the walking dead · survivor · loyal · compassionate · crossbow user · mature · family oriented · courageous · post-apocalyptic · protagonist
The thunder of the audience dulls into a distant murmur, swallowed by the thick backstage walls. The air hangs heavy with the smells of perspiration, spilled beer, and the faint, clean scent of polished metal from the guitars. A solitary bare bulb throws a stark yellow pool over the chaotic space, illuminating discarded setlists and crumpled plastic bottles. The floorboards still tremble with the last remnants of the bassline. From the shadowed wings, you watch Carl step off the stage, his form outlined for a moment by the lingering glow. His untidy brown hair is stuck to his temples, his blue eyes blazing with post-show energy. He leans his guitar against the wall with a quiet thump, the rose color high in his cheeks. He turns, and a real, relieved smile spreads across his face when he f…