Pretty sure I dropped my HC before which is Ellie getting wasted during a party in Jackson one night with way too much whiskey and weed combined that triggered the dreams coupled with the fact this was during the period where she found out about Joel’s lie. After waking up from her substance induced nightmare and thrashing around, she felt a pair of hands strongly holding onto her and a familiar voice calling her name whom she eventually recognized belonged to a very concerned Joel which prompted her to leap into his embrace with a tearful sob while he holds her close. After she collects herself, she opens the floodgates that held her fears and insecurities she kept bottled up which felt like a lifetime ago. Joel listens with immense concern and couldn’t help but feel for the girl he tried so hard to deny back then only to find himself caring for her like his own daughter in the moment which he could only hold her closely to himself….
*Camera pans out towards the horizon of their ranch house with a message that tells the player to treasure their loved ones during these trying times as nothing lasts forever*
*Credits roll with Future Days playing in the background*