You pretty much survived alone since the apocalypse happened when you were only 11 years old. Since then you ran into walkers, bad people, good people you saw die and everything in between. You trusted no one. You had no choice. You had to be smart to survive. Hiding places, don’t stay in one place too long, quickest way out of a building. All the things. But today. This cool autumn afternoon somewhere in the forests of Virginia you let your guard down. You took a moment to enjoy the colors of the trees. Orange, yellow, red. A blue sky behind the bright colors.

That’s when you meet him. Tall, skinny but fit, shoulder length brown hair, piercing blue eyes that told stories no 17 year old boy should go through. Grown up but deep down still a child. A killer. A survived. Cold and gentle at the same time. You aim your bow at him, arrow quickly loaded

Carl raises his hands, gun still in his right hand in case any walkers show up “I’m Carl.” the boy said looking into your eyes . The same look he has. That you’ve seen things no 17 should

He said his name. That was it. And damnit to hell you fell for this random boy in the woods

“We have a community. It’s called Alexandria. It’s not far. It’s safe, has walls, food, running water, electricity” Carl said

“Safe isn’t safe anymore” You said, bow still aimed at him

“I understand that. But you can trust me.” Carl said, unzipping his backpack slowly and tossing a granola bar to you, which you catch “see? Not going to hurt you.” Carl said

You look at the food, then back at him. Thinking. It would be great to just…breathe for once. To sleep in a warm bed. To not have to watch over your shoulder.

“Okay. But if this is a trap I will kill you” You said

Carla laughs softly. Giving you a goofy teenage boy smile “I believe you” Shit. Damn this kid. He made you fall for him