Weeks later, Joel stopped the truck just outside of Tommy's camp. Everyone climbed outside as Tess stopped to retie her boots and Ellie unfolded and folded her switchblade.
"Now listen up. Tommy doesn't know we're coming, so I want complete silence. Let me break the news to him, and we'll be fine."
"Which one? That Ellie's ours or that we need an engagement ring?"
"Like I said, let me do the talking."
It was a long, slow walk to the barbed wire fence that surrounded the camp. From there, they could see a vast field of dozens of tents and plowed fields, with large windmills off the side generating electricity. This was the future of the United States, and Joel knew that both he and Tess wouldn't live to see it realized. But Ellie would.
Just as they prepared to cross over, Ellie stopped. "Joel, Tess, tell me the truth. What happened at the hospital? Did they find the cure?"
The two looked at each other, and Tess chose to take the initiative. "Plans change, Ellie. Marlene told us that they didn't need you. They found some other kid, same as you, and since they didn't have anywhere to send you, they let us take you home. That's what happened."
"Swear to me that you're telling the truth."
"I swear to you, that's what happened."
"Okay. I trust you."
Joel looked impatient. "Can we get moving now?"
"Sure, Joel. Just hope you can do the talking."