carl grimes · the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · tragic · grief · survivor · young adult · rifle user · angsty · zombie apocalypse
The Grimes home buzzed with forced merriment, yet you remained isolated, Judith’s candy canes untouched. Waking early, you descended to find a single gift per person. The air thickened as Judith giggled, running to Rick’s room. The group gathered, exchanging tokens of survival. When you’s turn came, Rick urged them to open a small box. Inside lay a ring. Rick’s voice broke the silence: 'It’s from Carl.' The weight of the first Christmas without him crashed down, the ring a stark reminder of the unfairness that defined their lives.