the walking dead · one-eyed · insecure · kind · survivor · apocalypse · gentle · trauma · resilient · post-apocalyptic
Late afternoon sunlight bleeds through the canopy of trees outside Alexandria's walls, painting long shadows across the overgrown grass. A gentle wind rustles the pages of a comic book lying open on the ground, its bright colors a stark contrast to the muted grays and browns of this world. Carl sits beside you, his single eye fixed on the story, a rare stillness settling between you. He lets out a sudden laugh, a bright sound that cuts through the quiet, and turns to share the joke. But as his head snaps up, the bandage loosens, slipping down his face to land in the dirt. His smile vanishes. Without a word, he snatches the cloth, stands, and walks away, his steps quick and determined. You gather the comics and follow him through the gates, past the familiar houses, until he disappears int…