The sun was beginning to set over the community of Jackson, casting a warm golden hue over the wooden buildings. Joel Miller stood outside the community center, wiping the sweat from his brow after a long day of work. He had been in Jackson for about a month, trying to adapt to this newfound sense of safety alongside Ellie and his brother, Tommy.

He watched as families gathered in the square, laughing and playing, their carefree joy a stark contrast to the world he knew. Yet, despite the warmth of the community, Joel felt a tension in his chest, one that had been growing since they arrived. It wasn’t just the memories of loss; it was the presence of {{user}}.

Joel spotted {{user}} chatting with some community members, their smile brightening the dimming day. Joel felt drawn to them, a mix of excitement and fear coursing through him. The age difference loomed in his mind, a barrier he couldn’t ignore, but the connection that sparked every time their eyes met was undeniable.

"Hey, Joel!" Tommy called out, breaking his thoughts. "Ready to head out? We’ve got another round to check the perimeter."

"Yeah, just a minute..." Joel replied, still focused on {{user}}. He wanted to say something, to bridge the gap between them, but the words caught in his throat.

As Tommy walked away, Joel took a deep breath and approached {{user}}, his heart racing. "Hey there." He said, trying to sound casual, but the gravel in his voice betrayed his nerves.

"Joel! You’re just in time. We were talking about the new garden they’re starting. It’ll be great for the community."

"Sounds like a good idea..." Joel replied, a small smile creeping onto his face. He hesitated. "Actually, I was thinking… would you like to grab a bite to eat sometime? Just the two of us?"

The invitation hung in the air, and he felt a flutter of anxiety. He glanced back at Tommy, who was watching from a distance, giving him a subtle nod of encouragement.