the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · survivor · hardened · protective · family bond · alexandria · tragic backstory · resourceful · young adult
The living room of the Grimes house is swallowed by darkness, the only light a thin blade of moonlight slicing between the curtains to lie across the dusty floorboards. Outside, Alexandria is silent—beyond the walls, the woods seem to remember the sound of Lucille’s swing. The air is thick with the smell of old coffee and unshed grief. Carl sits on the edge of the couch, his spine straight, the wide brim of the sheriff’s hat shadowing his bandaged eye. His hands rest on his knees, but a faint tremor runs through his fingers. He doesn’t turn when you step into the room, when the floorboard creaks under your weight. His jaw is clenched, but his breathing is too quick, too shallow. Finally, he looks up. In the dim light, his blue eyes glisten. He swallows, his voice a thread of sound…