The Light to My Darkness

By Rowan Moskowitz

During one summer night in the year of 1970, a young man was camping out in the woods, an activity he often did when needing a break from the stress and fears of the world around him. The blonde haired boy with soft green eyes, known as Jackson Talroy, always found a sense of safety within nature, whether it be through sitting on some of the sturdy branches within the trees, or through taking a dip in the lake that lay deeper near the heart of the woods. Jackson wasn’t one to stay home most of his days, always having that adventurous spirit that pushed him to leave the confines of his home as often as possible.

Jackson didn’t have many friends, nor was he close with many of his family members. He had no one but himself, forced to build up his walls and close himself off to the world, finding it as his only way to cope with the millions of emotions he kept buried inside of himself. It was only ever through camping trips like these, that he was able to reach some form of peace, able to shut his mind off and not worry about who knows what, even if only for a brief moment of time.. He often snuck out right after sunset, when he knew his father was asleep by the TV, laying back on the worn out recliner he always sat in right after dinner. 

Jackson would pack up his worn out duffle bag with only what he felt were the essentials: a sleeping bag, an extra blanket, a lighter, a pocket knife, and a small amount of cash in case he needed to buy food from one of the local shops downtown. He didn’t have much money himself, but through helping out around town doing small side jobs, he was able to at least make a small amount of money.

It became a routine of his to do these trips as often as possible during the warmer days of the year, and today was just another night for him to do so. Jackson arrived on the outskirts of the woods around 7pm, and was currently walking along the familiar dirt path he grew to memorize, his bag over his shoulder while looking up at the tree tops. They blocked his view of the dark blue, nearly black sky, though he knew he wasn’t missing much. There were barely ever any stars out most of these nights, thanks to the smoke clouds from the factories polluting the air and scenery above. He didn’t really care, and had even grown accustomed to these tree tops, finding them as a sort of shield to protect him for the world beyond their height. 

Jackson knew he was coming upon his usual spot, a small smile coming to his face as he thought about being able to lay under his usual tree with a small fire lit before him, using his lighter and a few pieces of wood he would usually gather to spark it up. However, as he drew closer, he noticed a faint light coming from the direction already, his smile fading and being replaced with a troubled expression. Someone was there? Who else would go camping in these woods? Multiple thoughts filled Jackson’s head, swirling around like a hurricane as his pace quickened, the light growing brighter with each step. 

He pushed past a few more trees before stopping at the sight, eyes widening as he took in the already established setup. A tent was put up, a nice looking bike leaned against his usual tree, a cooler sat close by to the already made fire, and another boy about his age sat before the fire, book in hand. The boy looked up, noticing Jackson standing there, and cocked a brow. Compared to Jackson, he seemed a little more built and had slightly curly dark brown hair.

“Um..hi.” the other boy said, giving a small but confused smile. “Can I help you?”

“You’re in my spot.” Jackson responded coldly, an unamused expression on his face.

“Pardon?” the boy responded, placing a bookmark where he left off in his book before closing it. “You don’t own this spot, you know. No one does. It’s a public space.”

“It’s where I always go to camp. No one else is ever here. WHY are you here?” Jackson said, approaching him as venom seemed to fill his tone, dropping his duffle bag where he stood prior.

“Whoa, hold on-” the other boy quickly stood up, tossing his book on top of the cooler while doing so.

Jackson stopped, seeing how quickly the other got up. Both now stood face to face, and Jackson couldn’t help notice how piercing the other boy’s eyes were. They were a deep shade of blue, almost as if freezing him in place while examining his soul up close. Jackson couldn’t find himself able to speak, a mix of fear and unease filling his stomach.

“Look, I’m not here to start a fight. I just wanted to have a small trip away from my house and family. I needed some space for myself, and so I decided to do a little camp getaway. I just found this spot while looking for where to set up, and enjoyed the location of it. I wasn’t trying to steal anything.” the boy said, raising his hands beside his head as if to show he meant no harm. “I’m sorry if I took your spot. I didn’t mean to do so.” 

Jackson scanned his face while listening, glancing occasionally towards the boy’s hands in case he tried to make any sudden movements towards Jackson. He couldn’t help but notice a light array of freckles along the others cheeks and the bridge of his nose, the embers of the fire making him look angelic in a way. It sent a new feeling within Jackson, though he couldn’t really identify it. He mentally shook it off, classifying it as a feeling cautious like usual when he encountered most people.

