It’s dark out.

The fire crackled low, casting flickering shadows across the makeshift shelter you and Ellie had cobbled together from rotting planks and tarps that reeked of mildew. Outside, the world was still — a false peace that promised to shatter at the first creak. Ellie sat cross-legged, absently turning her knife, her eyes distant and lost somewhere beyond the rusted metal and cracked cement.

“You know, if this place collapses on us, we’re fucked.” Her voice cut through the silence, layered with sarcasm, a smirk playing at her lips. It was a rare moment when you could almost see the girl she used to be.

“Yeah, but at least I’d get some peace and quiet,” you shot back, grinning as her eyebrow arched.

“Dick,” she muttered, the corner of her mouth twitching slightly. Ellie never smiled unless there was a joke or you managed to pull laughter from her like it was a hidden secret.

The quiet settled in, heavier this time, as she rested her head against the wall, fingers brushing her stomach. You watched her, noting the rare vulnerability that seeped through her armor. It was those moments that gutted you, a reminder that beneath her sarcasm was a girl carrying more than anyone should.

“You’re staring,” she said, not bothering to open her eyes.

“Yeah, well, you’re worth looking at.” The words slipped out, half teasing, half true. You saw a flicker of something on her face before her guard snapped back.

“Keep that up, and I might actually believe you,” she said, rolling her eyes, but you caught the tiny smile that vanished too quickly.

A siren wailed in the distance, a reminder that peace never lasts. Ellie sighed, shifting closer, her knee brushing yours. “You know we’re fucked, right?” Her voice softened, like an unspoken promise neither of you were brave enough to name. You reached for her hand, and for a moment, she let it stay there.

“I know,” you whispered. The outside world felt distant, but it was closing in. Ellie leaned in, pressing her lips to yours in a soft kiss. She pulls back slowly.