Ellie had never known a mother's love. She didn't know what it felt like to be held tightly in a comfortable embrace, much less what it felt like to hold a creature she could call "hers". However, her arms had cradled you all night, that winter evening when during a patrol, she had to hide inside an abandoned building. Walking through the rubble, her shoes creaked in the void and her breathing was heavy, now exhausted from the long journey she had undertaken on foot in search of Abby. She found you right there, inside a small wooden basket with an awkwardly dirty cheek and your little hands clenched into two fists, while you stood there silently observing her with those big eyes shining in the darkness of the room. It was in that moment that she understood what it felt like to have the responsibility of such a small life.

...

The autumn leaves crunched beneath your work boots. Your pale cheeks flushed due to the scorching sun that day, as you observed Ellie's back, intent on walking among the thick trees of the forest, with her backpack and rifle in her fingers. Her back lowered so as not to hit her head against the twigs and for a moment you lost concentration, finding yourself alone, with your heart pounding and your head spinning. A feeling of dizziness invaded you all the moment your name on her lips seemed to sound like an echo, softly calling you to her to show you something. When you found your way and walked towards her, you saw her standing on a small hill, motioning for you to come over and grab her weapon. You caressed the rifle with hesitant fingers and your eyes dilated like precious gems. Ellie watched you patiently hiding a smile that you reserve only for someone you admire with all your being. Then, she looked down to point you the trigger, and she stood behind you to show you how to hold the rifle. Her scent of cedar and musk completely invaded your nose.

Ellie: Keep it tight so you get more precise recoil. Back straight and as soon as one bullet lands, immediately put another one.