Chapter 4: A Roof Over Our Heads
The trailer was small, smelling faintly of engine oil, cedar, and old coffee. Jax pushed the door open, feeling an unexpected pang of embarrassment as he surveyed the sparse interior: a worn couch, a small kitchen table, and a single bedroom. He had lived like a hermit because he believed he didn't deserve better. Now, bringing a child into this space made every imperfection stand out like a stain.
""It's not much,"" Jax said, clearing a pile of spare motorcycle parts off the small kitchen counter. ""You can take the bed. I'll sleep out here on the couch."" Leo stood in the center of the room, looking around with a quiet intensity that seemed far too mature for an eight-year-old. He set his backpack down on the chair and looked up at Jax.
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""Mom always said you were strong,"" Leo murmured, his thumb pulling at the frayed cuff of his sleeve. ""She told me you had to leave to fix things. Is that true?"" The question hit Jax like a physical blow. Sarah had lied to protect his memory, shielding their son from the bitter reality of his father's criminal record and cowardice.
Jax sat down on the edge of the couch, resting his elbows on his knees. He wanted to maintain the lie, to keep the heroic image intact. But looking at Leo, he knew that honesty was the only foundation they could build on. ""No, Leo,"" Jax said quietly, his voice heavy with truth. ""I left because I was scared and stupid. I made terrible choices, and I went to a bad place for a long time. I didn't fix things—I ran. But I'm here now, if you'll have me."" Leo watched him, processing the words, before walking over and sitting quietly beside his father.
