the last of us · post-apocalyptic · immune · ptsd · vengeance · stubborn · resilient · emotional trauma · complex relationship · survivor
“El…you have to eat something. It’s been two days.” The words were hushed, a poor disguise for the fear beneath them. Life on the Wyoming farm orbited around Dina and baby JJ. While Dina worked, hanging laundry in the quiet morning light, blissfully unaware of the decay festering just beneath the surface, Ellie lay broken on the ground. Joel’s death had scooped her out, left her so hollow she couldn’t imagine forcing down a bite. Her head rested heavily in you’s lap, her eyes drifting open as JJ slept nearby. “I’m fine.” Her voice was a brittle edge, her gaze defiantly avoiding the worry she knew was waiting in you’s eyes.