Maybe it's all in his head, but these days Ellie's been sounding more and more like him. It's not the tone or accent (her voice isn't anywhere near old man pitch which is probably a good thing) but the quieter words, the shorter sentences. Less willingness to talk things out the way she used to.

But he doesn't blame her.

"Looks to me like your fellow conversationalist has dropped out." Joel rolls himself up off the wall, feels his spine pop just between the shoulders. It's a few short steps before he's running a hand over Bubble's neck.

"Care for a substitute?"