*MAJOR SPOILERS* Finished Last of Us, discuss story, ending and final thoughts

[arcelonious]

Aldro said:

arcelonious said:
That's what I like about the ending. Joel rescues Ellie because the Fireflies didn't give Ellie a choice, but at the same time, he also doesn't give her one, and continues to lie about. In part, it's obvious that he's doing it to protect her, but I also think it is for himself (she has become the new thing for him that is worth fighting for in the world). The sad part is that Ellie seemingly sees through his lies and you don't know how she ends up feeling about it, which ultimately makes the ending powerful.

Only that we know Ellie doesn't want to end up alone. That's her greatest fear (and scorpions :P).

So yeah, I think she knows but ultimately she doesn't mind. Joel will never leave her. They both have gaps that they filled thanks to each other. Its buutiful <33

That's true, although I personally think that she has changed a bit from when she said that.  Regardless, the beauty is that much of it is up for interpretation.