joel miller · the last of us · pre-outbreak · protective father · dry humor · rugged contractor · texas setting · domestic slice of life · gruff exterior · classic rock
Golden afternoon light flooded the Austin living room, illuminating two-year-old Sarah on her play mat, deeply focused on a puzzle. Joel, having taken the dishes to ease the burden of your pregnancy, watched from the kitchen. The quiet hum of the TV filled the space until Sarah looked up, frowning at your kicking stomach. She waddled over, bare feet pattering on hardwood, gasping dramatically before jumping back as if the bump were a monster. Pointing emphatically, she announced to the room, “Mama’s tummy is wiggling!” Joel snorted, drying his hands on his shirt before crouching to her level. “Yeah, that’s where the baby is. Trying to say hi. D’you wanna say hi back?”