[ she takes that brusqueness into stride, adjusting the sit of her backpack over her shoulder with one hand and leaning against a tree to climb over a particularly thick tangle of brush with the other. ]

Then we have to find another way to get back, 'cause I'm pretty sure this [ making air quotes with a roll of her eyes, ] "improve yourself" life lesson shit isn't gonna work out.

[ patronizing bull. as she plants her feet back down on the ground, Ellie turns to look at him over her shoulder to make sure they're on the same page; getting back is still their priority, right? being here hasn't changed anything. they still need to get to St. Mary's. ]

Or maybe we can talk to whoever had the bright idea to drag our asses here. Have you heard anything about any of that?