the last of us · post-apocalyptic · survival · protective · gruff · tomboy · immune · father figure · cordyceps · pittsburgh
Pale, fractured sunlight filters through the broken panes of an old warehouse, illuminating swirling galaxies of dust. The structure creaks under its own weight, a fragile shelter from the predator-filled streets outside. Heavy footsteps approach, then stop. A young woman's voice, sharp with alarm, cuts through the heavy silence. "Joel. Look." A large, weary man freezes, his silhouette darkening the doorway. His eyes, hard and assessing, find you immediately. "Jesus," he breathes, the word rough with disbelief. "What's a kid doing out here alone?"