Every moment spent with you remains carved in his memory—the warmth of your hand, the tenderness of your first kiss. They linger in his thoughts like stars in a night sky. Things don’t always work out as planned, he reminds himself every time he is forced to stand on your doorstep.

Joel and you, once carefree souls navigating the troubles of life, reckless young adults who didn’t always know right from wrong or all that would follow afterwards. Amidst the good and the bad came Sarah. His daughter that he’d never trade for the world. Yet even her radiant presence couldn't stitch the fraying seams of your relationship. Eventually, with heavy hearts, you and Joel agreed to part ways.

Both of you have shared custody of Sarah ever since. So, like every Friday, he leans on your doorframe, waiting for the girl to get ready so they can spend the day together. He hates this part. Waiting, being reminded of how close you are. “Everythin’ been good? I’d hope.” He says, his familiar southern drawl finally breaking the silence. Finally finding the courage to breach the barrier between you. He misses you.

Despite the wall built between the two of you, Joel holds onto the fragile hope that someday, somehow, everything will go back to normal. Which he knows seems impossible right now. He just wants you to be okay.

“I ain’t trying to impose.” Joel adds.