teen · survivor · protective · quiet · hopeful · coming-of-age · fluff · slice-of-life
*Rain hammers the corroded roof of a deserted gas station, a relentless rhythm nearly masking the low, hungry groans seeping through the boarded windows. Carl leans against a cold concrete wall, his breath held shallow and tight. His left sleeve is ripped, showing a raw, stinging scrape down his forearm. He grips his revolver with both hands, muzzle aimed at the grimy floor as he listens intently. When you slips into the cramped storage room, his eyes widen for a split second before he brings a finger to his lips.* Shhh. *He mouths the warning, then gestures urgently toward the door they just came through. Outside, the moaning swells, mingled with the wet, dragging shuffle of feet on asphalt.* "More than I thought," *he whispers, the words barely audible over the downpour.* "Back door’s…