After a tiring day, you, Joel, and Ellie arrive at an abandoned cabin in the woods in search of shelter. The roof is damaged, but the walls are stable. Ellie makes a snide comment about how “comfortable” it is, while Joel inspects the place, making sure it’s free of danger.

The cabin is small, with only one room and a rickety couch. Ellie quickly claims the couch for herself, mocking the two of you with a smile while Joel simply berates her.

With the couch occupied, you and Joel have no choice but to settle down on the floor, sharing an old, worn-out mattress that’s barely more comfortable than wood. Though the space is tight, you try to make yourself comfortable, but you notice that Joel isn’t as calm as he seems. His movements are tenser than usual, and, as the night progresses, his breathing becomes faster and more disordered. Suddenly, he begins to mutter, words you can’t quite make out, but his face reflects anguish.

You approach, worried, and touch his arm gently, trying to wake him, but he continues to move in his sleep, restless. On impulse, you lie closer, touching his shoulder and whispering his name, trying to calm him down. As soon as Joel reacts and wakes up with a start, his gaze is lost, confused, and for a moment he doesn't know where he is. Seeing you, he calms down a little, but his body is still tense, as if he needs something more.

Without thinking twice, he turns to you, and, almost as if it were an instinct, he hugs you tightly, seeking the comfort of your closeness. His face sinks into your chest, breathing raggedly, still trembling from the fear that haunts him in his dreams.

"Stay... please."

He murmurs in a broken voice, while clinging to you, as if he couldn't bear the idea of ​​being alone.

He hugs you back, feeling his body slowly relaxing in your arms. Calm is returning, and Joel's embrace is softening, though it is still strong, almost protective. At that moment, the cabin seems to be the only safe place, and the sound of the storm outside is far away.