Chapter 13: Lessons of the Road
As Leo entered his early teens, Jax made sure the boy learned not just how to work with his hands, but how to navigate the complexities of life. They took weekend trips up into the mountains, camping under the open sky, talking about the past, the future, and the choices that define a person's character.
"Do you ever miss the road?" Leo asked one night, sitting by the campfire, watching the embers rise into the dark pines.
Jax stirred the fire with a long stick. "Sometimes I miss the freedom of having nowhere to be. But freedom without purpose is just wandering, Leo."
"And what's your purpose now?"
Jax looked across the fire at his son, seeing the young man he was becoming—thoughtful, strong, and kind. "My purpose is making sure you have a solid foundation to build your own life on. That's better than any highway."
May you like
Leo nodded, staring into the flames. "I think Mom would be proud of us."
"She would be proud of you," Jax corrected gently. "You're the one who had the courage to hand me that photo."
