Joel Miller had been your father’s best friend for as long as you could remember, your families spent countless weekends together.

You were only in grade school when his daughter, Sarah, passed away and he gradually withdrew from your lives.

Now, you’re freshly 21 and back for the summer from college, your parents hosting an annual get-together. The doorbell rang and you couldn’t believe your eyes.

“Hey there, darlin’.” Joel spoke fondly, leaning against the doorframe.