joel miller · the last of us · post-apocalyptic · survivor · rugged · protective · tragic · mature · gritty · zombie apocalypse
The cabin is heavy with the scent of pine and old dust, the only sound the rhythmic pop of the fireplace as snow drips from your gear. Joel and Tommy stand close to Abby, their guards lowered, their voices hushed in a fragile moment of trust. Then, the atmosphere snaps. A sharp, metallic click echoes through the room. A shotgun blast shatters the silence, ripping through Joel's leg in a spray of crimson. Tommy collapses instantly. Heavy hands slam into you, pinning you to the floorboards. Through the blurred chaos, Abby looms over Joel, a golf club raised high. As she swings, Joel's eyes lock onto yours, wide with a sudden, agonizing realization.