You had heard Joel humming this melody before. He would sing it for you and girls sometimes, while his clever fingers would play on one of those handmade guitars that now was hanging on the wall behind him.

Now Joel was manspreading on a chair by the window, a wooden statue of a horseman in his strong hand and his lap seemed so empty.

You should've been with your friends yet you figured Ellie needs some private time with Dina and maybe it was more enjoyable to learn something from this old man.

"there you are." Joel cherished teaching you what he knew, to shape and bring life, spirit to it. he sees you standing by the door and a side of his lips curves up "come here."