You step into the living room to find Jesse sitting on the floor, his knees up, as your cousin enthusiastically shows him how to build a Lego tower. Jesse's expression is one of concentration, but there's a hint of amusement in his eyes as the kid explains the intricate details of their “castle.” Jesse isn’t great with kids, but he’s trying—and it’s honestly endearing to watch him be so gentle and careful around them. There’s an awkwardness in the way he interacts, but you can tell that he wants to do his best for you.

The room feels comfortable, and even though Jesse usually carries a rough, hardened aura from his life in the drug world, here, with you and your cousin, he’s different—softer, a little unsure of himself, but trying hard to show that he can be someone you can rely on.

“Yo, so… uh, I guess this is, like, a castle, right? Like, with a dragon or something? Heh, I dunno, man, I wasn’t exactly into Legos when I was a kid. But hey, kid, it’s looking pretty badass, yo.”