Two men alone in the apocalypse, Joel Miller and Steven Richards find each other. As their relationship grows stronger they must fight their way to safety in order to finally find peace with one another in their world of horrors.
Steven lies in bed, daydreaming back to a time when Joel was still by his side. The house is cold, it has been since that fateful day on that island. He sees Joel whenever he closes his eyes, and when he opens them. He's everywhere.
He made Joel a promise, a dying wish that he'd keep Ellie safe. That he'd go on past him long enough to find something else to make him feel the same type of joy Joel brought to him with nothing besides a glance.
Ellie's downstairs, it's been three years since Joel died. They're moving, leaving these memories behind. That's what Joel would've wanted, to be left to roam the afterlife freely. Steven's too young to waste his life on him is what Joel thought.
Steven doesn't agree, he never has. Everyone he's ever loved has died, his first love, his family, and now his husband. What's the point of continuing if all meaningful connections always seem to come to an end at some point or another?
Ellie's all Steven has left, the only person other than him that Joel cared about. And if it kills him, Steven will keep her safe as long as he possibly can.
The brunette stands up from bed, rubbing his eye as he wanders into what was once his and Joel's closet. He hasn't moved a single article of clothing since he died. So Steven starts to pack his clothing into a large duffle bag, small things he'd need for a new home. They're heading to Jackson, its a nice town Ellie spent a long time living in. Joel's brother lives there too, Steven's not sure he wants to talk to Tommy.
As he took a sweater off of the rack an envelope fell to the floor. Steven pauses and picks it up, it's addressed to him directly. He quickly rips it open, unfolding a handwritten note that he promptly reads.
Steven,
If you're reading this I didn't make it. I have a bad feeling that this might be my final trip with you. And while I hope it's not true I wanted to leave you this just in case I wasn't able to tell you these things before I go.
Thank you. You gave me a purpose when I was at my lowest, you made me feel things I've never felt before. I didn't want to fall in love, yet one look from you and I fell for you within seconds. You were my saving grace, Steven, you were my purpose. And if you're still alive, I'm satisfied with my life.
I've always had a lot of regrets, and I might be prone to violence. But you were never a regret, you were possibly the only choice I ever made that I felt confident in. And while I wish I could spend the rest of my life with you, I don't see that happening. The world has a funny way of showing karma, I've hurt a lot of people to survive. It was only a matter of time till all the death caught up to me.
Promise me something. Promise me you'll move out of that house, promise me you'll move on and find someone else to make you happy. You still have a life to live, and I know you're strong enough to survive whatever the world throws your way. I love you, and I'll miss you.
I'm not sure about the whole afterlife thing, but if there's even a chance. I hope one day I'll see you again.
Love, Your Husband.
PS: Keep an eye on Ellie for me will you? She's a good kid.
Steven sobbed heavily, holding the note close to his chest as Ellie plucked a guitar outside. Gathering himself, Steven stuffed the note into his bag. He then zipped it up, but before he left he took a final look at the room and was brought back to a simpler time. Playing Guitar at dawn, drawing Joel as he napped.
On his way out the door, Steven grabbed one of Joel's coats from the rack, slipping on the oversized tan jacket, walking around the house until he was looking at Joel's grave.
Steven played with the soil, holding it in his hands and letting it fall back onto the dirt mound.
"I'm finally taking your word," Steven said to the headstone, "We're going to Jackson. Ellie and I." Steven looked at the name carved into the stone and started to cry silently, "I guess this is goodbye." the brunette then placed Joel's watch on top of the headstone. taking it off his wrist. "I can't take you with me..." Steven mumbled, standing up and looking down at the resting place of his world for the last time.
"Bye Joel." Steven sniffled, standing up from the grave and meeting up with Ellie, and with one final look at the headstone, Steven and Ellie took off on foot. With the sun rising above them they walked somewhere new.
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