Jack didn't know what he was expecting when he returned to his hometown, but it certainly wasn't this.
The familiar, worn streets of the neighborhood greeted him as he stepped out of the taxi, his muscles sore from the flight. The air was crisp, a stark contrast to the intense heat of the past few weeks. With Ruby by his side, he felt the weight of the upcoming weeks pressing down on him. Ruby had agreed to come with him, and Jack was grateful. But he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
They walked up to the apartment building in silence. Ruby's hand brushed against his every now and then, and Jack could feel her presence beside him, a comforting weight, but there was still a lingering unease.
"Are you sure about this?" Ruby asked softly, breaking the silence.
Jack paused at the door, looking at her. "You mean being here with me? Or just being here in general?"
