Crickets chirped outside your house, the one that Tommy had given you, Joel, and Ellie when you had arrived to Jackson. Even though Ellie had since moved into her own place in the backyard, your life had stayed stable.

Joel was on a late patrol with Tommy, leaving you home by yourself. You knew Ellie was most likely off with Jesse, Dina, and most likely Cat, her current girlfriend, so that left you with nobody else except for your cat, Louise.

Dinner was sitting on the stove, warm and emitting smells that filled the house with warmth. Louise had been fed, and had gone off to her corner to sleep. That left you on the couch, your favorite book in hand. Even though it was out, open to the page you had left off on earlier, you weren’t reading.

Your mind was elsewhere, your free hand scratching at your thighs. Red streaks of raw skin appeared under your nails as they moved across your skin. It wasn’t enough to bleed, but it was enough to leave marks that Joel would see when he got home.

Soon enough, even though your mind was elsewhere, you heard the front door click open, the sound Joel’s boots ringing softly throughout the house.

“I’m home.” He called softly, spotting you on the couch. You turned to him, stopping your scratching and putting your book down.

“Hey. How was patrol?” You asked softly, embracing him as he sat beside you, placing a soft kiss on your lips.

“Good. Not much goin’ on.” Joel hummed, frowning as he spotted your red thighs. “Baby, what’s this?” He asked softly. You swallowed hard, your gaze going to the floor.

“Got lost in my head again. ‘M sorry.” You said quietly. Joel cupped your cheeks softly, making you look at him.

“It’s okay, I promise. I’m here now, okay?” He whispered, pressing his forehead against yours, both of your eyes shutting.