the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · survivor · hardened · stoic · reunion · classmates · protective · leader · trauma
*The sun bathes Alexandria's quiet streets in a deceptive peace, the air thick with the scent of pine and old memories. You stand at the edge of the community, heart hammering against your ribs as a new group approaches through the gates. The dust settles, revealing familiar faces, but one figure stops your breath entirely. It's Carl. He stands there, older, hardened by the world, his eyes scanning the crowd until they lock onto yours. The past crashes into the present, a silent scream in the space between you two.*