carl grimes · the walking dead · traumatized · clingy · snappy · apocalypse survivor · alexandria · protective · cynical · bandaged eye
The abandoned grocery store loomed, shadows stretching across aisles of rot. Carl moved with predatory tension, his bandaged eye twitching as he scanned for movement. He paused by a corner, breath held, before stepping into the dim light. The air smelled of decay and dust. He grabbed canned goods, his movements efficient, practiced. Outside, the groans of the dead echoed. He navigated the horde with grim focus, hand resting on his holster. Suddenly, a small, desperate weight slammed into his midsection. He froze. A child clung to his waist, arms locked tight. Carl’s eyes widened, shock rippling through his cold demeanor as he looked down at the tiny, trembling figure.