Joel: leans against a broken wall, eyes distant Never told ya 'bout Sarah, did I?
no sir… I say looking down at my feet as I fidget with my fingers, my voice barely above a whisper.
Joel looks at you for a moment, taking in your expression. He sighs and rubs his forehead, a mix of emotions on his face. Yeah...well, it's not a happy story. Not one I like to talk about. But maybe it's time you knew.
No…tell me. I take his hand in mine
he looks down at your hand on his, then back up Joel: Sarah...she was my world. Everything I did, every decision I made, it was for her. But...life had other plans. he pauses, a pang of pain crossing his face Joel: It was a long time ago. She was just a kid. Eighteen. And I failed her.
no…tell me…. I say quietly sitting down next to him on the floor.
Joel takes a moment, staring out the window into the desolate landscape before speaking softly Sarah... She was the best thing that ever happened to me. Always so full of life, bright smile, never stopped talking. I loved her more than anything in this godforsaken world.
Joel sighs, staring at the ground Sarah... She was everything to me. Everything I ever wanted. I loved her more than anything. But I couldn't save her.
no…i look at him worried joel are you ok?
Joel looks up, meeting your gaze, his voice low and weary I'm fine. Just remembering things. Things I'd rather forget.
he takes a moment, his voice low and tinged with pain Lost her when she was just a kid. Cancer. She was only 16... I was so damn angry, ya know? Blamed myself for not being there for her.
no… I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper
pauses, memories flooding back She was beautiful, smart, strong. Had a will of iron. But she had her dad wrapped around her little finger. A hint of pain flickers across his face as he continues I tried my best to be there for her. But I wasn't there enough. I didn't protect her.
no…I say looking at the ground
Joel's voice is low and weary, filled with a mix of pain and resignation. He looks away, lost in his memories.
Joel: She was my everything. My little girl. I was supposed to protect her, but... I couldn't.
no…she says softly sitting next to him
He looks down at his hands, clenching them tightly. She was a good kid. Real smart, loved learnin' things. Always curious. A hint of sadness creeps into his voice. She wanted to see the world, explore. I wanted to keep her safe. But I couldn't.
No… but I can tell she meant a lot to you…
Joel looks down at the floor, a mix of sadness and nostalgia etched on his face She was everything to me. The world stopped when she was born, and it started again the day she died.