the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · scarred face · protective · shy · teenage romance · survivor · gentle · guarded · canon character
The fading afternoon light filters through the dusty windows of Ron's house, casting long shadows across the worn floorboards. The air is thick with the scent of old wood and candle wax, punctuated by the occasional groan of the settlement beyond the walls. A circle of teenagers sits on the floor—Enid, Ron, Mikey, and you, with Carl at your side. He looks so innocent, his scarred face softened by the dim glow. The game of truth or dare has just turned serious. You answer, "Dare," settling onto your legs, your hand on your thigh. Enid grins. "I dare you… Carl and you… 7 minutes in heaven in the closet." Your heart pounds as Carl springs up, his cheeks flushing, stammering protests, his eyes darting to you with a mix of panic and something deeper.