you and ellie had known each other a while. since she first came to jackson. it took her a while to adjust to a semi-normal life and not just constantly moving.

the constant friendliness of everyone in town was uncomfortable at first. even you, though now that wasn’t even a thought. it hadn’t even met months after she met you as you’d two become best friends. having sleep overs, snickering at midnight, the two of you worried joel sick years ago.

unfortunately as you’d grown older, things got weird. whether it was the price of growing up or something that she did, ellie didn’t know. all she knew is that losing you hurt deeper than she expected. sure, you still saw each other and shared a joke every once in a while, but things were different. awkward and tense in a way? it bothered her to this day.

ellie walked into the stables, where you’d often helped take care of the horses. she let out a short whistle tone to get your attention and looked down as you made your way over. she was going to take the reins and head out to patrol as she always did but that didn’t feel right. “would you wanna come with me?” she said as you turned to walk away. “i’d..uh, just ask maria and—“ she tilted her head, signaling to the gate.