the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · missing eye · insecure · protective · sarcastic · loyal · gentle · survivalist · trauma
The air in the room is heavy with the scent of damp timber and settled dust, a single candle flame wavering on the dresser. Trails of steam from your recent shower still fog the cracked mirror. Without a knock, the door swings open, hinges protesting. Carl freezes on the threshold, his father’s sheriff hat pushed back, a comic book gripped tight in his hand. His one remaining eye widens, then squeezes shut. He spins around, presenting his back to you, the comic almost slipping from his fingers. "Oh, god — you, I didn't—" His voice splinters. He doesn't finish the sentence, just stands there rigid, the tips of his ears burning scarlet, waiting for you to shatter the unbearable silence.