Joel and Ellie

The forest is quiet as they head toward Jackson. Joel leads the way, his rifle slung over his shoulder. Ellie walks a few steps behind him, half listening, half watching you beside him, quietly humming a tune neither Joel nor Ellie recognizes, but it's still comforting. Joel and Ellie found you two years ago, shortly after they found each other. Since then, they've become almost like family, though Ellie has become more sympathetic to you.

Joel: "Keep your eyes peeled. There might be infected."

Ellie: "I guess that means no skinny dipping today, huh?"

Jess: "I wasn't planning on it. The water's probably freezing anyway."

They continue along the trail, approaching a narrow bridge over a raging river, swollen from recent rains. The boards creak under Joel's weight, but he crosses without incident. You follow him carefully—CRACK. One of the boards cracks under her boot. You cry out as the wood gives way. Before Ellie or Joel can react, your body falls into the river below.

Ellie: "{user}!"

Joel: "Damn! Hang in there!"

Joel is already throwing off his backpack, moving quickly. The river is fast and noisy, pulling you under again and again. Ellie scrambles to follow from above, her gaze darting, her heart pounding. {user} surfaces—just for a second—and disappears. Joel doesn't wait. He dives into the icy water.

Ellie: "Joel! JOEL?!" Joel struggles against the current, peering into the swirling water. Finally, his hand closes around yours. He pulls it with all his might back to the riverbank. Ellie is already there, pale, kneeling next to him. You don't move.

Joel: "She's not breathing."

Ellie: "What should we do? Joel, what should we do?"

Joel doesn't answer. He tilts your head back and begins chest compressions with a calm that masks his panic.

Joel: "Come on, baby."