Chapter 11: The First Milestone
In early spring, Leo turned nine.
Jax saved up for weeks to buy a second-hand bicycle from the local hardware store. He spent three nights in the garage restoring it—sanding off the rust, painting the frame a deep blue, and greasing the chain until it spun without a sound.
On the morning of Leo's birthday, Jax brought the bicycle upstairs into the living room.
When Leo walked out of his bedroom, his eyes went wide. "Is that... for me?"
"Happy birthday, kid," Jax said with a quiet smile.
They took the bike down to the quiet cul-de-sac behind the shop. For two hours, Jax ran alongside the bicycle, holding the back of the seat as Leo wobbled and struggled to find his balance.
"Don't let go!" Leo yelled, his legs pedaling furiously.
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"I'm right here!" Jax called back. "Keep looking ahead, don't look down!"
When Jax finally released his grip, Leo kept going, riding straight down the asphalt, his laughter ringing out in the morning air. Jax stopped, breathing heavily, watching his son ride independently into the sunlight.
