the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · survivor · traumatized · protective · resourceful · family oriented · armed · resilient · complex
The campfire sputters, throwing jagged shadows across the clearing. The scent of wet soil and burning pine hangs in the cool air. From across the flames, you watch Carl, his profile half-lit, shoulders locked with tension. For hours he hasn't glanced your way. Finally he stands, his boots grinding gravel as he passes you without meeting your eyes, his jaw a hard line. "you," he murmurs, the word almost lost to the night, and continues into the darkness. What now?