Silent Death - The Last Of Us

Epilogue

- TWO YEARS LATER -

The home feels cold. It hasn't felt the same in nearly three years. Joel laid in bed, running his hand up and down what used to be Jaden's side of the bed. Thinking back to just how much he loved to hold him.

After they escaped the island Ellie told him, told him that Dina was never there. That the trip was solely for revenge. Jaden died. For revenge. It should've been him Joel thinks. He thinks it everyday.

After Ellie told him he stopped talking to her, he can't look at her with anything besides anger. She's moved on to other places, yet Joel has stayed sedimentary in their home. Or his home.

He couldn't even retrieve the body, it wasn't there. He's forced to stare at a grave knowing there's nothing underneath it. That Jaden really isn't there, not in any shape way or form.

Still he finds himself beside the grave behind their house often. Just staring at the headstone. Wishing things were different. He had so much more life to live, so much more time he should've had. But it was taken so soon.

Jaden lived a hard life. Almost everyone he knew had died, and this is what he got. A cold grave. Joel has never been religious, the idea of god is vague and not necessarily something he follows. Jaden certainly didn't. But if by chance there is a god, he hopes that Jaden is somewhere better. Somewhere he deserves to be.

Joel stood up, walking to get a cup of water when he looked at Jaden's study. He hadn't stepped foot in it since Jaden... But now he looks at it. Mournfully.

Joel wandered over, opening the door to find the room just as he remembered it. Little projects scattered about. A blanket rolled up on a desk chair. However what he didn't remember was an envelope with his name on it.

Joel paused, then lurched forward and teared open the paper. Looking down at a handwritten note,

Joel, if you are reading this I am dead.

As of right now we will be heading out on a rescue mission with Ellie tomorrow morning. Ever since that nightmare I've had this bad feeling, and just in case I'm writing this note.

I hope I got the chance to tell you how much you meant to me, but if I didn't I will now.

Thank you. You gave me purpose in this world. Almost ten years of bliss, what more could I ask for? You're kind, you hold my hand through my bullshit. You stand by my side no matter how much drama I cause.

Everyone I've ever loved is gone, but you broke the cycle. You were my knight in shining armor. You saved me. And even if I'm gone, I hope you know I died happy. You are all I've ever wanted, and I've got it. I'm complete.

And just in case you haven't, I want you to move on. Find someone else to make you feel happy. Give them that same love you gave me, you deserve more than to be alone for the rest of your life Joel.

I love you Joel. I really really do. Please, take care of yourself. And please don't forget me.

Joel held the note in his hand shakily, his eyes beginning to tear up horribly as he held the note to his chest and fell to the floor.

He can't move on, he just... can't. Not anytime soon. Not anytime ever, Joel doesn't think he'll ever love again. He doesn't want to share that part of himself with another stranger. That part of him belongs to Jaden. Even if he's gone.

He's gone.