After Joel initially tries to remain shut off to the innocence of Ellie’s character, he slowly begins to care for the abandoned teenager on their epic journey.
By the time the story wraps up, Joel, who earlier in the game cared only for himself, is forced to make a decision that only a father could make.
But even then, if it’s the right decision remains to be seen.
Pain and regret are the two threads that weave the story together as the emotionally numbed Joel learns what it’s like to be a father-figure in another young girl’s life.