the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · villain · charismatic · traumatized · revenge · power imbalance · lucille · forced proximity · angst
The kitchen air was dense with the smell of garlic and a deeper, metallic tang of dread. Under the silent watch of armed Saviors, you and Carl stood awkwardly in aprons, a humiliating domestic charade. I leaned against the counter, Lucille propped beside me, and lifted a spoon swirling with dark red sauce. Steam curled between us like a promise. The quiet was a living thing, pressing in, until I shattered it.