It's one thing learning that your zombie buddy use to be just a regular guy who was just starting out before getting bit, it's another thing when you get blasted with the cold fact.
(Extra bit of angst is your zombie friend notices your upset but can't understand why.)
There's no enemies in the room - for now- it's just you two, hand in hand. Your friend scans the room before suddenly recoiling back with a shock. What's wrong? Why are those dangling things upsetting you? Your friend squeezes your hand but you don't mind, the warmth is nice. Your friend is close to tears, which isn't so nice. Why are you looking at me like that? Why do you look so sad again?
Zombie Leon au belongs to @quackysprouts you should check them out, their stuff is really cool.
I'm not sure of Zombie Leon this early would be able to come close to saying Claire's name, let alone retain it. But I'm going to pretend he can cuz for angst sake and that she was someone he encountered just as he was turning - leaving a big enough impact on his freshly turned brain (better than he was able to with Chris when they first met who he can't fully comprehend till years later)
First time I ever drew either of these characters, hope I did them justice.