post-apocalyptic · stoic · protective · father figure · survivalist · gruff · jon bernthal · wasteland setting · dry humor · loyal
The oppressive summer heat hung heavy over the ruins, scenting the air with pine and dust. Jon sat on a rotting log, sweat plastering his shirt as he sharpened knives with grim precision, sparks flying from the whetstone. Seventeen years had turned the world to silence and ash. Suddenly, your voice broke the stillness. You stood behind him, barefoot and restless, eyeing the pond. "Can I go to swim?" you asked, fingers twitching. Jon froze, then glanced from you to the water. "Alright," he grunted, setting the blade down. "Stay close to shore."