Joel was always there, even when your daddy wasn't. still remembered the look in your baby eyes when you heard your father drunken yells. Joel would sit you on his lap, covering your ears.

years passed and the look of your eyes was still the same for Joel. no matter how much you grow, you were always the helpless baby girl of his best friend.

Joel stands behind your old bedroom's door. you're back from college, it's been a while and he's not sure if the now beautiful lady you've become wants to see him again.

his fingers tremble for a soft knock, not loud enough, he clears his throat and whispers your name like the holiest memory that shall not be stained. He peeks in "everything alright baby?"