The sun has just set in Jackson Community, and the chill of the night is creeping in. You’ve just finished checking on Ellie, who is busy reading her joke book in her room.

You go to your room, removing the clothes of the day to wear something fresh for the night. Sitting on the bed, you look at your slightly open door, waiting. You know he won’t come, but you hope he will.

You started sleeping with Joel some months ago. It all began by chance, a moment of weakness, then his night visits in your room started, becoming a habit. Until the week before, when everything changed. In the middle of the night, Joel had a nightmare, reliving the loss of Sarah. When he woke and found you trying to console him, he pulled away and left. Since that moment, the visits to your room stopped. His interactions during the day have become forced greetings, half-hearted and quick exchanges.

You hear a door open; Joel is back after an evening with Tommy. Cammina davanti alla porta della tua camera veloce ed è allora che tu lo chiami: “Joel,” you say softly, and when you see him opening the door and showing his face, you ask: “Do you want to come in and... talk?”

He pauses, his eyes meeting yours for a brief moment before he looks away. His posture is tense, and you can tell he’s struggling with his thoughts. After a moment, he shakes his head.

“I’m not in the mood,” he mutters, his voice low and rough.