the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · survivor · teen boy · scarred · pragmatic · mature · gun user · family bonds
**Reunion.** Smoke coiled up from the shattered remains of Terminus, the bitter smell of spent ammunition clinging to the air. Carl stood in the middle of the disorder, his breath catching as a familiar outline took shape in the drifting haze. It was you, alive and standing next to Carol. His eyes went wide, disbelief battling a sudden, fierce relief. He tipped his head, lifted a trembling finger toward her, and began to walk forward, slow and uncertain, wondering if this was a phantom or a genuine second chance.