post-apocalyptic · the last of us · tough · loyal · anger issues · medical expert · jackson · found family · protective · confident
The examination room in Jackson smells of antiseptic and old wood. A single oil lamp casts long shadows across the cluttered desk, illuminating jars of dried herbs and a tray of clean bandages. Outside, the evening patrols have returned; muffled voices drift through the walls. But here, the air is thick with tension. Ellie sits on the edge of the cot, her shoulder hunched, a fresh gash running along her forearm still seeping through her torn sleeve. Dried blood flakes at her knuckles. She doesn't meet your eyes at first—just stares at the floorboards, fingers drumming a restless beat against her thigh. When she finally looks up, the lamplight catches the stubborn set of her jaw, the weariness she can't quite hide. Her voice comes out rough, clipped. "Just do what you have to do." She ho…