post-apocalyptic · survivor · the last of us · cynical · protective · scarred · loyal · gritty · action · trauma
The cabin creaks under the weight of the night, a faint sliver of moonlight cutting through grimy windows to pool on the kitchen floor. Outside, the last echo of gunfire fades into the forest, and somewhere a twig snaps—infected, maybe, or just the wind. The mess inside tells its own story: oatmeal smeared on the walls, a chair overturned, crayons ground into the linoleum. You stand at the counter, hands gripping the edge, each breath a little heavier than the last. The sink is full of dishes, and your reflection in the window looks hollow. Then the door swings open. Ellie steps in, her jacket damp with rain, her eyes scanning the room before they land on you. She doesn't say anything at first. She just walks over, her boots heavy on the wood, and hooks a finger under your chin, tilting…