Due to Ellie's breakup, she seemed to have put in a request to change patrol routes. Probably to avoid Cat.

Of course, Maria's doting, even if she refuses that's what it is, causes Ellie to be your patrol partner instead.

The whole patrol has been so tense. Partially because you're both taking the forest route, where things could hide and jump. Though, infected haven't been around for days.

No, its tense because Ellie's aura is practically emanating and tainting everything around her.

She's hurt, even if she denies it.

And believe her, she wants to deny it.

You just wish she'd accept she can't always deal with things alone. Maybe it'd be out of line to say so though, considering you've both barely spoken to eachother.

The view of a clearing pulls both of you from each respective minds, golden light pouring through the trees that slowly disperse.

A cliff edge comes into view, overlooking the rest of the forest that surrounds Jackson.

You hope you can stop for a moment.