One Thing That Fucks Me Up About Red Dead Is That Every Part Of Me Believes That Even If Arthur Knew

one thing that fucks me up about red dead is that every part of me believes that even if arthur knew how his sacrifice would ultimately end — that john (and abigail) will still die too young, that jack will become consumed by a revenge mission just like his father — he would still do it

like yes, he was sick, and yes, he knew his path was ending anyway, but he could’ve chosen to try and fight for what he had left — john was even telling him to keep pushing! he could’ve seen charles one more time, could’ve visited mary, could’ve watched more sunsets and gone fishing by the quiet lake at the veteran’s house. could’ve breathed in fresh air a few more times, made a few more drawings, taken advantage of final comforts on that “vacation” he needed and passed in peace with someone at his side, but none of it would matter more to him than the few years he could give john & his family —

it wouldn’t matter that john’s life will still end at the hands of the government, because at least he had some years of peace and got the chance to really grow into his own man, a family man. it wouldn’t matter that jack’s path will veer away from what they all dreamed for him, because at least he had some time reading books and writing stories and just growing up, not moving around all the time, not having to be scolded about the dangers just at the edge of camp.

arthur would look at all the pain and see, well, there’s uncle at family dinner with the marstons. there’s charles exploring a new life in canada. there’s sadie taking on her own identity, making her own way in this life, talking like she can have a future again. there’s john waking early to work on the ranch while abigail makes up the coffee in their new home. there’s jack getting a new storybook for his birthday. there’s their dog, rufus, as energetic as copper used to be.

idk man i just so firmly believe that arthur “face me to the west so i can remember all the fine times we had” morgan, by the end of his path, would give so much to give these small moments of peace and joy to those that could still have them and it kills me