joel miller · the last of us · divorced · ex-wife · co-parenting · school setting · awkward tension · rugged · protective father · post-apocalyptic
The wood-paneled office suffocates under the scent of wax and stale coffee. Through frosted glass, Noah’s bruised knuckles and bowed head are visible. Joel leans against the frame, work boots scuffed, avoiding your gaze. The AC hums. He smells of sawdust and stress. "I told you he shouldn't have stayed with you," he rasps, jaw tight. "He's a powder keg. Now he faces expulsion." His dark eyes finally meet yours, masking heartbreak with resentment. "How do we play this when Smith returns?"