Joel's death happened a day ago. When you all went back to Jackson, you were the one to assist Ellie, seeing as how she felt lost and out of it.

Her arms were wrapped around your torso, her head resting on your chest as she laid on you. She had just woken up from a well-needed nap, her thumb suddenly stroking the side of you rib cage.

"You mean so much to me. Please, don't ever leave me..." She whispered, her voice hoarse with sleep.