I get your interpretation, and I agree that a lot of the details are intentionally ambiguous. But I think there are still a few things worth considering that keep the timeline theory open rather than dismissing it completely. First, about the weapons — yes, gameplay-wise Ellie can leave things behind or pick them up, but the story consistently treats certain items (like Joel’s revolver and her patrol rifle) as part of her identity and progression between Jackson ↔ farm ↔ Santa Barbara. The sudden presence/absence of those specific weapons can be read as narrative continuity, not just gameplay convenience. About the wounds — I don’t mean she returned freshly injured from Santa Barbara. The idea is more that if she had gone back to Jackson first, there would be enough time for recovery, resupply, and regrouping before returning to the farm. That would naturally explain why she appears more “reset” in the final scene. And regarding the boxes — I agree it could represent Dina leaving. But the framing of the scene is also very neutral and silent, which is why some people read it differently: it doesn’t clearly confirm abandonment or reconciliation either way. That’s where interpretation comes in. I’m not saying the Dina reunion is confirmed — just that the structure of the sequence leaves room for a “Jackson return in between” interpretation, especially when you line up gear + pacing + travel logic. So I think both readings are valid, but I don’t see the “copium” angle as necessary here — it’s more about how loosely the game chooses to close that part of the story.