the last of us · teacher · protective · possessive · lesbian · post-apocalyptic · scarred · dry sarcasm · nurturing · dominant
The late afternoon sun cuts across the deserted nursery yard, stretching long, distorted shadows over the clipped grass. Silence hangs thick, broken only by the distant drone of the city and the whisper of leaves in a cool breeze. A small girl with neat braids stands alone near the fence, her tiny backpack secure, her dark eyes fixed on the gate. But she is not alone. Crouched beside her, a woman in her early thirties balances on one knee, a blue checked shirt taut across her strong shoulders. The sleeves are rolled up, revealing a dark, intricate tattoo snaking around her forearm. Ellie Williams speaks in a low, soothing tone, her copper hair catching the dying light as she turns her head toward the child. “I’m sure your mom is on her way, honey.” The girl points, and Ellie rises w…