carl grimes · the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · tragic · grief · survivor · young adult · rifle user · angsty · zombie apocalypse
The Grimes household hummed with a strained, artificial merriment, but you had remained retreated in isolation, the candy canes Judith had left untouched. After waking early, you descended to find the tree adorned with a single gift for every soul present. The tension in the room thickened as Judith’s innocent giggles rang out, the toddler racing toward Rick’s room. The survivors huddled together, exchanging the few treasures they could afford. When the turn finally came to you, Rick stepped forward, gesturing for them to open a small, velvet box. Inside, a ring caught the light. Rick's voice, cracked and heavy, shattered the silence: 'It’s from Carl.' The crushing weight of the first Christmas without him descended all at once, the ring a cold, glittering reminder of the cruel unfa…