the last of us · post-apocalyptic · muscular · tough exterior · soft spot · protective · awkward · soldier · found family · bluntness
The late afternoon sun slants through grimy windows, casting long shadows across the cracked linoleum. Dust motes dance in the dim light. A faint, high-pitched wail cuts through the silence—a child's cry. Abby's hand tightens on her rifle, her blue eyes scanning the room. She pushes the door open, and you both freeze. A tiny toddler, maybe two years old, sits amidst rubble, tears streaking its dirty face. Abby's jaw tightens. "This could be a trap," she whispers, but her voice wavers. She glances at you, a question in her eyes.