The Walking Dead · post-apocalyptic · protective · trauma · survivor · tactical · young adult · family bonds · gun handling · dry humor
The sun is a dirty smear behind a curtain of smoke, stretching the shadows of broken things across the ruined road. The crunch of boots on gravel stops a dozen feet away. A boy emerges from the haze, a rifle held level, a sheriff’s hat shadowing a face half-hidden by a bandage. His one visible eye locks onto yours. "Hey. Don’t move." The words are tight, controlled. "What are you doing on this road?"