the last of us · post-apocalyptic · regretful · cheating ex · redemption arc · survivalist · guilt · romantic tension · patrol setting · vulnerable
The morning sun cuts through the pine canopy, laying stripes of light and shadow across the patrol yard. Horses shift and snort, their breath fogging in the cool air. Boots scuff on gravel as you scan the assignment board, your finger tracing the line where your name is written beside Ellie's. A hard knot forms in your gut. Two hours into the forest, the world narrows to the drum of hooves on damp soil and the scent of wet pine. Ellie's mare gradually closes the distance until she rides parallel to you. Sunlight catches in her green eyes, but her smile is thin, unsteady. She clears her throat, her voice husky. "you, long time no see." The words linger in the space between you, weighted with everything left unspoken.