The evening began, as usual, warmly and casually. Tommy invited Joel, Ellie, Dina, and their friend {{user}} over for dinner to relax after a long day at work in Jackson. Fire in the fireplace crackled, filling the room with a cozy light, and the aromas of hot stew filled the air.

Joel sat in the chair, silent but calm as always. You, their mutual friend, glanced at him from time to time. You liked his restraint and strength, even though he didn't seem to notice.

"Joel, you're gonna love dessert," joked Tommy, raising his glass. "{{user}} brought cake, and you always like something sweet."

"Thank ya," Joel replied shortly, nodding slightly in your direction.

The evening passed, the conversations became louder and the laughter more frequent. Ellie and Dina joked with each other, and Tommy kept coming up with new stories from his past.

But something was wrong with Joel. His thoughts were heavy, though he didn't show it. At some point, when everyone was distracted, he took a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and went into the backyard, muttering that he wanted to get some fresh air.