“It’s…it’s fine.” Jackson said, looking away a little while taking a few steps back. “Sorry.” 

The boy seemed to relax a bit, a soft smile returning to his face again as he looked at Jackson while lowering his hands. A few moments of awkward silence took over before the boy opened his mouth to speak, but Jackson quickly cut him off. 

“I’ll go. I’ll just find another stop for the night. Sorry again.” Jackson spoke, backing up to leave. He was in no mood to start something in what was supposed to be his safe haven.

“Huh? Wait, hold on!” the boy said, reaching out to touch his shoulder and stop him.

Jackson saw the movement and quickly jumped back, panting a little and holding a stance that showed he was ready to fight if needed.

“Sorry! Sorry I didn’t mean to  freak you out like that.” the boy said, taking some steps back to show he meant no harm. “You don’t have to leave, you know. I mean…people camp next to others all the time, right?”

“And why would I want to do that? I don’t even know you, let alone trust you.” Jackson responded, his voice staying strong despite the anxiety he felt shake his bones.

“You have a fair point. I just think that there’s enough room for both of us here. We don’t have to be right next to each other to camp in a spot we both enjoy.” the boy explained. “We can just be in our own spaces while coexisting. It’s not impossible to do that.!” he said, chuckling a little despite the obvious tension in the air between them.

“I…I guess. Sorry.” Jackson said, finally easing his stance to a more relaxed posture. “I just…I’m not used to this I guess.”

“That’s understandable.” the boy assured him, smiling warmly while rubbing the back of his neck a little. “Quick reflexes by the way. I’m impressed.”

“Um…thank you?” Jackson said, clearly not being used to compliments.

“Like I said, you don’t have to stay here if you really don’t want to. I just think we both could enjoy this spot. Plus? I could use a fresh face for company.” he smiled, putting his hands into the pockets of his jeans.

Jackson thought for a moment, his logic screaming at him not to do so and just walk away to find another place to camp. However, something within him felt the urge to stay, even if he was petrified of this other boy. He couldn’t justify the feeling to himself, even if he tried. He just wanted to stay with him. 

“I guess…I could stick around.” Jackson agreed, nodding a little.

The other boy lit up, his smile spreading across his face. He motioned Jackson to grab his bag and join him by the fire, going over to the cooler. Jackson went back to grab his bag, walking over to where the other sat once he grabbed it.

“Hungry? Or do you want anything to drink?” the other offered. “I’ve got some water, a few sodas, some snacks, take your pick!”

“Um…I guess I’ll have a soda.” Jackson said, sitting down beside the other with his bag behind his back.

The brown haired boy nodded and pulled out two glass soda bottles, passing one over to Jackson before closing the cooler. They opened the bottles, almost simultaneously, the other boy taking a sip while Jackson looked at his own for a moment.

“Oh! By the way, my name is Fredrick. Though I prefer to go by Freddy.” The boy smiled, finally giving Jackson a name to put to the face.

“Jackson.” Jackson responded, nodding a little before sipping his soda.

“It’s nice to meet you Jackson.” Freddy replied, leaning back a little and looking at the fire.

Jackson hummed in agreement, staring at the fire himself as he watched small bits of ash from the wood break off, fading to dust as quick as it parted from the pile of flames. Despite the anxiety that still persisted, Jackson did have to admit that something about this felt almost easing. He never met someone who gave off such trusting energy like this. It scared him to his core, but also intrigued him at the same time. He couldn’t ponder the thought enough. While deep in his thoughts, he heard Freddy clear his voice, as if trying to get Jackson’s attention again. Jackson focused back on reality and turned, seeing Freddy holding up his bottle towards him.

“Cheers eh?” Freddy smiled, meeting his gaze.

Jackson hesitated for a moment before gently lifting his own, the two gently clanking their bottles together while he nodded. Freddy chuckled softly before both turned back to watch the flames once more, neither fully realizing that this would be the start of something amazing for the two.

Rowan Moskowitz is a young woman living in New York who is learning to love herself a little more each day. She often enjoys listening to music, reading, drawing, and of course writing to her heart’s content. After graduating with a degree in Education, and experiencing a massive step of reflection towards her future , she’s now on the path of becoming an editor/writer in hopes of making a career and life she could find eternal happiness with. All still while making memories with those she loves most within her life.