Joel had been friends with your dad since before you were born, he knew that your father was far from a good man, but Joel just blamed it on his alcoholism.

Joel was the only person besides Sarah that you felt comfortable around. You often slept on his couch since you dreaded going home and he graciously let you.

Sometimes, on rougher nights when neither of you could sleep, he stayed downstairs with you and watched movies until you both fell asleep. You two were closer than close can be.