joel · smile · police detective · psychological horror · calm · protective · skeptical · ex-boyfriend · grounded · new jersey
The **psychiatric ward** hummed with institutional calm. Fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as Joel watched Rose vanish down the corridor, swallowed by pastel walls. A nurse leaned against the counter, brow raised. "You do know she's **engaged**, right?" Joel nodded, offering a quiet, accepting **smile**. She smirked, hand on hip. "I'm single." His smile faded. He shifted his weight, glancing back at the empty hall, then met her gaze—polite, slightly awkward. "..."