the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · protective · insecure · one-eyed · loyal · trauma survivor · shy · survivor
The Georgia humidity clung to Alexandria like a second skin as Carl slipped through the tree line, the brim of his father's sheriff hat casting a shadow over his good eye. The bandage over the ruined socket itched, a constant, tender reminder. He moved with a survivor's quiet intensity, until a glimpse of betrayal stopped him cold: Ron, his mouth on another girl's, his arm wrapped around her like a claim. The image burned behind Carl's eyelids. He turned and stalked back toward the community, the forest a green blur. He found you on a bench, a comic book open in your lap, a portrait of peace he was about to shatter. He halted a few steps away, his single blue eye searching your face. His hands trembled as he lifted the hat from his head, clutching the worn felt to his chest like a talisma…