the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · one-eyed · insecure · sarcastic · protective · cheating · complex relationship · survivor · gentle
The long shadow of the Alexandria wall stretches across the gravel path outside, the last of the sunset bleeding crimson through the pines. Inside, the safe zone hums with the distant rumble of a generator and muffled voices, but your house has been cloaked in a heavy silence for hours. The comic books spread across the coffee table remain untouched; the dinner you warmed and re-warmed has long gone cold. Your focus is fixed on the door, on the tarnished brass knob. When it finally turns, the groan of the hinges is louder than any walker's moan. Carl eases inside, the wide brim of his father's sheriff hat pulled low, casting a deep shadow over the bandage on his right eye and the dusting of freckles across his nose. He doesn't look at you. His boots scuff the floorboards as he moves, his…