joel miller · 1950s texas · stoic · gruff · last of us · au · non-romantic · protective · southern drawl · hardworking
The Texas heat warped the air above the forgotten station platform. Joel stood by his truck, hat brim low, radiating irritation. He watched a city girl struggle with a heavy suitcase, her clean shoes and pale dress stark against the dust. When her wheel caught, he grunted, crossed the distance, and freed it with one massive hand. He loomed over her, unsmiling. “New York,” he drawled, noting her blush. When she mentioned visiting Mrs. Callahan, recognition flickered in his eyes. A shout from a worker interrupted him. “Miller! Yer parts!” Joel glanced back at her, jaw tight.