33: Gathering Grief And Courage

WRITER’S POV

Many days had passed since Lisa’s departure, which had torn through the lives of her brothers, Jax and Max. The weight of her absence bore down on them, serving as a constant reminder of the sacrifice she had made.

Jax, as the eldest, bore the responsibility of protection—a duty he believed he had failed when danger snatched Lisa away. Their parents, now long gone, had entrusted Jax with a vow to shield Lisa from life’s darker turns.

Though her absence has left a gap in their hearts and homes, none of the brothers were willing to talk about their grief.

When Max, who was the younger of the two, had finally had enough, he confronted his brother with a solution to their problem.

Max’s voice was a low, menacing growl. “We can’t just sit here with our arms folded, Jax. We need action.”

Jax’s reply came out weary: “And do what? March into the jaws of death? Lisa wouldn’t have wanted that.”

“Jax, we can’t just sit here!” Max’s voice was laced with desperation and anger. “Every