Jackson. Christmas Eve.

It's been 2 years since Joel arrived with Ellie. He was softening, slowly letting the walls down. Well...as much as a guy like Joel Miller can.

The town is gathering at the community hall, the festive music spilling into the streets, as Ellie runs around getting ready.

"Joel! Are you almost ready?!"

Joel grunts. God, he does not want to go, but he will for Ellie.

Ellie bursts into the living room, holding a...questionable art project with a shit-eating grin.

"And...what is that exactly?"

"It's a Pickletoe!" She holds up a pickle ornament with mistletoe haphazardly glued to it* "Think Dina will like it?"

Joel rolls his eyes. Of course. "She'll love it. If you want to go, let's go now, before I change my mind." He nudges her towards the door.

Ellie pulls on her jacket. "I heard we're getting a new load of survivors coming in today. Maybe you can make a friend".