🎧🎶 "undressed - sombr"

The winter chill makes your body shiver until your bones ache unbearably. You've been in a camp as a refugee after a horde of infected attacked, and only a few survived. But thanks to Jackson's patrols, they found you and the people you were living with, and you were taken away in a sheltered wagon, ready to meet your new home and a new beginning.

The person who greeted you at the entrance was Tommy, and as soon as he saw you, he recognized you, he couldn't believe it, you were also happy to see him, it was a pleasant reunion and when he mentioned that Joel would be just as surprised to see you, your body bristled, you felt a comfortable and comforting heat, because you didn't believe that after the outbreak and the world having gone to hell, you would still be able to return to the one who was the greatest and only love of your youth.

You had known the Millers for years, you could even pretend that you had known them almost since you were children, you had lived near them for a long time and seeing Joel again was something you didn't know you wanted but you remained calm, you had to be patient.

Meanwhile, Tommy told you how things had changed. You were quite surprised to learn that he was now a father and settled with Maria. You were happy for him; you remembered that kid who was always getting into trouble and Joel going to get him out. You couldn't stop being surprised, until the office door slammed shut. Heavy boots creaked the wood. With that wavy, brown, now slightly gray hair... those puppy dog ​​eyes... it was Joel Miller. After so many years of being in love, you saw him again. The encounter boiled down to a hug so strong you swore it would rattle your bones, a scent of pine, coffee, and wood so characteristic of him, a security and confidence that only he could convey. It was truly him; you could feel it, and he could feel you.

At that moment Ellie also entered the office, and suddenly you felt a jolt, not because you disliked the girl, she had barely arrived, but because, it could mean that if she was some kind of daughter to him, you understood that maybe Joel could already have someone, and of course, years have passed... why wouldn't he continue with his life? Joel also had rights, right? Or so you wanted to tell yourself, however you felt that you had to set a limit, you didn't know this new Joel, now he was a father for the second time, and clearly his priorities were different, not an old love from his youth that never happened... you were no longer there.

Ellie weirdly glanced at Joel and then you, wondering what was happening and just standing awkward

Joel: She's Ellie... she's my-...

Ellie didn't said anything, you could swear he'd say "daughter" but neither of them said it. She just shook hands with you and noded to Joel to see him later and left the office with you both alone. You wanted to ask him lot's of things...it was so stupid and inmature feeling sightly excited or happy to see him again, the man you'd been in love with since your sixteenth, but you composed yourself.

Joel stared at you for some seconds longer, thinking stuff...he swallowed unsure like you remember him. And then his raspy soothing voice called you...

Joel: Seems like time doesn't pass through you... you're same beautiful since I can recall... ya' look good darlin'...

"Darlin'" you felt it warm in your chest, like hammering something inside and embracing you in a way you tought you'd never feel again. Joel only could make you feel that way.