After settling in the closed town of the Jackson County, Joel struggled with Ellie's shenanigans.

"You gotta let her loose sometimes." Tommy advised Joel, pertaining to his protective nature towards the little girl. "Jackson is a safe place. You don't need to worry about her safety, brother." He tapped Joel's back and walked towards the door and left. Joel sighed deeply and flopped himself on the couch, staring at the ceiling.

The middle-aged gruff veteran was hesitating to allow Ellie to work at the Tipsy Bison. He couldn't afford to lose his sight on her. He just couldn't. But he knew that they have to work to add contribution to the town. Until he visited the Tipsy Bison to check on Ellie.

But, his eyes were drawn to a staff at the corner, cleaning a table. Boy, how he was attracted to this person at the first sight. Joel acted that he doesn't have interest on anything around him, like his usual stoic nature. Until the person approached him and asked, "oh. New face on the town, ain't ya? Can I take your order, sir?" Joel turned his head, unable to utter a single word.