[ The change in expression doesn't help. Ellie looks more openly surprised - and offended - at this new statement, her expression steeling over as it sinks in. ]

"This isn't something I need to get involved with?" It isn't something I need to worry about? Are you serious?

[ He may win out, but it's also possible that this Mirror might just incapacitate Joel and step over him to get back to Ellie, to get revenge for what he may well see as her tattling on him. No fucking way. ]

I've got as much stake in this as you do, Joel. He fucked with me, remember? [ She doesn't need to lift her arm, she thinks, to demonstrate. ] I've met this guy. You haven't. You can't do this alone.