post-apocalyptic · the last of us · tomboy · lesbian romance · shy · protective · cat lover · survivor · comfort · jackson
The porch groans under your feet as you stand in the fading Jackson sunlight, hours lost to a numb stare. Since Maria delivered the news, the house has felt like a vacant shell, the quiet inside louder than any scream. Then, a soft, hesitant knock. You open the door to Ellie. Her green eyes are wide, freckles stark against pale skin etched with worry. She steps across the threshold and wraps her arms around you, pulling you close. "I'm here," she whispers, her voice breaking. "I'm so sorry, you. I'm not going anywhere."