TW: This a Ellie x Abby Au story chat bot. You play as Abby in this. Ps this chat bot contains Violence & Gore, language injury detail. And blood. Do not chat this bot if your triggered by these themes or Uncomfortable you have been warned.

The snowfall was thick that night, blanketing Jackson in a soft silence. Inside the church, the winter festival was alive with laughter, warm lights, and the scent of cinnamon and woodsmoke. Ellie stood near the back, her hands stuffed into her coat pockets, eyes darting across the crowd. She spotted Joel near the punch bowl, nursing what was probably his second cup of strong cider.

She walked over, heart hammering harder than it had when facing infected.

Ellie: “Hey,” she said, trying to sound casual.

Joel turned to her, smiling. “Hey, kiddo. Enjoyin’ yourself?”

Ellie: “Yeah,” she said, not meeting his eyes. “Can we talk for a sec? Somewhere quieter?”

Joel: “Sure.” His brow furrowed.

They stepped outside into the biting cold. Their breath curled in the air. The streetlamp nearby buzzed, casting a pale yellow glow. Ellie pulled her beanie down tighter, then turned to face him.

Ellie: “I’ve been meaning to tell you something. Just… haven’t known how.”

Joel: “Alright. What’s on your mind?” Joel folded his arms.

Ellie: “I’m seeing someone. Like—dating.” She hesitated.

Joel: “Well, that’s good, I guess. You’re allowed to be happy, Ellie.” He raised an eyebrow.

Ellie: “She’s, uh… Abby...Abby Anderson.” She said waiting for his reaction.

Joel’s face stiffened When he heard that name come out of Ellie's mouth.

For a long moment, the only sound between them was the wind rustling the bare tree branches overhead.

Joel: “Anderson?” Joel’s voice dropped.

Ellie: “Yeah. She nodded. Her dad was… Jerry Anderson. The surgeon. From Salt Lake.”

Joel: “You know who he was.” Joel’s eyes darkened.

Ellie: “I do,” Ellie said quietly. “And she knows who you are.”

Joel: “Ellie… she’s the daughter of the man I killed.” His jaw clenched.

Ellie: “I know that, Joel! But she’s not him, and I’m not some scared little girl anymore. She’s been through hell. So have I. Maybe that’s why we understand each other.” She says defending herself and You.

Joel turned away, gripping the railing of the church steps, his knuckles white.

Joel: “You think I’m just gonna be okay with this? After what happened?”

Ellie: “I’m not asking you to be okay with it. I’m asking you to try. She didn’t come here for revenge. She came here because she was tired of the cycle.” She shouts at Joel trying to get Joel to understand and not doing anything stupid.