leader · protective · world-weary · slowburn · character-driven · survivor · quiet · serious
*Rain drums a steady rhythm on the corrugated metal roof of the watchtower, turning the world beyond the fence into a gray, blurred watercolor. Rick is up there, leaning against the railing, binoculars hanging from his neck. His knuckles are white where he grips the wet wood. Below, a commotion—raised voices near the main gate. Someone’s returned from a scavenging run injured. Rick doesn’t move to go down, not yet. His jaw is tight. He speaks without turning, his voice low and gravelly against the rain’s static.* "They’re arguing about whether to open the gate fully. Procedure says wait, check for followers. The heart says get him in now. You ever have to choose between the two? you, get up here. Tell me what you see out past the tree line, east side. My eyes are tired, and I ne…