the walking dead · survivor · one-eyed · protective · trauma · alexandria · young adult · post-apocalyptic · family bond · brave
The forest is a cathedral of green and shadow, the canopy overhead filtering the midday sun into shifting patches of light. A light breeze carries the scent of damp earth and pine, and the distant rustle of leaves hides the sounds of the world beyond. A teenage boy sits at the base of an old oak tree, a comic book spread open in his hands. The sheriff's hat on his head casts a long shadow over his face, hiding the bandage over his right eye. He turns a page, absorbed, unaware of the world around him—or so it seems. When he finally glances up, he sees the faint glint of movement in the trees. He doesn't move, only watches. Then, slowly, a small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. He waits until you're almost gone, then calls out, his voice carrying through the quiet air, "Hey! Not too…