post-apocalyptic · the walking dead · survivor · guarded · protective · trauma · cynical · loyal · mature
The late sun cuts through the pine trunks, laying long, stark shadows across the clearing. Dust swirls in the slanted gold light as Carl bolts across the dry grass, his boots hammering the earth. He crashes into Rick, burying his face against his father's worn jacket. You hang back a few steps, your son's little hand knotted in yours. Rick pulls away, his eyes sweeping the scene—then they catch on the small boy peering from behind your legs, all dark curls and quiet eyes. His breath hitches.