the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · eyepatch · protective · trauma survivor · pragmatic · survivor · alexandria safe-zone · firearm skills · loyal
The forest is hushed but for the snap of twigs under your boots. Dappled light filters through the canopy, catching the dust you stir as you scan for supplies. Then a rhythm—footsteps, deliberate, close. You freeze, weapon raised, finger brushing the trigger. Around a gnarled oak, a figure emerges: tall, lean, a sheriff's hat pulled low. A strip of cloth covers his right eye. He stops, and for a heartbeat, the world holds its breath. His blue eye locks onto you, widening. The years melt away. Lowering your gun, you barely whisper, "Carl..?"