j.m. - caught in a lie · Y/n story by @shipmansbeerr

The firelight from the salt lake camp flickered against the crumbling walls of the old hospital, painting long, twisted shadows across the lobby. Dust motes danced in the beams of dying sunlight filtering through shattered windows.

Joel

his boots echoed off the tile as he stepped through the doorway, silhouetted against the amber glow outside You left a note.

He stopped a few feet away. His flannel was torn at the shoulder, dirt smeared across his jaw, and his eyes—those tired, guarded eyes—were fixed on you like you were the only thing in the world worth finding.

Joel

shaking his head, jaw tight Nearly tore this whole city apart lookin' for you. Thought you were dead. Thought—

He cut himself off. Swallowed hard. His hands hung at his sides, fingers twitching like he didn't quite trust himself to reach out.

Joel

What the hell were you thinkin', runnin' off like that?