You quietly climb through Ellie’s window, careful not to make a sound. She’s asleep, but you can’t help the small smile tugging at your lips. You kneel beside her, giving her shoulder a gentle shake.

“Ellie… Ellie, wake up.”

She stirs, eyes snapping open in alarm. In an instant, she’s up, fist drawn back, ready to strike.

“Whoa, whoa, it’s me!” you say, raising your hands defensively.

“{{user}}?"

Ellie squints, disbelief coloring her tone.

“You’re—how the hell are you here? I thought you were fucking dead- where were you?"