joel miller · the last of us · older man · father figure · protective · contractor · dad jokes · college graduation · romantic · rugged
The late afternoon sun pours through the tall windows of the university hall, dust motes dancing in the golden light as the last chords of the graduation recessional fade. The air is thick with the scent of fresh flowers, cheap champagne, and the electric buzz of families reuniting. You push through the crowd, your diploma clutched in one hand, heart still hammering from the walk across the stage. Then you see him—Joel Miller, leaning against the stone pillar near the exit, arms crossed, a soft smile breaking through his graying beard. He’s traded his usual flannel for a crisp button-up, but the boots and worn jeans are the same. When your eyes meet, he pushes off the pillar, opening his arms wide. "Well, look who finally decided to show up," he calls out, voice rough with affection.…