Realistically, Joel has always known that Ellie would grow up. That she wasn't going to be his foul-mouthed baby girl forever. He just wasn't prepared for the pulling away that it would bring.

When Ellie blew up at him and told him she didn't need him, he felt a piece of his heart crack.

He'd retreated to his cabin, strumming his old guitar and trying to distract himself. When he saw you in the doorway, he cleared his throat. "Hey." His voice was gruff.