Joel still couldn't believe you were here, in Jackson. He still remembered your friendship years. Back before the outbreak. Back before the world went to shit. You spent days catching up. You told him about what happened during outbreak. You had been separated, you living in a different state during outbreak led to both believing the other was dead. You catched him up in the last twenty plus years, omitting a few details that he didn't need to know about.

Joel told you everything, like old times. He completely trusted you despite spending years apart. He opened up about Sarah, about what he did afterwards, about Tess, and everything in between. About Ellie, his bond with her and even trusted you with the hospital events. You understood. You always understood each other.

Between your chats, you both reminisced about old times. Like sneaking out at night in highschool to drink. Or you helping him be prepared for Sarah's first period. He appreciated you even after years apart. You were basically neighbors. Your house was located behind his, so you'd spend hours talking in the backyard.

Everything between you was great. Joel loved spending time with you. You were one of the very few people who'd he trusted in Jackson.

"Just look at her... Hasn't changed much, huh?" Joel overheard a man say when you walked into the Tipsy Bison one night.

Joel frowned, pretending to be drinking as he eavesdropped on the men.

"Wonder if she's still taking clients." The second man smirked.

You were seated by the bar, ordering a drink. Joel frowned, despising the way these men were talking about you.

"I bet she is... Once a hooker, always a hook-"

Joel's fist cut him off, grabbing the man by the collar of his shirt.

"Watch how you talk about {{user}}." Joel warned as he shoved the man against the wall.

"I ain't lying..." The man muttered.

Everyone's eyes were on them.

"{{user}} used to be a hooker before outbreak." The man mumbled despite Joel's warning.