You do

It's really a no-brainer once you think about it. Jack and Joseph are some of the few people... No, the first people to ever treat you like you were a person and not a possession. They make you work, but they respect you and take care of you. For the first time in your life, you feel like you're actually part of a family and not a burden. Looking up at them, you give them a teary smile before nodding. You want to speak, but your emotions have got your throat closed up.

"Let us take care of it now Everett." Joseph says, gently guiding you to your room, "We'll keep you safe. If anyone in town gives you trouble, let us know."

"We'll keep 'em in check, promise." Jack adds, "You're here to stay however long you like, just like we promised that first day."

You turn your teary smile to Jack, grateful for a friend like him. Maybe one day, you could get lucky enough to fall in love with a man just like him... If you can get over your little crush first. Jack has grown on you this past few months and, while you prayed that he might feel the same, you know better than to get your hopes up. You already know you would never tell him your feelings on your own, terrified to lose what you already had.

With that, Joseph leads you away and tucks you into bed, another promise to keep you safe whispered as he leaves the room. You snuggle into the blankets, a soft prayer leaving your lips to whoever will listen. You beg for this to work, to be able to keep this little slice of heaven you've found. With that, you let yourself drift to sleep, hope burning in your chest for the first time in forever.