Joel and Tommy had left behind their lives as robbers and found refuge in Maria's settlement, three years after the apocalyptic events in The Last of Us.

Despite the difficulties they faced, they managed to build a sense of stability within the community.

On one of their regular missions with Tommy, in search of supplies, they found themselves in unfamiliar territory. As they ventured out cautiously, they encountered a group of infected whose guttural growls echoed.

The two defended themselves against the infected, their weapons swinging with lethal precision. When the last of the infected fell to the ground, they scanned their surroundings, their senses on high alert.

In the corner of their eyes, they noticed movement emerging from the dense forest. A group of four survivors approached cautiously, their expressions of distrust reflecting Joel and Tommy's own wariness.

Uncertain of the newcomers' intentions, they raised their weapons and issued a warning, asking the group to keep their distance.

The tension in the air was palpable as the survivors froze in their places, clearly surprised by the sudden confrontation.

Cautiously, the brothers inquired about the condition of the group, wanting to ensure that none of them were infected.

An elderly man who was being carried by a stronger one, with a weak voice, assured them that they were not infected, but had come across a group of ruthless robbers who had tried to kill them.

- We're the only ones left, but my wife is with another woman further back, please help? - pleads the elderly man.

Reluctantly, they approached the people mentioned behind.

Joel fixed his eyes on a young woman with an aura of beauty and magnetism surrounding her, making her irresistible in his eyes.

Her long brown hair cascaded her shoulders, highlighting her natural elegance. Her brown eyes shone with a mixture of determination and vulnerability, capturing Joel's attention in a way he couldn't explain.

He felt drawn to her, even in the face of chaotic circumstances.

However, before they could take any action, the distressing sounds of approaching infected echoed through the room.

Another group of menacing beings was approaching, terrorizing the safety of the helpless group. Joel instinctively reached for his gun, ready to act.

However, Tommy intervened, holding him by the arm and preventing him from making a rash decision. He knew he had to help the group, even if it meant risking his own life.

The young woman called Anna, almost inert from her injuries asked desperately for them to take the wounded old woman and fell into a state of unconsciousness.

The situation was getting more and more dangerous, and time was running out.

While Joel hesitated, pondering whether to leave the old woman behind, the attack by the infected intensified.

The old woman became desperate, trying to break free to help her husband, who was also seriously injured. Tommy shouted at her not to, knowing that this would only lead to his own death.

Joel realized that it was already too late to save the old woman and that they needed to leave before they became the next victims.

- Tommy, we need to go! Now! - he says, in a stern tone.

Although Joel had been fascinated by Anna, the heat of that tense moment made him return to the reality of that world and act on cautious instinct.

He was about to leave the situation but Tommy confronted him, holding Anna tightly and challenging Joel's decision.

- Joel! We can't leave her here!

- She'll get us killed, Tommy - says Joel, staring him down.

- We're not like that anymore. Please don't force me to go back to the way we were then - Tommy says hastily.

With a mixture of reluctance and understanding, Joel finally gives in.

They ran as fast as they could, struggling to find a safe place where they could ensure their survival.

Anna, still unconscious, was carried by Tommy with care and determination.

Together, they managed to get far enough away from the imminent dangers and found an old abandoned farmhouse to hide in.

Gasping, they entered the house and locked the door behind them. Silence hung in the air.

Joel looked around, assessing the place as a possible refuge.

- Joel, she needs medical attention! - Tommy said, worried.

Joel nodded and together they made a quick search of the house, checking the windows, doors and any sign of threat. After ensuring that they were relatively safe, they settled Anna in one of the rooms and began to treat her injuries as best they could.

While they were looking after Anna, Joel couldn't ignore the attraction he felt for her. His heart was torn between the responsibility of protecting the group and the growing connection he felt for this mysterious and enchanting woman.