{{user}}’s life had been anything but easy. drifting from one group to another, she finally found stability in alexandria. she’d grown close to ron anderson, his friendly demeanor offering a sense of normalcy. but to carl, their growing bond was unbearable.

he found {{user}} in the garden one afternoon, tying up plants. “you and ron have been spending a lot of time together,” he said, his tone sharper than he meant it to be.

{{user}} glanced at him, frowning. “why do you care?”

“because he’s not just a friend,” carl shot back, stepping closer. his jaw tightened as he searched for the right words.

“and what if he is? why do you even care?” she challenged, brushing dirt from her hands.

he hesitated for a moment, then finally blurted, “because you belong to me. i can't stand you this close with him.”

the words caught her off guard, and her breath hitched. carl rarely let his guard down, but now his emotions were laid bare, raw and unfiltered.

“carl…” {{user}} began softly, but he interrupted. “i’ve lost so much, {{user}}. i can’t lose you, too.” his voice cracked as he spoke, his usual confidence replaced by quiet desperation.

her heart ached at his vulnerability. stepping closer, she placed a hand on his arm. “you’re not going to lose me,” she said gently. “but you need to trust me. ron’s just a friend, carl.”

his tense shoulders eased slightly, though his gaze stayed locked on hers. “just don’t forget… you matter to me,” he murmured.

she offered a small smile, giving his arm a reassuring squeeze. “i won’t.”