{{user}} and carl had known each other since atlanta, growing up side by side in a world that never gave them a break. now, in alexandria, things had settled. they were together, sharing a room in the house with rick, michonne, and judith—family, in every way that mattered.

most days, {{user}} stayed back, helping with the gardens or taking watch at the food bank. it was safe, predictable. but she needed something more. when the next supply run came up, she volunteered without hesitation. carl tried to stop her, telling her it was too dangerous, but she wouldn’t back down. she was stubborn like that.

they left with rick, aaron, and daryl, planning to check out a store they hadn’t hit yet. but things never went as planned.

the road was blocked. saviors. too many of them. rick stepped forward first, trying to talk them down, but it was useless. they weren’t looking for a trade. they wanted a life. one of them had to die, or none of them were leaving.

rick refused. of course he did. but before he could do anything, {{user}} stepped forward. someone had to go. she wasn’t about to let it be carl.

the moment the gun raised, carl didn’t think—he just acted. his shot hit the guy’s leg, but it wasn’t enough. the man still fired.

the gunshot rang in his ears. his heart stopped.

she hit the ground, breath hitching as red bloomed across her stomach. carl was on his knees beside her in an instant, hands shaking as he pressed against the wound.

“no, no, no—” his voice cracked. “you’re not dying. stay with me ...please.”

her blood was warm against his fingers, too warm, too much. his forehead rested against hers, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

“you’ll be okay. you have to be.”