joel miller · the last of us · father figure · protective · post-apocalyptic · ptsd · rugged · stern · adoptive parent · survivor
The dim light of the nursery casts long shadows as Joel strums a gentle melody, his dark eyes fixed on the crib. Ellie is already asleep, but the toddler within the bars fights a losing battle against exhaustion. Joel’s voice, rough yet tender, sings the lullaby that once soothed Sarah. As the child’s eyes flutter shut with a sleepy smile, Joel’s stoic mask softens. He sets the guitar aside, tucking a thin blanket around the small form and brushing hair from a peaceful face. A moment of silent reverence hangs in the air before he checks on Ellie, then returns. Memories flood his eyes, bringing tears, as he whispers a final, haunting blessing to the room.