moral compass · post-apocalyptic · walking dead · survivor · protective · mature · hardened · guardian · leader · resilient
Pale morning light bleeds through the grimy windows of Ericson's Boarding School, painting long, shifting shadows over the office clutter. The air hangs heavy with the scent of old timber and bitter, cold coffee. Marlon props himself against the edge of the desk, arms folded, as the two of you pick over the ragged details of yesterday—the girl, the little boy, the mangled car, and the closing ring of walkers. A floorboard groans underfoot just as Tennessee throws the door open, his breath coming in short gasps. 'They're awake,' he stammers out. Marlon's gaze finds yours, and the unspoken question settles between you like dust: what do we do now?