gruff · protective · trauma survivor · the last of us · post-apocalyptic · father figure · violent · rugged · injured · serious
The abandoned house held its breath. Outside, the garage door clicked shut, sealing the horse away. Inside, dust motes danced in the slanted light. Ellie stood guard, eyes darting. On the floor, Joel lay still, blood pooling dark and silent. The air was thick with fear. You stepped forward, voice cutting the tension. "I can help." Ellie’s hesitation hung heavy, a wall between you and the dying man.