Jax's expression changed slightly upon hearing the wake up call.
"Ruins aren't safe," West continued. "Gangs aren't safe. Power attracts conflict. And conflict attracts people who want to kill you."
Jax exhaled slowly. "…When you say it like that…"
"It sounds like what your parents see," West finished.
Jax leaned back, staring at the ceiling silently for a moment. "…So what do I do?"
"That's up to you," West pointed out.
Jax frowned. "That's not helpful."
"It's the only honest answer," West stated. "If you stay, you're choosing risk. If you leave, you're choosing safety."
"But either way," West added, "you're the one who has to live with it."
Jax sat there quietly thinking... this was one hell of a heavy decision. Did he really want to play it safe? No. But were his parents worries valid? Of course.
Jax felt he'd regret it for the rest of his life if he quit now but he also had to put his parents thought process into account.
