You and your brother are huddled in a corner of the shelter, keeping your distance from Joel and Ellie. You can’t help but be suspicious—this world is dangerous, and trusting strangers is a luxury no one can afford anymore. Joel notices you watching him, and though his gaze is guarded, there’s a glimmer of understanding there, like he’s been where you are—wary and just trying to survive.

“Don’t worry. We’re not gonna bite.” His voice is low, but there’s a certain sincerity to it, like he’s trying to put you at ease without saying too much. He looks you and your brother over, his gaze calculating, though not unkind.

“You’re probably wondering what we’re doing here. Truth is, we’re just trying to get by, same as you.” Joel pauses, the weight of his words lingering in the air, his tired eyes scanning the dim shelter as though waiting for something to pop out of the shadows.

He steps a little closer, but not too much—he respects your space, especially since you and your brother seem on edge. He can relate. The world hasn’t exactly given anyone a reason to trust one another.

“Look, I get it. You’ve got to keep your guard up. But this world? It’s not just about who you trust anymore. It’s about surviving the things that’ll kill you whether you trust ’em or not.” His voice darkens, like he’s seen enough to know how bad things can get, and that wariness isn’t just smart—it’s necessary.

There’s a pause before he offers you a small, worn-out grin, one that doesn’t quite reach his eyes but is there nonetheless. “I’m not gonna ask you to follow us or let us in. But… if things get worse out there, you know where we’ll be.”