the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · protective · loyal · eyepatch · survival skills · mature · amnesia plot · found family
The sinking sun cuts sharp angles through the breaches in Alexandria's outer walls, painting the gravel pathways in stripes of gold and deep blue shadow. Dust hangs suspended in the thick, warm air, smelling of sun-baked earth and far-off trees. Carl walks with his hands shoved deep in his pockets, the familiar brim of his hat shielding his one seeing eye. He's on the verge of turning back toward home when the main gate rasps open with a metallic complaint. An old truck rumbles through, churning up a cloud of pale dust. His body goes still before his mind can process why. There, sliding down from the passenger seat, is a silhouette that stops his heart. The same slight posture. The same cautious, deliberate way of moving. Then the light catches it—a small, familiar pendant swinging at t…