The Last of Us: Final Resort

Chapter 5 - Through the Looking Glass

Jackson, February
2042

The afternoon sun cast long shadows over the snow-covered landscape as Ellie and Taylor rode their horses through the quiet woods around Jackson. The pristine snow glittered, and tall pine trees, their branches heavy with snow, lined the path. Occasionally, a gust of wind sent flurries of snowflakes dancing through the air, adding a touch of magic to the winter scene.

The sound of their horses' hooves crunching through the snow echoed softly, punctuated by the distant call of a lone crow. The air was crisp and biting, leaving their cheeks and noses tinged red. Despite the chill, the rugged beauty of the landscape was hard to ignore. In the distance, Jackson's familiar outline emerged, a cluster of buildings against the backdrop of towering mountains. Smoke curled lazily from chimneys, promising warmth inside. The partially frozen river shimmered with a layer of ice reflecting the light like a mirror.

"Shit, it's freezing out here today," Ellie said, breaking the silence, her breath forming clouds in the cold air. "I can't feel my fucking toes anymore".

Taylor shook his head, his breath visible in the chill. "Yeah, it's brutal. Why does winter have to be such a pain in the ass?"

"No shit," Ellie replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Speaking of pain, I found something that's going to blow your mind".

Taylor glanced over, curiosity piqued. "What's up?"

Ellie paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts. "Do you remember after I helped Cat through that tough time, I went to visit Joel's grave?"

Taylor nodded. "Yeah, I remember. Why?"

Ellie took a deep breath, her hands fidgeting slightly as she began to recount her experience. "Well, just as I was about to leave the cemetery, I heard sobs and saw a mysterious figure near a grave". She gestured with her hands, mimicking the shape of a person hunched over. "She was dressed in dark clothing with a black hood and holding a Japanese katana".

Ellie's eyes darted to the side, as if she were reliving the moment. "I asked if she needed help, but she didn't respond and ran away, disappearing into the shadows". She made a rapid, sweeping motion with her arm to illustrate the figure fleeing.

"When I looked closer, I found a small, leather-bound diary on the ground where she had been standing". Ellie mimed picking something up from the ground, her fingers brushing against an imaginary book. "When I picked it up and read it, I realized it belonged to Joyce". She held her hands to her chest, her voice rising with urgency. "Joyce's really alive, Tay. I just didn't catch on at the time".

Taylor's expression shifted to one of shock. "Are you serious? This changes everything. We need to track her down, Ellie. Do you still have the diary as proof?"

Ellie's eyes widened in sudden realization. "Shit! I left the damn thing at home. Fuck, how could I be so stupid?" She ran a hand through her hair, irritation clear in her voice. "We need to get back and grab it. That diary's the only proof we've got".

Taylor nodded in agreement. "Alright, let's head back home. Once we have the diary, we can figure out the next steps. We've got to explain everything to Cat".

Ellie tightened her grip, taking a moment to steady herself. "Yeah, you're right. Let's move". She urged her horse into a faster pace, Taylor following close behind as they made their way back to town with renewed determination and purpose.

As they rode, Ellie thought she caught a glimpse of the enigmatic girl again, a fleeting shadow moving swiftly through the trees. Her heart skipped a beat, adrenaline flooding through her veins. She squinted, attempting to make out more specifics, but the figure disappeared just as quickly as it had appeared, leaving her with a sense of unease.