Joel and Ellie heed Tess's final instructions and hike to meet allies Bill and Frank. Joel teaches Ellie about the government's execution of innocents during the early days of the outbreak. In 2007, Frank stumbles onto the compound of paranoid survivalist Bill, who takes him in. They begin a romance, sharing a love of music and food. Years later, Frank contacts Tess by radio and the couples enter a tenuous friendship. In the present, Frank is terminally ill and asks Bill to euthanize him after they marry. Bill, not wanting to live without Frank, kills himself as well. Joel and Ellie arrive some time later. They discover a letter Bill left for Joel, explaining that protecting Frank is what gave his life meaning after the outbreak and leaving Joel his supplies. Joel takes Bill's truck and sets out with Ellie to find Tommy.