Chapter 131: Again, Part 2

On the other side was a small pond surrounded with cattails and rich greenery. Frogs croaked loudly, and crickets sang out of tune. It was such an unexpected sight in the middle of a mountainous forest.

"I dared Trent to jump in there once," Jax said, coming to a standstill beside me.

"Did he?"

"No. So I pushed him in." Jax chuckled. "He didn't speak to me for weeks after that."

"I wouldn't have either." I laughed.

Slowly, I made my way around the pond, inspecting it. I used to love searching the beach for fish and other aquatic creatures with Mom. The aquarium was always our favorite place to visit. Now, without her, going to the beach was just too painful, so I tended to avoid it. A sharp stab of grief hit me unexpectedly, and I placed my hand over my heart as if that would somehow ease the loss.