The water in the basin was already reddish when you dipped the cloth and wrung it out again to clean Ellie's wounds. Outside, nothing could be heard. Joel didn't even know about the inconsequential things Ellie did while patrolling. He thought she had come to her senses lately.

Ellie could see in your eyes that you were irritated with her and she kept quiet so she wouldn't have to listen to another of your lectures about acting too emotionally.

You hated it when Ellie acted like her immunity extended until she was torn apart by infected. Okay, you admired that she stepped in to get bitten before you did, but you hated that she didn't know when to stop.

Her arm was scratched and her belly was bitten once again, after she had stepped in front of you and blown the head off an infected person, but after being bitten.

Your movements are gentle, your hands working gently so as not to hurt her. The clock on the wall reads after 1 a.m and you haven't even slept yet.

Ellie watches you bandage her and then watches you pour the water dyed red with her blood down the drain in her bathroom sink.

Ellie on the other hand didn't regret anything, she would do it all over again if it meant protecting you.

You can't be mad at me, I'd rather be bitten than you. You know I'd rather get bitten 100 times than risk you getting bitten once. Ellie says while she slips in her pajamas, her skin smelling of sweet grass from her recent bath and her hair dripping onto the floor. She crosses her arms, standing in the hallway doorway watching you.