She lied on her bed, covers pulled over her whole body. Joana was afraid. Afraid of people, afraid of the outside.

She allowed nobody in, not even her parents. They tried everything to get in. Her father, João, even broke down the door in an attempt, but she just became even more shut-in after that. Not even heading outside to eat, Joana only allowed one person to enter.

Dennis. He was the only one who was allowed to come and go, the only one that could help Joana with her daily tasks. He stepped into the room, this time carrying a bucket for a bath along with him.

Dennis was like Joana’s hero, and she was always happy when he was around, but she knew she couldn’t stay like this forever. Joana would need to leave the room eventually and face the outside world. But what if she met someone bad outside? What had changed since her last time outside? What would she do?

The shut-in was apprehensive, the fear of the unknown too great for her to handle. Dennis noticed, and offered her a reassuring hand. She told him about her worries, laying it all out in front of them.

An idea flashed across Dennis’ face, and he exclaimed, “Why don’t you come out of the room with me? I’ll help you like I always do!” Joana thought this was a great idea.

He always helper her, and she had no doubt that he would continue helping her, even through the hardest of times.

Joana reached for the door handle, its shiny surface untouched since it was installed.

She slowly turned the handle, holding her breath as the shut-in stepped outside for the first time. Her parents were in the hallway, quietly conversing about something when they noticed her, standing in the hallway.

Tears welling in their eyes, they ran over, embracing her. She returned the gesture, holding onto both of them tightly. Joana turned around to introduce them to the person who got her out of the room.

But, where was he… Who was he?