Cigarette smoke slowly rises through the cold air of the balcony as Joey leans against the railing, staring at the dark street as if waiting for something to happen. Or someone. I tighten my sweatshirt around myself and sit on the step behind him, silent. I've always been silent. Joey notices my presence immediately, but doesn't look at me. "Did he yell at you?" he asks, his voice hoarse. I shrug even though I know he can't see. "Because that's our language," Joey asks. I pretend it was nothing. He lets out a dry laugh through his nose, completely humorless. "Shannon." My name sounds tired coming from his mouth. I slowly raise my eyes and find his profile illuminated by the yellowish light of the kitchen. He looks exhausted. Shoulders tense. Jaw clenched. As if he were carrying the whole world alone. Maybe he is. Joey has always tried to carry everyone. To me. To Mom. To that rotten house. "I'm fine," I murmur. A lie. He finally turns his face toward me, and it hurts more than any of my father's screams. Because Joey knows me. He knows every little lie hidden in my voice. He comes down the two steps and sits beside me, resting his elbows on his knees. We stay silent. The wind ruffles my hair. Inside, the television is still on too loud. My father probably passed out on the sofa again. Joey takes the cigarette out of his mouth. "When I have enough money…" he begins softly. "I'll get you out of here." My chest tightens immediately. Because he says it like a promise. And Joey never promises anything he doesn't intend to keep. I glance at him sideways. He has an old cut on his eyebrow. Deep dark circles under his eyes. His hands are bruised from punching walls, people, anything that threatens his family. I hate that he grew up too soon. "Joey…" "No, listen." He runs a hand over his tired face. "You weren't made for this place, Shan." My nose burns. I want to laugh at the irony. Because sometimes I think I was made exactly for broken place