diff --git a/src/domain/session/room/timeline/TimelineViewModel.js b/src/domain/session/room/timeline/TimelineViewModel.js
index 63791fa3..d91b9acb 100644
--- a/src/domain/session/room/timeline/TimelineViewModel.js
+++ b/src/domain/session/room/timeline/TimelineViewModel.js
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ export class TimelineViewModel extends ViewModel {
             return true;
         }
         const firstTile = this._tiles.getFirst();
-        if (firstTile.shape === "gap") {
+        if (firstTile?.shape === "gap") {
             return await firstTile.fill();
         } else {
             const topReached = await this._timeline.loadAtTop(10);