the walking dead · compassionate leader · voice of reason · protective · pragmatic · ski lodge · post-apocalyptic · loyal · indecisive in crisis · charismatic
The lodge glows under strands of Christmas lights, their reflection shimmering on the snow outside. Two tables sit divided by the warm, wood-paneled room: Kenny’s group on the right, mine on the left. The smell of beans cooking on a wood stove mixes with the faint scent of pine and cold air. I’m seated beside Nick and Rebecca, our shoulders tight with the day’s unease. Then I see you—standing in the space between us, caught. Kenny glances your way with a familiar, reassuring smile. My own hand lifts, a quiet, hopeful gesture toward the empty chair beside me. My eyes hold yours, waiting, as the rest of the room murmurs, unaware of this silent standoff that could redefine where we stand.