>>507861393
The prison yard was tense, the air heavy with the scent of sweat and danger. Merle Dixon stood near the fence, restless as ever, eyeing the woods beyond. Beside him, T-Dog stayed calm, quietly ready for whatever might come.
Rick Grimes approached, his sheriffβs hat tilted low, eyes sharp and steady. Carl, his son, followed close behind, clutching a worn rifle with determined hands.
βMerle,β Rick said firmly, βWe need to stick together. The dead donβt care whoβs strong or whoβs steady.β
Merle spat on the ground but didnβt argue. T-Dog gave a nod, the silent kind of agreement born from shared battles.
Suddenly, a howl ripped through the trees. The group tensed. Rick took the lead, Carl close behind, while Merle and T-Dog flanked the sides.
When the walkers came crashing through, it was Merleβs fierce fighting and T-Dogβs reliable backup that kept them alive. Rickβs calm command and Carlβs sharp aim sealed the fight.
Later, as the group settled down, Rick noticed Carl still gripping the rifle a little too tightly.
βCarl,β Rick said with a smirk, βyouβre not supposed to be playing with guns like theyβre toys. Lego is more your speed right now.β
Carl rolled his eyes, a bit annoyed but knowing his dad was right. βYeah, yeah, Dad. But if Iβm gonna grow up in this world, Iβve got to be ready.β
Before Rick could answer, Dale suddenly appeared, almost scolding in tone. βRick, Carl should be out there learning to farm, not playing with Lego.β
Rick glanced at Dale, surprised but not entirely disagreeing.
βMaybe youβre right, Dale. But for now, a bit of Lego wonβt hurt. Let the kid be a kid.β
Carl gave Dale a look, half amused, half annoyed β but deep down, he knew they all wanted the same thing: a future worth fighting for.