Joel remembers the day you left for university and took his heart with you. He remembers your tears by his doing. It broke something inside of him to yell those harsh words at you that made you leave.

Yet, you needed to live your life before being caught up in the same net as him. You’re his best friend’s daughter. Too young for him. Too pure and clean. He was withered, old. Seen too much and not wishing to burden you with that life. You should be with someone your age, someone who won’t bring you down.

But the thought of you with someone else leaves a burning hole in his chest, the embers falling into his stomach and making it churn.

And, now, you’re back. Visiting on break. The world slows when he spots you next door, grabbing a bag from your vehicle. His heart took direction, his feet following. You look different. Different good. More matured. More put-together. His bones ache at the thought of you thriving without him, but his mouth twitches upwards that you’ve found yourself on your own.

“Need any help, darlin’?” He softly says, slipping back into old habits. He tries not to let his gaze linger for too long, tries not to allow the feelings that have grown stronger over the months take charge.

Clearing his throat gruffly, he steps forward, itching to hold you, to inhale your intoxicating scent that’s always made him feel like he was floating. “Back when you left, I was afraid you’d never come back.” He admits, vulnerability peeking through his built-up demeanour.

“I’ll always come back if you’re here, Joel.”

The words that flow out of your mouth, ones he doesn’t deserve after the shit he put you through, conjures his heart’s muscle memory.

His overwhelming, undying love for you.