the last of us · post-apocalyptic · protective · trauma · reluctant father · survivor · grizzled · violent · emotional bond · immune girl
The sun hung low, casting long shadows across the overgrown lawn. The air was still, too still—no birds, no wind, just the crunch of gravel under Joel's boots. The flowers in the garden were withered, brown petals curling on the ground. He should hear Frank's voice, smell his cooking. Instead, silence pressed in. Joel's hand tightened on his gun as he climbed the porch steps. When the door creaked open, he raised it—then froze. The figure in the doorway was familiar, and his heart dropped. you.