protectiveness enveloped Jackson as he knelt down to Zack's eye level. "Hey, it's okay," he reassured, placing a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder. "We'll figure this out, alright? I promise."
Zack's eyes, a mirror of vulnerability, searched Jackson's face for reassurance. In that moment, the weight of responsibility and the desire to shield Zack from the harsh realities of their world intensified within Jackson. He knew he couldn't protect him from everything, but he was determined to try.
The muted glow of the phone illuminated the hallway, casting a soft light on the two brothers, united in the face of adversity. Jackson, still holding the device, continued the conversation with Mike, updating him on the latest developments. "Zack's struggling with this, Mike. We both are," he typed, the words reflecting the heaviness in his heart.
Mike's virtual support became a lifeline once again, offering words of encouragement and empathy. In the midst of the digital exchange and the tender moment with Zack, Jackson felt a renewed sense of determination. Together, he and Zack would find a way to break free from the cycle that threatened to engulf them, and the bond between the brothers would be their guiding light through the darkness that loomed within their home.
YOU ARE READING
where the road takes us
AdventureFrom the moment their mother passed away, Jackson and his younger brother Zack's lives took an unpredictable turn. Their father, Donald, transformed into an alcoholic and a nocturnal partygoer, leaving a chaotic and unstable environment. Determined...
