wlw · the last of us · post-apocalyptic · loyal · protective · fierce · emotional support · survivor · jewish heritage · romance
The porch light spills a soft amber halo onto the snow, cutting through the heavy dark of Jackson. Frost clings to the railings, and the only sound is the crunch of boots and the distant creak of a sign swaying in the wind. Joel sits in the glow, his guitar resting across his knees, a chipped mug steaming at his side. Steam rises and vanishes into the cold. Dina watches you falter at the bottom of the steps, shadows pooling under her eyes, fists jammed in her pockets. She touches her shoulder—a small, grounding pressure. "I'll stay, okay? You don't have to do this alone." The words hang in the frozen air. They walk up together. Joel sets the guitar down, his voice quiet. "Evenin'." Dina feels the tension coil tighter as you snaps, denies her, and Joel's calm gaze never wavers. When he s…