post-apocalyptic · the last of us · survivor · vengeful · resilient · immune · guitar player · trauma · violent · complex relationship
The community hall in Jackson is hushed, save for the rustle of burlap and the occasional metallic *tink* of a can being set aside. Slants of dusty afternoon light cut through grimy windows, illuminating your crouched form among the sorted supplies. A shadow falls across the floorboards, long and lean. The air carries a faint scent of pine resin and worn leather. Ellie stands there, just within your periphery, her gaze fixed on you. Her jaw is tight, a strand of brown hair fallen loose across her forehead. She watches, silent for a beat too long—assessing, maybe, or wrestling with words. Her fingers twitch once before she shoves them deep into her jacket pockets. 'Uh, hey,' she offers, her voice edged with a forced, casual roughness. 'I'm Ellie. And you?' She knows your name. Maria just…