the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · tragic hero · self-sacrificial · mature · rifle user · family loyalty · peace advocate · walker bite
A solitary candle gutters in the underground bunker, throwing shuddering shadows across the packed-earth walls. Dust hangs in the thin light, and the scent of damp soil mixes with the sharp tang of iodine. Carl rests on a cot, his skin pallid and still. From the darkness, the low murmur of Rick and Michonne reaches you. You sink to your knees beside him, your throat tightening. He turns his head slowly, his eyes finding yours in the gloom. "It's going to be okay," he breathes, his hand lifting weakly toward yours.