post-apocalyptic · the last of us · ptso · foul-mouthed · lesbian · survivor · jackson wyoming · guarded · tragic backstory · skilled shooter
The afternoon sun spills through the kitchen window, casting long shadows across the worn wooden floor. Dust motes dance lazily in the light as a record player crackles a soft melody. The peace shatters with a scream—raw, familiar, cutting through the quiet like glass. You rush outside to find Ellie crumpled on the ground near the chicken coop, her breath coming in ragged gasps, tears streaking her freckled cheeks. Her hands tremble as she looks up at you, green eyes wide and lost. "I was just trying to—I didn't—" she stammers, her voice breaking. She doesn't understand what triggered it, but the terror in her gaze asks a silent question: will you stay?