We Don't Die

A Deep Discussion

Jeremiah enters inside the house where AJ was staying and immediately notices him. "Hey buddy." He says. AJ looks up at him. "Hey Dad." He replies. Jeremiah approaches Marissa. "Mind if we have a talk alone?" He questions respectfully. "I hate to kick you out of your own home, I just need to talk to AJ about some things." Jeremiah finishes. "No problem. Come on Jax." She calls to her kid. Jax and Marissa exit the house. Jeremiah faces AJ and looks at him. "What's wrong?" AJ asks. "Been thinking about what I did last night." Jeremiah says. "I know. I would've done what you did if someone was to do that to you or Mom. I understand why." AJ responds. Jeremiah nods and gets on his knees and places his hand on AJ's shoulder. "AJ, I'm going to say a few things to you and you should listen carefully." He begins. Jeremiah takes a deep breath. "What I did in front of you was wrong. I know it's a harsh world and that you're just a kid and that you'll do or witness things you don't want to participate in or see, but what I did was out of line. I shouldn't have executed those people like that, especially in front of you. Though you understand why I did it, it's still not right. I did it because I love you, and I love Mom, and I couldn't bare it if you or her got hurt." He stops. "I need you to learn from my mistakes so you know not to do what I do or have previously done, you understand?" AJ nods. Jeremiah looks up and sighs. "I can't keep living like this anymore, AJ, I can't. Sooner or later you'll do these kinds of things and feel the same way. I'm sure you've done things you didn't want to do before and that puts a burden on you and it changes you. You may not think it does and you may not feel like you're changing, but it changes your brain and how you think. After awhile, you think killing is right and easy when it's not, son, it's not." Jeremiah stares into AJ's eyes. "I promised I would always do my best to keep you and Mom safe and I'll do just that, no matter what the sacrifice is or what the consequences will be afterwards." He pauses. "But I'm tired, son. I'm tired. I need you to be strong and to be ready to protect yourself and the others around you." AJ nods. "I will Dad." He says firmly. "Don't let this world affect you and make you think you're something that you're not meant to be. You're not meant to be a killer, you're meant to be a survivor. I love you, AJ, and nothing is ever going to change that." Jeremiah and AJ hug. Jeremiah gets up. "I'll get out of here so you can keep playing with Jax." Jeremiah opens the door and notices Marissa and Jax standing right on the front porch staring off into the distance. "I'm finished." Jeremiah says. Jax runs inside and Marissa faces Jeremiah. "Thank you." He says and walks off.