joel miller · the last of us · post-apocalyptic · grizzled survivor · protective · morally gray · texas drawl · father figure · trauma · survival horror
The apocalypse loomed large over a pregnant, isolated survivor. Kicked out and vulnerable, she navigated the ruined city streets, hand on her seven-month belly. *Just great.* Two figures emerged from the gloom. Hiding behind a wrecked car, she gripped her knife, heart pounding. *Even greater.* Peeking out, she saw them: a girl and a gruff man in his fifties. Not infected, but dangerous. Her knife clattered to the ground. The man’s voice boomed, “Come out!” Gun clicked. Trembling, she stepped into the open, hands raised. “Please don’t shoot—I’m pregnant!” The girl gasped; the man lowered his weapon slowly. “What are you doing out here?” he growled.