?????? ?? ???? | The Last of Us | Joel Miller

The weeks fly by, filled with doctor's appointments and preparations for their baby. Finally, Sienna's eight-month belly is the star of their small baby shower. Joel's house, once a bastion of tension and fear, is now adorned with soft pink and blue streamers, balloons bobbing gently in the corners. The air is filled with the sweet scent of cake and the excited chatter of their closest friends. Despite the horrors of their past, today is a day of joy and celebration.

Their living room is a warm, cozy space, transformed by the love of those who care for them. The coffee table is laden with gifts wrapped in pastel paper, and a banner reading "Boy or Girl?" stretches across the wall. Joel's eyes shine with pride as he watches Sienna, her glowing smile lighting up the room. She's dressed in a flowing dress that accentuates her pregnant form, and her hair falls in soft waves around her shoulders.

"Everyone gather around! It's time for Sienna and Joel to cut the cake," Maria calls out, her voice filled with excitement. The small group of friends and family quiets down, their eyes on the couple as they stand by the small cake with a pink and blue question mark on top.

Sienna's hand trembles slightly as she reaches for the knife, her swollen belly pressing against the table. Joel's hand hovers over hers, his gaze intense and filled with love. He wraps his larger hand around hers, his thumb stroking the back of her hand gently. "Steady, darlin'," he murmurs, his voice a soft rumble that sends warmth through her body.

Together, they press the knife into the soft, sugary cake, the sound echoing in the silent room. The cake is a beautiful creation, a symbol of the hope and joy that is about to enter their lives. The pressure increases as they slice through the layers, the anticipation building like a crescendo in a symphony. The knife hits the plate with a satisfying thud, and Sienna pulls back, her eyes wide and filled with a mix of fear and excitement.

The cake is pink.

Gasps of surprise and cheers fill the room as a cloud of pink frosting puffs out, confirming that they're having a baby girl. Sienna's hand flies to her mouth, her eyes brimming with tears of happiness. Joel laughs, his own eyes gleaming with joy as he kisses her cheek. The room erupts into applause, and Sienna feels her heart swell with love and gratitude.

"It's a girl," Sienna whispers, her voice trembling as she looks into Joel's eyes. The realization hits her like a wave, a mix of emotions—joy, fear, love, and hope—crashing over her. She feels the tears spill down her cheeks, tracing the contours of her smile.

Joel's eyes widen, his own hand shaking as he takes in the sight of the pink frosting. He pulls her into a tight embrace, carefully lifting her off her feet. "We're havin' a girl," he says, his voice filled with awe. Sienna nods, her head buried in his shoulder as she sobs into his shirt. She feels his heart beating rapidly against her cheek, mirroring her own.

The room seems to spin around them as the reality sinks in. Tommy and Maria, who had been hovering nearby, step closer, their own excitement palpable. Tommy's arms come around the both of them, enveloping them in a warm, protective hug. "Congratulations, you two," he says, his voice thick with emotion. "You're gonna be amazing parents."

Maria's eyes are shining as she takes Sienna's hand, her smile genuine and warm. "A little girl. She'll be so beautiful, just like her mama," she says, her gaze flicking to Sienna's glowing face. The group shares a moment of pure, unfiltered happiness, the kind that comes from knowing that something beautiful is about to be born out of the ashes of their pain.

Sienna and Joel sit on the sofa, surrounded by a sea of pastel-wrapped presents, their friends and family looking on with anticipation. Each gift is a promise of love and support for their baby girl. Joel's hands are steady as he slices through the ribbon on the first box with a knife, his eyes never leaving Sienna's. They open the gifts together, each one revealing an item that will soon be a part of their daughter's life.

The room is a symphony of rustling paper and oohs and aahs as they unwrap each gift. There are onesies with adorable animals, a tiny pink blanket that looks like a cloud, and a mobile that plays a soft lullaby. Sienna's eyes widen with each discovery, her hands gentle as she lifts the delicate fabrics and plastic toys. Joel's face is a picture of wonder and excitement, his rough exterior momentarily forgotten as he's swept up in the joy of preparing for their child.

One by one, the guests approach, offering congratulations and words of wisdom. Tommy surprises them both by pulling out a small, hand-carved wooden box. Inside is a tiny bracelet with a silver charm shaped like a cowboy boot. "It's for her first birthday," he says gruffly, his eyes misty. "Sarah would've loved to see this day."

The room falls silent for a moment, the shadow of the past briefly darkening their celebration. Joel nods solemnly, his throat tight. "Thank you, Tommy," he says, his voice gruff with emotion. He places the box on the coffee table, the charm glinting in the soft light.

"Actually..." Sienna's voice trails off as she smiles softly.

"What is it, darlin'?" Joel asks, noticing the soft glow in Sienna's eyes.

"In honor of your first daughter Sarah... I would like to name our daughter Seraphina Miller." Sienna's voice is clear and firm, her decision made.

Joel's eyes widen, the gravity of her words settling into the room like a warm embrace. He feels a lump in his throat, a mix of emotions swirling within him. Naming their child after his lost daughter was a gesture that touched him deeper than any physical act of love could. He swallows hard, blinking back tears, and nods. "Seraphina... That's a beautiful name, Sienna. It's perfect for our little angel."

The room seems to hold its breath for a moment, the significance of the name resonating with everyone present. Tommy's eyes glisten as he nods, his expression a blend of pride and sadness. "Sarah would be proud, Joel," he says, his voice a low rumble.

Maria steps forward, her hands clasped in front of her. "I have something for you both too." She holds out a small, elegantly wrapped box. Inside is a locket that's been specially made with some of Sarah's ashes inside, a delicate heart made of gold. "It's for when Seraphina's old enough to understand—So she can carry a piece of her older sister with her, always."

Sienna's eyes well up with tears as she takes the locket, feeling its weight in her palm. "Thank you, Maria," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion. Joel's hand squeezes her shoulder, his own eyes shining with unshed tears. The locket is a poignant reminder of their journey, a symbol of healing and hope. "I didn't know Sarah long, but I could tell she was a good friend, and a kind woman... Joel raised her right."

The room feels heavier for a moment, the air thick with the love that lingers in the space between them all. Joel's chest tightens with a mix of grief and gratitude. He clears his throat, swiping a tear from his cheek with the back of his hand. "Let's keep openin' these gifts, darlin'. I need to get you and the little one fed soon."

The rest of the evening unfolds with a bittersweet joy. Each gift unwrapped feels like a step closer to a future filled with laughter and love. Joel's family shares stories of Sarah, painting a picture of the bright, loving girl she was, filling the room with the warmth she would have brought to the celebration. The love they have for Seraphina is palpable, a living testament to the bonds that refuse to be broken by tragedy.