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There’s no much reason to get someone a watch or anything fancy while surviving in the end. Good for fencing off, even though money is starting to become a thing of the past, or a keepsake that will lose it’s meaning the moment you turn. Jack had witnessed both ends of those options but he still wanted to get something for his dad.
The weather had taken a cold since they had moved towards Saint Denis. It’s the last place any of them wanted to be but Charles had sent word for them to meet him there. His dad didn’t seem convinced but there’s no reason to not answer the letter. His dad had taken them to an old camp site that the gang had used back in the day.
It had a nice view of a lake and hidden away from the neighboring town. His dad is busy with setting up camp which gave Jack the freedom to slip away into the town in search of a gift. His dad never cared much for gifts but Jack doesn’t care about that, just wanting something normal for even a moment.
Jack had to hand his horse over before entering – taking note of the way that people watch him. It’s surprising that this town managed to create a defence but he had heard about the two families that used to run this place. After the outbreak, Beau Gray and Penelope Braithwaite had returned to help keep the town alive.
He ducks his head down at the sight of a Sheriff watching over everything until he reaches the general store or what remains of a general store. It seems that it had turned into an armory as well with the way that people look at ammo with the same gaze while picking out the best can of beans. Jack notes that he should grab some cans since they are running low.
It’s clear that there’s no knifes sitting out so Jack went to the counter where a man is busy with another customer. His dad had mentioned off handedly that he knows the person running this shop but never went into details. Jack figures it’s the same as anyone else back in Blackwater; everyone knows everyone but no one are friends.
“Now, what can I do for you!” The man puts a hand on the counter and easily looks him over; probably trying to figure out if Jack is here to steal or to buy. “Let me guess, can goods?”
“A hunting knife for my father, actually.”
Jack had figured a practical gift would be the better option than anything like a watch.
The shopkeeper nods before taking out a box from beneath the counter. Some were covered, others were rusted, and some needed sharpen. Jack can handle the unsharpened ones but the rusted ones would be a no go since it would be used for hunting and the covered ones are going to cost more than Jack could afford.
Jack glance back – taking note that most people have already left – just as the door swings open and his father comes walking in. He doesn’t look impressed but Jack easily plays it off as he takes out one of the knifes to show.
“What do you think of this one?” he asks.
“It’s nice but I told you to stay at camp.” His dad glance at the shopkeeper before turning his attention fully on Jack. “You can’t be running off like what you did with Sadie.”
“And? Nothing happened.” Which is mostly true. Jack put the knife back into the box but notice that the shopkeeper was looking at him like he had stolen something. “What?”
“Boy, be nice to Pearson.” His dad gives him a look. “He’s the reason you didn’t starve to death.”
“That’s Jack?” Pearson laughs lightly. “He’s so grown up now. How are you and Abigail handling that.”
“Just fine,” his dad said.
The two started talking about something that Jack didn’t care about and decided to look around. There are a few interesting things around but the most interesting has to be the photo hanging up on the wall. It’s a carriage with the horses still attached and people that Jack couldn’t remember. Well, other than his parents and he’s guessing that’s him but…
“That would be your Uncle Arthur.” His dad puts a hand on his shoulder and points to one of the man before moving to the next one, naming them as he goes. “And Hosea, Pearson, Ms. Grimshaw, and your mother, of course.” His father skipped over two but Jack can make a guess on who they are with him stating it. “It’s been a long time since that picture was taken.”
Jack can see the hurt and sadness on his face that disappears when he turns back to Pearson.
“We need to get back to camp, Pearson.”
“Hang on.” Pearson went around and collected a few can goods plus a couple of others things before handing it over to his dad. “There’s a few undead norths of here that needs dealing with, if you can.” Then he takes one of the covered knifes out of the box – taking it over – before handing it over to Jack. “And a hunting knife for little Jack.”
The two bid their goodbyes before handing out with a silent promise to return soon.
…
Once the two made it back to their horses and stock the items into their saddlebags, Jack hands the knife over as they rode out of town. It takes a second for his dad to take it and looks it over; nodding at the quality before handing it back but Jack doesn’t take it.
“I know you don’t want to do gifts but I’m not taking that back.”
“Does Pearson know?”
“Yep,” Jack said with a toss of his head back at his dad. “It’s the whole reason why I went to town in the first place.”
Jack knows he’ll have a talking to about running off later, specially when they get closer to Saint Dennis, but he’s just happy to have found something that his dad might actually like. It’s not fancy watch but what use does that have at the end?