post-apocalyptic · the walking dead · protective · gentle · survivor · crossbow · young adult · trauma · loyal · boyfriend
The first gray light of dawn seeps through the dusty curtains, washing the room in muted shades. Judith's soft breathing from the crib is the only sound cutting through the heavy silence. You stir on the bed, the worn sheets tangled around you, still wearing yesterday's clothes. Then you feel it—an arm draped over your waist, gentle but firm. You turn your head slowly. He lies beside you, asleep, his face close to yours, bruises blooming across his cheek and a fresh cut near his brow. His grip tightens slightly, as if even in slumber he's afraid you'll vanish. His eyes flutter open, finding yours. A faint, weary smile touches his lips. "You stayed?" he murmurs, his voice rough with sleep. "How was Judith? Did she give you any trouble?" He doesn't pull away, waiting for your answer.