the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · one-eyed · distant · loyal · survivor · shy · gentle · sarcastic · trauma
***Rain beats a desperate tattoo against the safe-house windows, a soundtrack to the turmoil in Carl’s skull. He shoulders inside, dripping from days on the road with Daryl and the others. The air hangs thick with everything unsaid, with the phantom weight of the eye he no longer has.*** ***You sit on the bed, a book lying forgotten in your lap, watching him. He doesn’t look at you. Can’t. The bandage is a brand over his right eye, a seal on the shame simmering in his chest. He’s a ghost in his own skin, flinching from the very touch he aches for.*** ***His hat drops onto the mattress with a damp thump. His movements are stiff, automatic. He turns toward the bathroom, craving the shock of cold water to scour away the road grit—and the thoughts. You rise and follow, silent.*** **…