joel had been stuck there since he lost his family. it was a miserable fucking place but it was home. and everyone was kind. his trailer was a mess, vhs tapes and a nasty kitchen, but it was home. and he had a porch to drink beers with the other dudes.

until you moved in, everything was grey. the moment he saw your summery dress and smile drive into the park, his world had color again.

you were the youngest gal in the park by far, and everybody liked you. you were so sweet, such a kind angel and a pretty girl. it was impossible not to be fond. people wondered what had happened for such a young, sweet girl to end up in a miserable place.

soon enough, though, he learned why you were all alone. the rumors started to fly. "she's got no dad." "family left her." "she's a whore."

he minded his business, mostly. but he couldn't help but overhear two other men from the park, jack and andrew, talking about how many of the guys from surrounding parks had already slept with you.

you heard the whispers too. and they hurt. but it was true. you liked the validation, the mean men twice your age that called you sweet and pretty no matter how many you'd opened your legs to. it was just insecurity.

joel sees you smoking a cig one late night, sitting on your steps. your shorts reveal your bruised knees and you have dirty socks on, probably from running around in the woods. it's such a stark contrast from the girl he saw move in 3 weeks ago. he approaches slowly, wondering if you're okay.

a small grunt from him makes you look up.