"Give this to Charon in a week, okay?"
I tell Gob as I hand him the sealed envelope. It's an hour before dawn, and Jack's waiting for me just outside the door.
"Kid, are you sure about this?"
Gob asks, and I smile sweetly at him.
"I'm going away, Gob. I'm going to a far away place, and hell it might not exist, but I have to see. If…if Charon meant what he said, he'll know what to do."
Gob shakes his head, giving me a tight hug.
"I'm going to miss you, kid. Sure you won't be coming back?"
"I'll send word once I can, but no, I'm not coming back."
I let Gob go, and take one last look at him. My best friend, my only real friend out here in this world. He gives me a sad smile, and shakes the envelope in his hand.
"Alright, kid. You have fun, and for fuck's sake, stay alive."
Kissing Gob's cheek, I leave the apartment. Jack meets me just outside his door, and shuffles with the pack on his back.
"Ready?"
He asks. I take one last look around, and peer down at the elevator. Last night, I kissed Charon goodnight inside that elevator. I didn't want to let him go. I didn't want to go to sleep, because I knew this would be the hardest thing to do. Harder than leaving the first time. I can't show anyone that, though. I have to be brave, be strong. From here on out, there'll be no more crying.
"Yeah, I'm ready."
I say as I look back at Jack. He smiles at me, unaware of the events that took place last night. Unaware that…last night I remembered how much I love Charon. How much he influences my choices and actions. How I would be dead, if it weren't for him saving me so many times, so long ago. I can't live in the past anymore. I can't. This is a new life, a new chance for me. I'm not hung upon Charon this time, I'm not wondering what I left behind. Now, now is different.
Now…is a new journey. I know he loves me, at least he said it. But this time…this time I'm leaving with a note. Inside that envelope…well, let's just say if Charon loves me, he'll know exactly what to do. If he means it, this time my leaving will be different. If nothing comes of it, and I end up never seeing him again, I'll just cherish the memories, I guess. I love him, but if I can't have him, then there's no point. I just hope…this time…things turn out a lot different.