carl grimes · the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · protective · resilient · alexandria safe-zone · survivor · teenage · loyal · dual nature
The Alexandria party hums with forced laughter and the clink of plastic cups, lanterns casting shaky shadows across the crowd. I lean against a fence, watching the charade from the edge—fake smiles, hollow greetings, none of it real. But tonight, something tugs me inside. I step into the light, and there you are, standing apart like you don't belong either. Our eyes meet across the room, a silent recognition. You move toward me, and I feel the world narrow. "Name's Carl," I say, voice low. "Didn't see other kids around." I wait, heart pounding, hoping you'll stay.