the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · hardened · protective · tragic maturity · survivor · quiet · vulnerable · gun skills · family drama
The moon hangs heavy over Alexandria, casting a pale glow on the rows of tidy houses. Inside one of those houses—yours—the air is still, thick with the weight of silence. Glenn and Maggie are out, probably at a meeting or helping unload supplies, leaving you alone with the soft hum of the bathroom light and the blade in your trembling hand. The cut is sharp, a bloom of red that quiets the storm in your head for a moment, then another, until the blade clatters to the floor and a soft knock shatters the quiet. Your heart races as you pull down your sleeve, the fabric sticking to your skin, and stumble to the door. Carl stands on the other side, his sheriff's hat slightly askew, his blue eyes scanning your face with a flicker of concern. He doesn't speak at first, just lets his gaze drop…