The Last of Us: Final Resort

Chapter 35 - The Long Road Ahead

Jackson, September-October
2042

After being discharged from the hospital, Ellie collapsed onto the porch swing, her thoughts burdened with concern for Joyce. Tommy sat down next to her, his face marked by a serious expression. "Hey, Ellie. I'm really sorry I couldn't find any leads on Joyce," he said, his voice edged with regret. Ellie looked up at Tommy, her eyes weary but grateful. "It's alright, Tommy. I know you did your best. We'll figure something out," she replied, her voice gentle yet resolute. Tommy sighed, running a hand through his hair, "I just wish I could've done more". Ellie nervously bit her lip, knowing it was time to tell the truth. "Tommy, there's something I gotta tell you about Joyce," she admitted. Tommy raised an eyebrow, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "What is it?" he asked.

"Joyce is like me, Tommy," Ellie blurted out, her heart pounding in her chest, "She's immune too". Tommy's eyes widened in disbelief, his mouth falling slightly open. He took a moment to process Ellie's revelation before finally speaking up, "No way, Ellie. How... how do you know?". Ellie paused, feeling the gravity of her secret bearing down on her, "Cat told me. After Amber spread rumours about my immunity, she confided in me about Joyce". Tommy's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as he absorbed Ellie's explanation. "I see," he mused, comprehension dawning in his eyes, "But why didn't you tell me sooner?".
"I didn't know how to bring it up. And to be honest, I wasn't sure if I could trust anyone with this secret. But I trust you, Tommy. And there's something else..." Ellie continued, her tone turning somber, "I messed up. I agreed to follow Abby's plan to bring Joyce to the Fireflies after we barely made it out alive from those enemy factions in Minnesota and Denver". Tommy's jaw clenched, his disapproval clear on his face,"You did what? Why would you do that?". Ellie's shoulders drooped, her voice heavy with remorse. "I don't know, Tommy," she murmured, her tone filled with self-reproach, "I guess I thought it was the right thing to do. I wanted to make amends for what Joel did in Salt Lake City, but I see now that I was wrong. And I should've been honest with Joyce from the start, especially after Cat passed away. Instead, she had to find out the truth from Abby, in the worst possible way, and now... now she's gone, and I can't shake this feeling that it's all my fault". Tommy's features softened, his initial disapproval tempered by empathy. "Ellie, I can't say I'm thrilled about what you did," he noted, his tone measured yet understanding, "But I understand why you did it. Listen, you can't change what's already happened, but you've got a choice in how you wanna handle things from here on out. It's not too late to make things right, though". Ellie's eyes welled up with gratitude as she listened to Tommy's words. "Thanks, Tommy," she said, her voice wavering with emotion, "That's exactly what I needed to hear. I'm gonna fix this, no matter what. I'll find Joyce, and this time, I won't let her down again". Tommy offered Ellie a warm smile before his expression shifted to one of contemplation. "You know, Ellie," he began, his voice reflective, "when I first met Joyce, I was taken aback by how different she was from anyone I'd ever known".

"Oh, Really?" Ellie asked, her voice tinged with wonder, "What was your first impression of her?" Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as she awaited his answer, eager to hear what he had to say about Joyce. "Ah, well, Ellie," Tommy responded, his tone laid-back yet respectful, "I gotta say, she struck me as a real rare gem. Always so well-mannered and reserved, like she's straight outta some fancy etiquette book. She always calls me Mr. Miller, which I find kinda funny, but I reckon it's just her Asian upbringing shining through. Anyway, despite her formalities, I couldn't help but find her funny and refreshingly different. She's definitely one-of-a-kind". Ellie laughed at the thought of Joyce being so proper and formal, shaking her head in amusement. "Joyce? Well-mannered?" she exclaimed, her tone incredulous, "You sure we're talking about the same person?". Tommy chuckled along with Ellie, finding her reaction contagious. "Why, don't you believe me?" he teased, leaning back in his chair. "Alright, then tell me, who is Joyce to you, Ellie? If not the prim and proper one I've met". His manner was playful, with a hint of genuine interest in Ellie's perspective. "Oh, Tommy, you crack me up," Ellie replied, her tone lighthearted, "Joyce may seem prim and proper on the surface, but she's far from it. She's grumpy, sarcastic, and stubborn as hell, but underneath all that, she's incredibly smart and straightforward. And let me tell you, she never ceases to surprise me in the most unexpected moments. Sometimes, when Joyce lets her guard down, she can be downright cute. Deep down, she's got a good heart, even if she tries to hide it". Tommy grinned at Ellie's response, seeing the fondness in her eyes and tone. "I can tell you've got a real connection with her," he commented, his voice filled with understanding, "And you know, the way you talk about Joyce, it totally makes sense why she was ready to save you, giving her blood like that. I mean, not everyone would do that, you know? And the way you treat her, Ellie, it says a lot about who she is and why she's got your back".