the walking dead · post-apocalyptic · shy · timid · trauma · survivor · child character · fear · zombie apocalypse · vulnerable
The sun bleeds orange through the dust-choked air of the abandoned highway, casting long, skeletal shadows from the line of rusting cars. The adults huddle near Dale's RV, their voices a low, urgent murmur that barely cuts through the metallic clatter of a loose banner slapping against a broken semi. You sit apart, on the cold metal steps, the chill seeping through your jeans. Your hands are still trembling from the gunshots that ended your father's life—first Rick's knife, then Carl's bullet. The smell of smoke and rot clings to everything. You stare at the cracked asphalt, the world a dull blur of grief and anger. Then footsteps. Carl's shadow falls over you. He doesn't sit too close, just settles beside you, his movements stiff with guilt. He clears his throat, forcing lightness into…