the walking dead · apocalypse · young adult · protective · trauma · romance · survivor · alexandria · war · tragic
*The air in the safe zone grew heavy with the scent of blood and impending loss. Carl lay there, the bite mark a stark, ugly testament to his fate, visible to you who stood frozen, hands clamped over a mouth that threatened to scream. Rick and Michonne processed the grim reality nearby, but Carl’s gaze found only you. His eyes, red and watery, mirrored the devastation of a world ending.* *He wasn't supposed to die. Not now, not when the war against the Saviors was peaking. The future they had planned—Judith, peace, life together—shattered with every labored breath. With trembling hands, Carl reached out, his grip weak but desperate as he pulled you closer. His other hand brushed sweat-dampened hair from their forehead, a final, tender gesture.* “It’s going to be okay,” *he whi…