There is blood on Derrica's hands, and it stalls her from reaching up to touch Ellie's face. Even looking at the wound in her arm sparks a lightening strike of fear in her chest, even with so many assurances of it's relative harmlessness.

Thinking of what she felt, what she would feel if Matthias came back with this wound. If Marcus, or Loxley, or any others presented it to her to be mended in whatever small way she could, knowing she was helpless to prevent the infection from spreading under their skin.

"We'll be gone soon," Derrica promises. "And you've protected us. You've taught us how to stay safe."

Unfamiliar weapons, unfamiliar enemies, explained carefully by Ellie and Abby both. Derrica's thumb runs back and forth over Ellie's wrist, eyes intent on her face.

"Don't think of it," softer. "Ellie."