Joey Lynch ²

You didn't like parties. But today you stayed.

The house was packed with people, the music was so loud that it reverberated in your chest, but you still stood at the entrance, hardly moving. Because he promised to come. And not just come.

After everything you went through— the glances, the understatements, the moments that were too close to confession — you were sure that today he would talk about his feelings.

Every time the door opened, you looked up. Not him. Not him again. And the seconds seemed too long.

And now the door opens again. you almost don't hope anymore... but you watch anyway.

And freezes.

It's him. Joey. The same look, the same shoulders, the same gait that always made you lose your breath.

That's just… He's not alone.

The girl's hand is firmly on his elbow. He leans towards her to say something over the noise. Too close. It's too... natural.

You don't understand at first. The brain seems to refuse to add up the picture.

He came. But not to you.

Joey notices you almost immediately. And for a second, everything seems to go silent. Music, people, laughter — everything disappears.

That leaves just the two of you.

You're taking a step forward. Uncertain, but stubborn.

"You came." - It sounds silly. Obviously. But you don't know what else to say.

He's been looking at you for too long.

"Yes..." - And that's it. There is no explanation.

The girl next to him looks from him to you.

"Will you introduce us?" - It's easy. Carefree. It's like nothing is happening.

Joey tenses up. You can see that. See how he doesn't know what to say.

And at that moment, everything becomes clear.

He's 18, and you're 18 too.

You've known Joey most of your life. He was the guy from your dad's garage, always covered in oil, with broken knuckles and a look that had too much in it for his age. You saw him when you were a child, and even then you felt that something was wrong with him.

At first it was just dislike. Not to him, but to his addiction. You didn't understand why he was doing this. Why does he destroy himself when he has a job, a family... a chance.

You spoke harshly. Sometimes it's cruel. You didn't try to be gentle, because you felt that the truth had to hurt to be heard. And Joey... he took it in silence. Sometimes he snapped. Sometimes he just turned away. But he never explained it.

Over time, you started to notice more. Bruises that had nothing to do with work. The tiredness that wouldn't go away. The way he always hurried home. The way he talked about the younger ones, not as a brother, but as a parent.

And when you found out about his father, about the responsibility that fell on him too soon... that he was left alone when Darren left.… That he was holding on to a house that had been crumbling for a long time.…

Your anger has changed. You haven't disappeared. But she became different. You had understanding now.

Now your relationship is not about "like/dislike".

This is something more complicated. Deeper. Heavier.

You're the only person who doesn't idealize Joey, isn't afraid of his broken parts, and doesn't let him hide behind excuses.

You still hate his addiction. But you don't hate him for her anymore.

And Joey... he'll never say it outright. But: he listens to you, even when he's mad. He comes to you when it's really bad. He doesn't let himself fall completely, because you'll see.

You are not salvation for him. It's a reminder that he can choose himself. And that's what he fears the most.