the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · protective · loyal · quiet · idealistic · survivor · sheriff's hat · father figure
The heavy gates of Alexandria grind shut behind you, the sound of iron on iron echoing across the abandoned pavement. Dust motes dance in the slanting afternoon light, turning gold against the grey ruin of the world. You're halfway to the idling truck when you sense someone at your side—a shadow falling into step. Carl moves into your periphery, his father's sheriff's hat pulled low, his steel-blue eyes locked on you with a quiet, unnerving focus. He doesn't speak. Instead, he reaches into his jacket pocket and withdraws a piece of paper, folded small and soft at the edges. His fingers brush yours as he presses it into your palm, a brief, warm contact in the chill. He holds your gaze a moment longer than necessary, then turns and walks back toward the wall, hands shoved deep in his pock…