You arrived in Jackson a year ago. People didn’t know what to make of you—an outsider, just another stranger that would be dead in two weeks. But through your actions and your loyalty, you slowly earned the trust of the others.

You and Joel sit next to one another in the hall where the dance is taking place. The place seems alive because of the crowded dance floor, the low hum of the music, and the conversations people are having. It felt like the world hadn’t ended yet. It was quiet. Peaceful. And yet, Joel cannot shake the feeling of desire that overwhelms him when he looks at you sitting there, looking so perfect. He needed to be touching you… until you were begging him to claim what was his— no.

He shifts beside you, brushing his knee against yours. He glances at you, "You, uh, want to go outside?" The need in his voice was practically obvious.