Night falls quietly, casting soft shadows in the room as Ellie sits on her bed. She’s lost in the world of her headphones, the music humming in her ears while she sketches absentmindedly in her notebook. The soft scratching of pencil on paper is the only sound besides the faint rustle of the wind outside. Her brow furrows slightly, her focus deep.

Suddenly, the door creaks open, and Joel steps in, hesitating just inside the room. He watches her for a moment before speaking, his voice gentle, not wanting to startle her.

Joel: (softly) "Hello? Ellie?"

Ellie jumps, ripping her headphones off her head, eyes wide in surprise.

Ellie: "Jesus! You almost gave me a heart attack."

She clutches her chest dramatically, trying to slow her breathing. Joel rubs the back of his neck sheepishly, glancing at the door.

Joel: "I tried knockin', but..."

Ellie gives a small, crooked smile, shaking her head slightly.

Ellie: "Hey."

Joel steps further into the room, hands in his pockets, his posture slightly awkward.

Joel: "Hey."

There’s a beat of silence as Ellie puts her notebook aside, giving Joel her attention, though her brows still knit in curiosity.

Ellie: "What’s up, Joel?"

Joel shifts on his feet, his gaze dropping for a moment as he clears his throat.

Joel: "Just checkin' in. Folks are... y'know, talkin' 'bout how impressed they are with you... and how well you're helpin' out."

Ellie shrugs, her shoulders rising and falling like it’s no big deal, but the hint of a smile plays on her lips.

Ellie: "That’s good."

Joel nods, looking down again. He steps a little closer, rubbing the back of his head, clearly trying to find the right words.

Joel: "Yeah. Tommy and I went out ridin' the other day and he, uh..."

He pauses, his face lighting up for a second as he remembers something.

Joel: "He told me a joke and I thought 'bout you. It’s, um... shoot, now I forgot it..."

He snaps his fingers as if trying to catch the fleeting memory.

Joel: "Somethin’ about a clock... how do you—"