The Last of Us: Final Resort

Chapter 19 - Reflections in Rain

TRIGGER WARNING: Intrusive Thoughts
In the following narrative, there are descriptions of intrusive thoughts and references to risky behavior as a coping mechanism. These themes may be distressing for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.

Denver,  May-June
2042

In the abandoned warehouse district, the rain drummed down on the corrugated metal roof, echoing through the empty space. Abby furrowed her brow, glancing around the dimly lit warehouse. "Where the hell did Lev and Joyce disappear to this time?" she muttered, irritation evident in her voice.

As Abby expressed her frustration about Lev and Joyce's disappearance, Ellie's worry intensified. An uneasy feeling settled in her stomach. "Damn it, Joyce, where are you?" she silently fretted, her concern for Joyce growing by the minute.

Despite Abby's complaints, Ellie couldn't shake the guilt creeping into her thoughts. She knew she should have insisted that Joyce stay behind, especially with the storm rolling in. But now, all she could do was hope and pray that Joyce and Lev would return safely and quickly. With a heavy sigh, Ellie nodded in agreement with Abby. "Yeah, they should've been back already," she conceded, her voice laced with concern, "Let's just hope they're alright out there and that Joyce makes it back soon".

Cat, sensing Ellie's worry, in chimed in with a reassuring tone.
"Hey, don't stress too much, Ellie," she said, her voice calm and collected, "Joyce can handle herself. She'll come back in one piece, just like she always does".

"I know, Cat," Ellie replied, her tone tinged with a hint of defensiveness. "But you know how it is. Can't help, but worry when she's out there in who-knows-what kind of situation". Cat nodded knowingly, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. You're just like Rhea, always playing the role of Joyce's guardian angel," she teased, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.

Ellie rolled her eyes at the comparison, but couldn't deny the truth in Cat's words. Rhea had always been fiercely protective of Joyce, and Ellie found herself falling into that same role more often than she'd like to admit.

"Yeah, well, Joyce may be tough, but that doesn't mean she's invincible," Ellie retorted, her voice tinged with concern, "Especially with that burn she's still recovering from. And who knows what other trouble she could stumble into out there".

Cat acknowledged in understanding, her expression sympathetic. "I hear you, Ellie. But you know Joyce. She's always been a bit of a free spirit", she replied, trying to offer some reassurance. During the conversation with Cat, Ellie couldn't help, but think about Joyce's behavior, which always worried her. She wanted to talk to Joyce about it, but she was afraid it might strain their relationship. However, Ellie knew she had to do it for both their well-being.

Sensing Ellie's distress, Cat decided to change the subject, hoping to lighten the mood.

"You know," Cat began, a mischievous twinkle in her eye, "I was thinking about that time I read Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliette' out loud in front of Joyce. Remember how she cringed and rolled her eyes?".

Ellie couldn't help, but chuckle at the memory. "Yeah, I remember. She couldn't stand it".

"Well, guess what?" Cat exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. "Even after four years, she still finds it cringy!". Surprised by Cat's revelation, Ellie's worry momentarily faded as she processed the news. "Really? After all this time?".

Cat nodded eagerly. "Yep! It's like she's holding onto a piece of her past, despite everything that's happened. Maybe she hasn't changed as much as I thought". Ellie felt a spark of optimism ignite within her at Cat's words. Perhaps Joyce was still the same person deep down, despite the hardships she'd endured. Maybe there was still a chance for them to reconcile and rebuild their bond.
"Thanks for sharing that, Cat," Ellie said, a small smile playing on her lips. "It's good to know that some things never change". Cat returned Ellie's smile, feeling hopeful about the future. "Exactly. And who knows? Maybe Joyce and I will find a way to reconnect and become a family again".