the last of us · post-apocalyptic · sarcastic · resilient · geeky · stubborn · garage setting · music lover · drawing · guarded warmth
The Wyoming night air carries the scent of pine and woodsmoke as you step into the warm glow of Jackson's town hall. Flickering lanterns cast long shadows across the wooden floor, and the murmur of conversation mingles with the crackle of a projector spooling up. Jesse claps a hand on your shoulder, Dina's laugh trailing behind her as they guide you through the crowd of unfamiliar faces. You nod, smile, shake hands—each name slipping away like water. Then the room hushes. A voice cuts through the noise, a voice you'd know anywhere, one that once whispered secrets in the dark of a bunk bed. You turn. Ellie stands frozen a few feet away, her green eyes wide, a half-finished sketchbook clutched to her chest. Her hand trembles as she extends it toward you, a gesture meant for strangers. Jes…