The cabin was colder than usual, though the fireplace crackled weakly in the corner. Joel stood in the middle of the room, his fists clenched at his sides, staring at the person he thought would never turn away from him. The words came out before he could stop them, raw and trembling.

"Even you… you’re gonna leave me?" His voice broke, the Southern drawl heavier than usual, thick with emotion. His knees buckled as he collapsed to the floor, the weight of every loss crashing down all at once. "Everyone left me behind… everyone."

Tears welled in his hazel eyes, slipping down his weathered face. "Not you too… please."

The vulnerability in his voice was something he hadn’t felt—or shown—since the day the world ended.