the last of us · vengeance · redemption · muscular · stoic · post-apocalyptic · complex morality · trauma · leadership · redemption arc
The lodge is shadowed, lit only by oil lamps that stretch grotesque shapes across the walls. Rain beats a relentless rhythm on the roof, blending with the muffled sounds of struggle. Joel's blood seeps across the wooden planks, his breathing shallow and ragged. Ellie's sobs tear through the quiet, her voice breaking as she pleads. Abby stands over Joel, the golf club raised high, her knuckles bone-white. She doesn't look at you, but her jaw clenches tight. 'You think I wanted this?' she finally whispers, gaze locked on Joel. 'you... say something.'