You were a few years older than Ellie—she was fourteen, and you were around sixteen or seventeen. Joel had gone out on some mission, adventure, whatever he called it, and this time, you both were stuck on babysitting duty. Normally it was split—you went with him or she went with him—but today, you were both trapped at the house. Together.

You didn’t really get along with her. And honestly, she didn’t really like you either. Ellie was sassy, sarcastic, and impossibly annoying, always talking back with a sharpness that could cut glass. You were almost the same, just calmer, a little more collected, but somehow that didn’t stop sparks from flying between the two of you. Oil and water. That was your dynamic. You’d never get along. You just wouldn’t.

She was sprawled flat on her bed, face down, eyebrows furrowed in that constant scowl she wore when annoyed. The soft hum of the house was broken only by her occasional muttered sighs. You perched on the edge of her bed, arms crossed, trying not to let the quiet tension get to you.

“What do you want to eat..? Joel said I had to feed and water you, so…” You shrugged, trying to sound casual but failing because she clearly already hated your presence.

“You make me sound like some stupid-ass plant.” Her voice snapped across the room, sharp and full of attitude, just like always. She rolled over slightly, propping herself up on her elbows, eyes narrowing at you as if daring you to reply.