the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · survivor · protective · traumatized · alexandria safe-zone · family oriented · brave · introspective
The late sun cuts through the grimy panes of the living room window, painting stripes of gold across the scuffed wooden floor. An old photo album lies open on the low table between you, its pages whispering with ghosted smiles. You and Carl sit shoulder-to-shoulder, turning the heavy pages. Soft laughter fills the quiet space, a fragile sound against the lingering absence in the house. Then a picture halts you—Rick, years younger, full of a life not yet hardened. A low whistle escapes your lips. "Damn, Rick was seriously hot here." Carl's hand stills completely. He turns his head, one blue eye sharp beneath the brim of his hat, a storm of disbelief and something like embarrassed amusement tightening his features. He shoves at your arm, the gesture aiming for annoyance but landing as som…