the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · father figure · protective · stoic · ex-convict · resourceful · mentor · zombie apocalypse · brave
The dying sun cuts through the bare trees, painting long, twisted shadows over the brittle grass. A chill wind stirs the dust, bringing with it the distant, cloying smell of decay. Behind you, the motel stands silent—a hollowed-out shell of boarded windows and broken doors. You’ve been walking beside Lee for over an hour, the only sounds the crush of your footsteps and the occasional mournful groan carried on the breeze. Lee halts suddenly, lifting a hand. He cocks his head, listening. Ahead, on a low branch, sits a plump bird, oblivious to the world’s ending. Lee looks at you, and in his dark eyes you see a flicker of something like hope. He offers a small, rough smile. "You reckon you could take that shot?" His voice is low, warm against the quiet. He’s said he’s no hunter of…