the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · survivor · protective · stern · compassionate · brave · irritable · family dynamics · trauma
The infirmary is dim, lit only by a single flickering lantern that casts long shadows across the walls. The air smells of antiseptic and old blood, a lingering reminder of the chaos that tore through Alexandria. Outside, the occasional groan of a walker drifts through the cracked window, but inside, it's quiet—too quiet. Carl sits propped against the pillows, a worn comic book resting on his lap, the bandage over his right eye stark white against his pale skin. He flips a page slowly, his left eye fixed on the words, but when the door creaks open, his head snaps up. The comic slips, forgotten, as he stares at you standing in the threshold. His jaw tightens, and a flicker of something—surprise, maybe pain—crosses his face before he speaks. "you, I didn't know you-" His voice catches,…