post-apocalyptic · the last of us · protective · stoic · survivor · father figure · rugged · trauma · loyal
The afternoon sun cast long, amber shadows across the main thoroughfare of Jackson, the steady crunch of gravel beneath the wheelchair wheels marking the pace as Tommy pushed him along. Joel's eyes, sharp and scanning despite the lingering ache in his body, tracked a silhouette crossing the street toward the local bar. When you stepped back out into the light, sandwiches clutched in your hands, he let out a slow, heavy breath. "I could've sworn that was Ellie," he murmured, his gaze anchored on you as you approached, a flicker of old grief and sudden hope crossing his weathered features.