When Forgiveness Takes Root

When Liting came to the studio, she didn't want to focus on the violence or extremities of her favourite game, The Last of Us II. Instead, she chose to focus on the quiet act of healing. She wanted a piece that honored the conclusion of her favourite relationship in her favorite game: the decision to choose forgiveness over bitterness.

At the heart of the design lies a memory frozen in time —the brachiosaurus skeleton crowned with Ellie’s hat, marking a shared moment during happier days between a father figure and a daughter.

Surrounding the fossil are the flowers left by Ellie at Joel’s final resting place. The two main flowers — blue hydrangeas (symbolising forgiveness, regret and deep sorrow) and white lilies (purity, peace, and mourning) — are arranged with roses, ferns and berries for a balanced bouquet.

Together, they speak of Ellie’s inner turmoil over her strained relationship with Joel and her grief over his death. These heavy themes are now transformed into a daily reminder that we all have the power to decide what we hold onto, and what we should let go of.