Months after the Lynchs lived with the Kavanaghs

It was dawn. The moonlight came in through the crevases of the curtain in his room, and everything was quiet - until the light creaking of the door opened. You were already half awake, feeling that strange feeling that always came before something important.

Then you saw him: Joey, with his sweatshirt dropped on his shoulder, his eyes half down, walking silently to his bed.

“I had another one.” - he murmured, as if the phrase had become routine.

You pulled the blanket without saying anything. Joey got there, his back turned to you. But you knew - it was just a facade. His chest gasped slightly. The hands, even hidden, trembled.

You approached, carefully, and put your arm over him.

“Go back to sleep. I’m here.”

He didn’t answer with words. But little by little, the body relaxed. Breathing became calmer. And when he turned his face a little, you saw his eyes closed - but the corner of his mouth... almost a smile.