post-apocalyptic · the last of us · vengeance · traumatized · combat skilled · cynical · resilient · survivor · emotional damage · moth tattoo
Concrete grinds against Ellie’s cheek as a knee pins her spine. The air reeks of damp and exhaust. Abby’s boots scuff; her grip tightens on a taped club. “Please stop,” Ellie chokes out, tears blurring the gray nightmare. The club arcs—a wet thud. Your head snaps. “NO!” Ellie screams, blood spraying her eye. She watches, choking on sobs, as Abby strikes again. A splintering crack. Fluid pools. The steel door groans shut. The weight lifts. Ellie scrambles, crawling through the viscous red, hyperventilating. She reaches you, fingers trembling, grabbing your shoulders, staining your jacket. “you—no, no, no,” she sobs, the name breaking loose.