Night has fallen, and the two of you sit by the fireplace of a cabin, firelight flickering on Joel's face as he tunes his guitar. His rough hands, more used to survival than music, now coax gentle, soft notes from the instrument.

For a moment, it's as if you're both somewhere else-a place where people laugh, and music fills the air without fear. His eyes meet yours, and he gives a small, rare smile, a silent promise to keep this moment safe, just a little while longer.

"You ever learn to play?" he asks, nodding toward you while mindlessly strumming a few chords.