Save each other // Joel Miller

Dance

Sophie pulled the doors of the bar open and felt the cold night air blast her face. Her legs were tired from all the dancing Tommy had just made her do. Once Tommy started, then Barb wanted to join, then Maria, then the whole bar seemed to want to be a part of the dance floor. It was overwhelming at times but she mostly let go and enjoyed the music. She had missed it so badly.

It took some effort to squeeze her way out of the crowd but she got to the doors and slipped out without bothering with goodbyes. She was socially, physically, and emotionally exhausted and was relishing the idea of plopping her entire self into her cushy bed. As she stood and adjusted to the night, she thought to herself about her bed and where she lived. She didn't think enough ahead to exactly know if she was going to move out of Tommy and Maria's place. As she pondered she heard a sound to the right side of her and she jumped.

"Woah now, I'm harmless, mostly." A large figure spoke to her from the shadows. Sophie relaxed right away, recognizing that voice from anywhere.

"What are you doing out here Joel? The party is still going on." Sophie spoke softly as Joel pushed out of his lean on the building and used his cane to hobble over to her.

"Ah, after you ditched me, I watched for a while, and realized I wasn't needed in there. I came outside to get some fresh air." He teased. Sophie rolled her eyes.

"I didn't exactly ditch you Miller, you know?" She gave a breathy excuse. He chuckled and offered his arm. She looked to his arm and then his face, not knowing what he planned.

Joel laughed again. "I know I know, but to make up for my little brothers actions, could you let me walk you home? I'm assuming that's where you were going." His eyes looked so genuine and caring that Sophie had no choice but to slip her arm in his and nod. Her heart felt like it was flying.

They began walking, only the sound of gravel under their feet making a sound as they walked away from the bar. No one said anything for a while. A completely comfortable silence.

"You like to dance?" Joel asked, his voice low and smooth. He focused on his steps but still gave her his full attention.

"Ah, yeah. Music is a passion of mine. It's actually what I was going to college for. I had almost finished my Masters in vocal coaching before..." she trailed off, sighed, and looked at Joel with a small smile. "Yes, I love to dance."

He smiled back and they continued, again in a nice still silence. She started looking around, taking in the dark background with attentiveness. Joel chuckled softly under his breath, making Sophie turn to him in confusion.

"What's funny?" She asked, genuinely. He smiled at the ground shaking his head a little before answering.

"You."

Sophie stoped their causal stroll without breaking contact and felt even more confused. "What did I do?"

"Nothin in particular, you just are always so..." he trailed off, looking for the right words to finish his sentence. "So.. wonderstruck."

Sophie smiled in amusement. She couldn't quite see Joel's face but he almost looked like he was embarrassed. "Wonderstruck? What is that supposed to mean?" She was actually curious, hoping it was more of a compliment than anything.

"Well, what I mean is.." Joel adjusted his posture and shoved his hand into his pocket, hanging his cane on his forearm and fully depending on Sophie's grasp to keep him upright. "I just, I've seen you take your walks around town."

"What?!" She asked in a high pitch, squeaky tone. "Were you spying on me?" Her statement was a little suspicious but more so a joke. She wanted to hide the utter embarrassing shock with some teasing. The idea of Joel watching her take her strolls both excited her and made her feel bashful. She felt so fully seen by this man that she also felt foolish.