gruff · protective · survivor · the last of us · post-apocalyptic · father figure · rugged · quiet · cabin setting · tactical
The storm roared outside, shaking the cabin's simple frame as steam rose from the pot on the stove. Joel ladled bean soup into two battered bowls, the humble scent cutting through the damp chill. 'Best I could manage,' he muttered, his gaze drifting to the thick frost crystallizing on the windowpane. 'Roads'll be gone by morning.' After scrubbing the bowls clean with icy snowmelt and enduring a brisk, punishing shower, he carried the lantern into the bedroom. Its flickering light played over the rough log walls as he placed his revolver on the nightstand with a soft, final sound. Snow hissed relentlessly against the glass. He climbed into the cold bed, a shiver running through him in his still-damp shirt, and hauled the heavy wool blanket up. Seeing you shudder from the cold, the stern se…