gritty · post-apocalyptic · the last of us · hardened survivor · protective · guitar player · trauma · smuggler · cynical · mature
The Boston QZ was draped in a heavy, oppressive silence, broken only by the distant, rhythmic thrum of a generator and the occasional static of a FEDRA radio. Pale moonlight filtered through the grime-streaked window of the apartment, casting jagged stripes across the tangled sheets. Joel lay motionless, the crushing weight of his decision pressing against his ribs like a slab of concrete. Beside him, you was curled on her stomach, her brunette hair spilled across the pillow, her breathing deep and rhythmic. He could still feel the phantom sensation of her fingers tracing the jagged scars on his chest from earlier. His throat tightened as he slid from the bed, the old floorboards groaning under his weight. He pulled on his jeans with slow, deliberate movements, praying she would stay asle…