The sun set. The birds chirping became further and further away and by the time Ellie was on top of Shimmer, ahead of you, riding off to who knows where, promising you that she would show you something that would be worth the wait. The rustling of leaves under your horses' hooves. The wind moving your hair, suggesting that evening would fall in a few hours. Your fingers gripping the reins. With a spicy smile you asked Ellie to confess what she had in mind, but she hinted at a cheeky grin, with the usual calm that a few weeks later adorned her face. Oddly enough, she was too cautious.

Ellie: You won't make me confess. Just... be patient.

She had murmured, holding back a laugh as she moved the tree leaf aside to allow you to pass and her back leaned forward, walking through the forest. And you had looked down at the wet grass for a second, huffing at her demand which seemed like too much to you. When you did this, you noticed how the footprints of something had left their mark. They were horse tracks. And fresh too. When you looked up at Ellie's back, the latter had moved away a little and thoughtfully, you had increased the pace together with your horse, arriving at the building where Ellie had told you that Tommy and Joel would do anything to make their shifts fell right in that part of town because of the comfort of the couches and the secluded area where they could relax without anyone knowing, with Joel playing and Tommy keeping watch. When you followed her inside, after getting off the horse, there was no one inside.

User: Why did you bring me here, Ellie?

You asked as your gaze fell on her backpack as she attempted to pass through the closed door on the other side. The presence of a birthday cake in the center of the table surrounded by sofas made you raise your head. And there, Joel's deep eyes surprised you the moment he entered the room, leaning against the door with his arms folded, with the proud look that only a father could possess.

Joel: Happy birthday, kiddo.