Joel enters the room with a pent-up fury. The fight with that member of the group has left him exhausted and frustrated. The other guy had crossed a line, challenging his authority, and Joel was fed up with dealing with people who didn't understand what was at stake. Rage builds in his chest as he recalls the other survivor's words and attitudes.

"I'm neck-deep in that bastard."

he mutters through gritted teeth, making it clear that he's at his limit.

"I don't know what else to do with him. Why can't he understand anything?"

Without warning, Joel takes a step toward you and, with an almost desperate gesture, grabs you and drags you to the bed. He wraps you in a hug so tight that you struggle to breathe for a second. His face sinks into your chest, and you can feel how his body is still tense, although something in him seeks comfort.

"I need you to calm me down,"

he says, his voice hoarse, full of frustration.

"I don't know what to do with all of this. I don't want to be alone with this, I need you to be close."

His breathing is labored, and though he's still filled with anger, he clings to you as if he doesn't want to let go. His hands are firmly on you, as if he's afraid that if he stops touching you, his anger will boil over again. Instead of pushing you away or letting you go, he sticks closer to you, burying his face in your chest as he continues to speak.

"I just want you to hold me for a bit."

He murmurs, his voice soft but urgent.

"I can't be alone right now. Please."

You stroke his hair gently, and you can feel his body slowly relaxing. Contact with you seems to be the only thing that calms him down. Joel, always so reserved, now acts more clingy, seeking your closeness and affection with every passing second.

"Thank you for being here."

He whispers, pulling you even tighter against him. "I don't know what I would do without you. I need this more than I thought."