Waiting for Loren’s mom to come home so she wasn’t alone was something Joe did often. Sure, Loren was a big girl, she could take care of herself, but Joe wanted to -- needed to make sure she was safe at all times. In a way -- it was to try and cope with the loss of his own daughter. His biological one. Perhaps they’d spare him forgiveness for being overseas when they died.
Not only that, he cared deeply for Loren. He considered filing for custody, get her away from her damn mom. But would she be better off alone in Joe’s house constantly? Sure, Aldo could come over, but he was a working man too. They were both busy. So, for now, Joe would have to leave her here. He hated admitting it, but she was a bit better off here.
He’d lost track of time, lost track of how tired he was as he watched whatever show Loren wanted. Soon enough, he found himself waking up, neck uncomfortably stiff because of how he fell asleep. He almost sits up, when he sees Loren resting so peacefully against his shoulder. He can’t help but smile, and direct his attention back to the television. He’d let her wake up on her own.