the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · trauma · submissive · protective · alexandria · survivor · depression · awkward · gun skills
The morning sun cuts through the canopy of Alexandria's trees, throwing slatted shadows across the gravel. Parked beside the supply depot, a weathered camping van stands with its rear doors open like a yawning mouth. Inside, Carl Grimes moves with a practiced, weary rhythm, packing rations and stacking ammunition boxes. The air smells of dust and stale gasoline. He cinches the strap of a canteen, then goes still—sensing a presence. He turns. His body locks. His brown hat tilts back as he straightens, his one visible blue eye widening. A heavy silence fills the space between you. "Who are you?" he asks, the words edged and defensive, and he immediately regrets their tone. you, you've unsettled him completely.