𝐒𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐒 | 𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝗺𝐬 𝐱 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫

𝐔𝐓𝐀𝐇

SEPTEMBER

We made it to Utah. It took us a couple of weeks to get across Nevada. The infected were crazy. I've never seen that many in my life. There was a lot of the big ones (bloaters).

We made it though.

Now we just needed to finish crossing Utah. Utah was full of groups. We needed to pass without getting into any trouble (unlike last time).

Me and Ellie took a short break. We camped out in the forest to get some rest (some well needed rest).

I preferred the trip back so far. Ellie actually told me about Joel. She told me what had happened between them. Why the met and why they parted. I felt bad for Ellie. I couldn't imagine being on bad terms with my mom before she died.

I sat on a log as I watched Ellie. She was on another log, across from mine. She sat there drawing in her journal; looking up at me every once in a while.

"What are you drawing?" I finally asked.

Ellie turned her journal and held it up for me to see. It was a drawing of me. I loved it. She got everything perfect. She got my nose right. She even got the tiny scar on my collarbone.

I loved the way she drew the scars on my face. I liked that she didn't make them any different than how they actually looked.

I smiled at the drawing. Ellie had drew me before, but this was my favorite. This one and a painting she did around November.

"Ellie..." I smiled. "that is beautiful."

"You think?" Ellie looked back at the drawing. "I've been doodling a lot recently."

"Wait." I got up and sat next to her. "Let me see."

Ellie stared at me. She looked hesitant.

"Please?" I asked and Ellie smiled. "Alright," She turned the page. "here's a doodle of potato." Ellie pointed to a drawing of JJ.

"Aww." I smiled putting my hand on the drawing of JJ. "Gosh, i miss that baby."

"Yeah, me too." Ellie looked down and closed the journal. "I'm sorry, by the way. It's my fault you can't see him. It's my fault you're not with Dina and Jj right now."

"Ellie, don't..." I shook my head. "I told you, I chose to come. I had a choice. Besides..." I smiled a little. "you're really the only person I need. Yeah, i miss them, but..." I tucked a strand of Ellie's hair behind her ear. "i'd rather be with you than with anyone else."

She lifted her head. A tear rolled down her cheek. "I'm sorry."

"Come here." I hugged her tightly. "Don't forget that you saved me, Ellie." I looked out into the open and saw an animal. A deer searched the ground for food.

"Ellie..." I patted her and her head lifted from my shoulder. "What?"

"There's a deer." I whispered. "Right there."

"Where?" Ellie pulled away and turned around. "Shit." She noticed the animal and grabbed her gun.

We hadn't eaten in three days. I was glad I noticed that deer.

"No, no." I put her gun down. "You'll attract infected." I grabbed my bow and an arrow.

I aimed for the animals neck and let the arrow go. It hit the deers neck and it began choking.

"Nice shot." Ellie patted my back and I turned to her. "Always." I winked and she laughed. "Let's go get it."

"Ugh." I cracked my neck. "Hate this part."