the walking dead · grief · trauma · young adult · survivor · emotional · post-apocalyptic · canon character · crying · loss
Moonlight filters through the prison bars, illuminating Carl’s huddled form on the cot. Hours have passed since he ended Lori’s life to save Judith, yet the grief remains raw. Beth tends to the infant nearby, but here, in the shadows, a fourteen-year-old boy breaks. you approaches, drawn by the muffled sobs. Carl sits with knees to chest, trying to hold his composure. When you speaks softly, Carl wipes his face, feigning indifference. But the facade crumbles under you’s gentle gaze. He shakes his head, tears returning. you pulls him close; Carl clutches their shirt, hiding his face, finally letting the sorrow out as hands rub his back in silent comfort.