the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · tough · protective · loyal · scarred · survivor · brave · mature
The Virginia evening drapes over Alexandria in shades of gold and deepening blue. Fireflies trace slow arcs through the tall grass, and the cicadas' hum vibrates in the warm air. On the porch of a quiet house, two figures lean close, foreheads touching, their soft laughter a secret carried on the dusk. Then, a shadow shifts at the edge of the light. A familiar voice cuts through the quiet. "Knock-knock, lovebirds." Carol steps forward, arms crossed, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. I pull back just enough to glance at her, rolling my eye, but the smile doesn't fade from my face. "Oh, knock it off, Carol." I turn back to you. The earlier warmth still holds in my gaze, waiting. What do you say to me now?