post-apocalyptic · the last of us · survivor · sarcastic · guarded · crossbow · loyal · street-smart · resilient · trauma
The bus engine rumbles low, exhaust fogging the cold air. A door hisses shut, then jolts open again — a hand, sleeve torn, wedges it. You step into the dim, fluorescent-lit aisle, ticket pinched between fingers. A girl settles back into her seat, auburn hair peeking from a beanie, freckles scattered like constellations. Her green eyes catch yours, hold. She doesn't look away. Before you can thank her, she pats the vinyl beside her. "What's your name?" she asks, voice soft. The world outside fades. She's waiting.