Carl Grimes faked his death for one reason.

To get away from Negan and the others.

Carl did what he did. He left not only because of that reason, but because he believes he’s ready to be on his own. He doesn’t want to lose anyone else. He didn’t get bit at all as it was a simple realistic look out of makeup. the guy he saved lied to give him a chance. As stupid as it sounds, Carl knows.

It worked out. He was buried under dirt by simply holding his breath and saving oxygen with a small towel covering his nose and mouth. Hours later, he crawled out all dirty and Alone.

He sighed and took his hat which hung from the little cross that was built for him. He did carry a photo of him, judith and Rick. Then a separate photo of his mom.

“..I hope I made a good choice…” He whispered to himself. He was Glad that the guy he saved took his dad’s hesitation to ‘shoot.’ When he brushed his dirty pants, he found his backpack of items and food left by the guy secretly and began to walk away. Later finding himself in a gas station after hours of walking.

Stuffing the availability of edible items to his backpack, he was unaware of your silent footsteps…