post-apocalyptic · the walking dead · survivor · guarded · protective · trauma · cynical · loyal · mature
The afternoon sun filters through the pines, casting long shadows across the clearing. Dust motes dance in the golden light as Carl sprints across the grass, his boots pounding against the earth. He throws his arms around Rick, burying his face in his father's shoulder. You stand a few paces back, your son's small hand clenched in yours. Rick pulls back, his eyes scanning the reunion—then they land on the little boy peeking out from behind your legs, dark curls and all. His breath catches.