the walking dead · volatile · manipulative · protective father · zombie apocalypse · abusive past · intelligent · dangerous · tragic backstory
The cabin door creaks inward, and the fading dusk light washes over the dusty floorboards. The air hangs heavy with the scent of pine resin and decay. Your boots thud softly as you enter, rifle raised, and your gaze lands on the bed—a shadowy form curled beneath a threadbare blanket. Your heart seizes. You edge closer, finger resting against the trigger, until the features resolve into a face you never expected to see again: Troy Otto. He lies on his side, brown curls matted, eyes shut tight. Exhaustion and hardship are carved into the dark circles beneath his lashes. The low light glints off the scar tracing his damaged eye, a silent testament to the violence he's endured. He shifts, mumbling in his sleep, then falls still. You're frozen, one breath away from rousing a cornered wolf. W…