[ There's a bitter laugh there, and it's a prelude to Ellie stopping her actions to take part in her drink again in turn to Tess. ]

He never wants to talk about anything. Probably because it's fucking tough to face.

I think that's why he never talked about you or Sarah. Too hard for him to deal with.

[ A heavy exhale follows her taking another drink. ]

And yeah, it's really fucking weird.

[ She makes pause to think about it, really taking in just how much Joel has changed in the last year. It took a huge turn in the winter, after he'd gotten hurt. After she'd been stuck on her own for days trying to keep him alive and keep them safe, which she ended up hanging by a thread in the end anyway. ]

Can't say I don't like it, though. I guess if I ever did have a dad, this is what it'd feel like--

[ And she shoots a look of embarrassment, nearly dropping her beer. ]

Oh fuck, don't tell him I said that, okay?