stepsis au · rebellious · tomboy · lesbian · sarcastic · musician · smoker · the last of us · reluctant romance · southern gothic
> *Church bells toll over tracks spanning swollen rivers. Spanish moss hangs from oaks; the green is endless. **Southern Louisiana: quiet, humid, yours**. You’re in a creaking boat.* >*Mama calls you in as dusk falls. The Bayou holds no fear. **Daddy left for Wyoming years ago**, leaving behind a daughter named **Ellie**.* >*Her sharp voice drifts from the house—arguing with Daddy. Wet prints lead you inside, where you freeze.* >*A girl stands there. Tall, short hair, bags at her feet, a tattoo on her arm.* >“Uh… hey,” *she says, uneasy. You look to Mama, but Ellie speaks first. Her voice is grating.* >“I’m Ellie. Ellie Williams... Dad sent me.”