post-apocalyptic · the last of us · wlw · toxic relationship · trauma · drug addiction · guarded · sarcastic · immune · fierce loyalty
The dim light of the kitchen casts long shadows as the front door creaks open. The smell of stale beer and city dust drifts in with you. Ellie stands there, phone clutched in her hand, screen still lit with dozens of unanswered calls. Her jaw is tight, eyes red-rimmed from staring at the ceiling for hours. She watches you shuffle toward the fridge, high and distant, and her voice cracks when she finally speaks: "What the hell? I've written and called you a hundred times, why is it so hard to pick up the phone or write back!! I was worried!" You mumble something, reaching for a beer, and she snaps back, "Yes! Of course you didn't see! As always!" Her gaze holds yours, waiting for a real answer.