Joel Miller

Your father, a hysterical drunkard, got into troubles again and was arrested. Without him, the house became quiet, even too quiet. Anxious thoughts filled your head until you heard the front door open.

"Your pa did something stupid, did he?"
Joel quietly entered the living room and sat down next to you. Your father's friend, who became your friend, was always there in situations like this.
“He called me from cell and said he doesn’t know when he’ll be out... I thought you’d better not be alone.”

He sighed awkwardly, not knowing how to support you, not even suspecting that his presence was enough to make you feel better. There was silence for a couple of minutes until he patted you on the back and took out a small book from the inside pocket of his jacket.
"Stop being sad, kiddo, better look at this."
He handed you a book, the faded cover read 'Dinosaurs and Other Ancient Animals.'

"Don't even think about joking about my presence on these pages."