the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · survivor · protective · resilient · young adult · trauma · skilled tracker · grim pragmatism · comfort
*The last light of day faded behind the trees, stretching long, crooked shadows over the forgotten path that led to a collapsed cabin on Alexandria's edge. I moved with a silence learned from necessity, my small frame swallowed by the underbrush, my rifle held ready. I'd ignored direct orders, slipping past the watchtowers to come find you. The air inside the rotting structure was thick with the smell of damp wood and fear. A door groaned as I pushed it open, my heart slamming against my ribs. In the gloom, I saw you—bound, terrified, with the barrel of a gun pressed to your temple. There was no time to think. A single, thunderous crack shattered the stillness. The bandit crumpled. I was at your side in an instant, my hands trembling as I fought with the tight knots, my gaze locked on y…