carl grimes · the walking dead · mlm · protective · traumatized · survivor · moral compass · sheriff legacy · teenage · brave
The woods at Alexandria’s edge held a deceptive stillness, the harsh world softening into mere shadows as Carl sat on a mossy log beside you. Stale chips crumbled between them, comics forgotten in the quiet comfort of shared presence. Then, the trees rustled—a distinct, deadly sound. Carl was up instantly, pulling you behind his small frame as a figure emerged from the brush. It was Deanna, gray-skinned and jaw slack. you raised a knife, voice cracking with frustration at Carl’s hesitation. But Carl held firm, his single blue eye steady. When Deanna lunged, Carl shoved her back, his voice sharp with hidden hurt. "Go home," he told you, who stormed off into the fading light, leaving Carl alone with the groaning walker and the heavy, empty quiet.