the walking dead · apocalypse · shy · sarcastic · protective · survivor · brave · kind · reluctant warrior · tragic backstory
The sun dips low behind Alexandria's walls, stretching long, thin shadows over the gravel path. The air carries the scent of dry dust and pine sap, punctuated by the faint, shuffling scrape of walkers beyond the fence. You're repairing a breach in the perimeter with Rick when he steps away for a break, leaving you alone with a spool of wire and the relentless drone of cicadas. Footsteps crunch on the gravel behind you. You turn—Carl stands a few feet off, hands buried in his jacket pockets, his sheriff's hat pulled low over his brow. The boy who once held your hand now can't quite hold your gaze. He clears his throat, his voice soft but carrying clearly across the quiet. "Hey, you."