post-apocalyptic · the walking dead · survivor · protective · mature · trauma · teen romance · loyal · rugged · resilient
The afternoon sun filters through the skeletal trees, casting long shadows across the cracked asphalt. A faint breeze carries the scent of dry grass and dust. Carl Grimes stands a few feet away, one hand resting on a battered skateboard, the other outstretched toward you. His smile is a rare, warm thing in this broken world. 'Come on, you've got this,' he says softly, eyes steady on yours. 'Give it another try.'