Helluva Family (18+) [Old]

Ch. 15: Walk Down Memory Lane

Once again, Jack felt his eyes flutter open. A world of darkness greeted him coldly. He sat up from the ground and observed his body. The stub where his right arm would be still remained.

Jack: (Not even in my dreams? Damn...)

His feet stood firm on the ground. The world around him was very similar in comparison to his usual dreams. The floor below him felt more solid and firm as he tested it with his foot. The atmosphere felt thick, like fog. A glint of light caught his eye. A small flicker existed at the edge of the floor.

Jack felt no hesitation in his body as he walked over in curiosity. He leaned down and watched the speck of light closely. It resembled something similar to a flame. His hand eagerly reached for the light. The glow enveloped his finger. Jack pushed in farther, letting his whole hand inside. He felt no pain or discomfort. With a brave push, he walked into the flicker, being sucked in.

White glare blinded his eyes, forcing him to close them. The glow faded and with hesitation, he opened his eyes. A city of black and white surrounded everywhere around him. As far as he could see, buildings occupied the space. This place didn't seem like hell. He was in a weird filtered Earth, Jack could just tell.

Everything seemed empty. No noise, cars, people. Jack felt small as he walked past the tall constructions of metal and glass. It made him wonder why his mind was making him see this. Was this his afterlife? It certainly didn't feel like it. Besides, he wouldn't let himself die that easily.

Jack stopped in his tracks. He felt an odd presence. His head twisted towards his left, an alleyway in his gaze. Something about it felt familiar. Instead of thinking about it further, he entered the alley. Red smears lined the walls. The hair on his neck stood on end the further he walked in. The smears only grew bigger the further he walked in. His feet stopped at the end, where a tall brick wall stopped him in his tracks. Jack's finger traced the lines between the bricks.

He was so focused on the wall, he didn't notice the small person standing next to him. Jack looked down at his side and observed the child standing next to him. The child had messy black hair and worn-out clothes. Jack stepped back from the child. The child merely stood there, staring at the wall. He looked the child up and down, wondering his purpose for being there. The child didn't even seem to notice Jack's existence.

He waved his hand in front of the boy's face but he didn't seem fazed. Jack hesitated but reached his hand out and turned the child's face to his. What he saw was a little surprising. The child was him. This was a young Jack. He let go of the boy's face and backed away. Why was he seeing this? There must have been some reason, right?

Jack watched in confusion as the child's head turned back to the wall. It could be a sign from his mind, but why a younger version of him? Jack approached the brick wall. He placed his hand on it. Nothing appeared to happen. His hand brushed away the dust. Maybe there was a symbol or marking he needed to see. Nothing could be seen with his eyes that he could tell. Without much option, he pushed against the wall, hoping to push it over, but to no luck. The wall would not budge a single inch.

???: "It won't move."

Jack swung his head back and forth to find that it was the younger version of him that spoke. The young Jack had moved and was sitting down with his back against the wall. The boy's voice sounded so defeated and filled with sorrow. Jack sat down next to his youthful self. The child looked up at his older version, his eyes dull and grey. This was the eyes of a child with no hope in his heart.