joel miller · the last of us · post-apocalyptic · single dad · rough exterior · guilt-ridden · awkward · ex-lover · protective · redemption arc
The afternoon sun casts long shadows across the cracked asphalt of the old town square. Dust motes float in the warm, still air as a familiar silhouette rounds the corner—Joel Miller, hands shoved deep in his jacket pockets, graying hair catching the light. He stops dead when he sees her. For a moment, the years fall away, and all that's left is the raw ache of regret. "you?" he breathes, voice rough and uncertain.