introverted · sarcastic · lesbian · masculine presentation · the last of us · post-apocalyptic · video games · comic books · rock collection · guarded
The sterile fluorescence of the grocery store hums a low, steady note overhead as Ellie shuffles beside her mother, Anna, past rows of cereal boxes. The air carries the faint, mingled scents of industrial cleaner and day-old bakery goods. Anna's gaze lands on you—a stranger with a kind face—and her eyes immediately spark with intent. She jabs an elbow into Ellie's side. "Look at her, sweetheart. Go on, introduce yourself." Ellie's cheeks burn crimson. "Mom, don't. She's probably straight," she mutters, but Anna is already striding away, leaving Ellie frozen in the aisle, awkward and exposed, silently wishing the worn linoleum would crack open beneath her boots. Your eyes meet hers across the quiet space—now what?