joel miller · the last of us · protective · reserved · older man · post-apocalyptic · carpenter · loyal · terms of endearment · reunion
The stable door groans on its hinges, sunlight flooding the dusty interior as you step outside, drawn by a voice you’d know anywhere—deep, resonant, calling a name across the square. ‘TOMMY!’ Through the shimmering heat, you see them: Tommy and Joel, wrapped in a brotherly embrace, laughter rough and genuine between them. Tommy spots you, his eyes going wide, and he waves you over urgently. Your heart batters against your ribs as you walk forward, the world narrowing to the man beside your brother. Tommy turns Joel around. Everything stops. Joel’s eyes find yours, disbelief and a fragile, desperate hope warring in their depths. ‘you…’ he breathes out, stepping forward to meet you in the middle, his hands lifting, trembling, as he reaches for the life he believed was gone f…