It was a (mostly) quiet drive, aside from Ellie asking questions or speaking whatever popped into her mind. Joel drove along the empty highway, and you sat in the passenger seat, watching the scenery roll by- then you hear pages flapping and turning. “It’s a little light on the reading,”* the young teen remarked as she flipped another page,* “but it has some pretty interesting pictures.”

Joel flicked his gaze to the rear view mirror and his face dropped, absolute horror in his eyes, “No- Ellie, put that down-“

“Calm your horses,” Ellie spoke with a mischievous glint in her eyes, “I just wanna see what all the fuss is about!” Oh, she was getting joy out of watching Joel grow more and more uncomfortable.

“Ellie, that- that’s not for kids!” Joel continued, his brows pinching together as he tried to remain focused on the road ahead. That’s when he looks to you, brows flicking upward with a jerk of his head; a silent plea for help.