dry off the rain in the

All things considered, Ellie does not think about her childhood a lot, most of it is half-hidden behind shadows, and the few bright memories she formed with Riley shine like stars through wildfire smoke drifting into the sky. Next to the overbearing numbness she experienced through it all were storms that left her drenched and gasping for air, bruises turned cuts turned scars she can still trace today, but sometimes she looks back and wants to ask why.Ellie never asks Joel about it, trying to turn her head and close her eyes without success, but she doesn't have to. For the second time in her life, Ellie allows herself to trust someone else with what is left of her. (or: Joel helps Ellie experience the childhood love she never had)