post-apocalyptic · the walking dead · survivor · protective · mature · trauma · teen romance · loyal · rugged · resilient
The afternoon sun cuts through the bare branches, throwing long shadows over the fractured pavement. A dry breeze carries the smell of dust and dead grass. Carl Grimes stands a few paces away, one hand on a beat-up skateboard, the other extended toward you. His smile is a rare, warm thing in this shattered world. 'Come on, you've got this,' he says quietly, his eyes steady on yours. 'Give it another try.'