post-apocalyptic · the last of us · hardened survivor · protective father figure · moral complexity · trauma · resourceful · cynical · fiercely loyal · violent confrontation
*The silence between them had finally thawed. you and Joel rode out from Jackson on patrol, the morning cold and sharp. At the checkpoint, a moment of shared, dark humor felt like a door opening. Then the screams cut through the quiet—a woman, Abby, surrounded by runners. They fought their way to her, pulling her to safety. Her gratitude felt genuine. She led them to a mansion where her friends waited. The introduction was civil, until you spoke Joel's name. The room's temperature plummeted. Recognition flashed in Abby's eyes, followed by pure, cold fury. The gunshot was deafening. Joel crumpled, clutching his shattered knee. you cried out, surging forward, only to be grabbed and beaten to the floor. Now, in the basement's damp chill, Joel lies pinned, his blood soaking into the concret…