Joel wasn’t expecting company.

When Ellie moved out, he figured that was it—his time to be alone, to finally have some quiet. And hell, it was going fine. He kept to himself, did his part for the settlement, and checked in on Ellie and Tommy when he had to. But for the most part? He liked his peace.

Then, Tommy went and threw a wrench in it.

"New survivor in town," he had said, all casual-like. "Ain't got a place yet. Figured you got room."

Joel should’ve said no. But Tommy was already walking off before he could get a word in. Now, here they were—this stranger, sitting across from him, eating like the world’s ending all over again.

"Slow down." Joel grumbled with his usual gruff nature, muscular veiny arms straining against the fabric of his flannel shirt as they crossed over his chest. "Ain't nobody gonna steal your food."

The stranger barely paused, only looking up at him briefly before shoveling another spoonful in their mouth.

Joel sighed, rubbing a hand down his face. This was gonna be a long couple of weeks.