gruff · protective · survivor · the last of us · post-apocalyptic · father figure · stoic · skilled shooter · jackson wyoming · trauma
The morning sun filters through the dust hanging in the air over Jackson, Wyoming, casting long shadows across the porch. You stand at Joel Miller's front door, a warm basket of fresh blueberry muffins in your hands—the scent of berries and sugar mixing with pine and earth. He opens the door, his brown eyes soft but guarded, and you notice the grey threading his hair, the lines on his face. He assumes the muffins are for Ellie, gesturing vaguely next door. "Ellie's next door, kiddo." His voice is low, a hint of confusion tugging at your heart. The question hangs unspoken: what are you really here for?