#risktask

What is your full name?

Laken Angelique Parker

What do you prefer to be called?

Laken

How would you describe yourself in three words?

Headstrong, realistic & tolerant

What do you consider your biggest strength?

I’m quick at solving problems but do it methodically, which is the reason why I become stubborn - I have good reasons to be.

Weakness?

I either care too much or not at all... there’s no in-between.

Tell us about your family. Do you have any siblings? Did you/do you get along with your parents?

I have a sister, Ellie. We were separated, so I’m not sure if she’s alive or not. I got along great with my parents, especially my mum - she was my best friend; was with me through everything, picked me up when I fell down... I still feel guilty that I wasn’t there when she died. My father strengthened my love of video games but on anything else, we butted heads. I love him of course, but we just didn’t like the same things. 

Where did you grow up?

New York

Where were you when the apocalypse began?

I was actually at work - working overtime which was something extremely normal for me.

What were you doing (in terms of career)?

I was a game developer.

How many walkers have you killed?

I’ve lost count 

How many people have you killed?

Sadly, I’ve lost count on this one too.

Why?

Multiple reasons; back at the start, a couple of guys thought having a fuck was more important then getting to safety - never felt guilty about those kills. Most of the people were mercy kills, others mistakes when I was alone and afraid. I did what I had to do to survive.

Is there something you’re hiding from the rest of your group?

No, why would I?

If so, why are you hiding it?

Have you been apart of another group?

One, but it didn’t last long, only a week or so.

Why did you leave, if so?

All of the people in it were idiots and got themselves killed - I was smart and ran.

What brought you to your current group (or what brought you to the location, for the outsiders)?

My main plan was to survive alone but after I experienced it, I decided against it and began to walk. I stumbled upon it and liked their morals, so I joined.

What is it about your group that makes you prefer over the other group (for outsiders, do you want to join one of the two main groups)?

Strict rules and orders were never really my thing; I prefer being in a group I can trust than being in an orderly place with no guarantee of having real friends. I don’t like to be paranoid.

Do you have a primary/preferred weapon?

Mostly my ax, especially when I’m pissed, calms me right down. But I always carry my gun, in case I come across a large group of walkers.

Do you have any prized possessions?

I have a necklace that was my mother’s - she was wearing it when I found her body and decided to take it, to remind me of her and dad.

What is your greatest fear?

Becoming a walker and closed spaces. Don’t really like clowns all that much, but you rarely find one nowadays.

What is your daily routine like? How does it differ to your routine before the apocalypse?

Well before the apocalypse I used to get up, make coffee and read through the news before hurrying off to work and now I get up, drink whatever I get and prepare to go out and get supplies or help around the camp if I’m needed.

If you were to die today, what would you like people to remember you by?

How long you’ve known them: 

“Being my father... My entire life?” 

How you lost them:

“I don’t know; depends on how you want to look at it. The disease killed him first, or the person that bit him did.” 

What was a defining moment in your relationship:

“When I was 12 and I camped in our backyard for a week in some sort of... Rebellion. A statement that I didn’t want to live under their roof. After the third day, he set up a tent next to mine and refused to go in until I did.” She sighs. “It was the first time in a long time that I’d felt like it mattered that I was even there.”

Favorite memory:

“Probably during my championship lacrosse game. He spent the entire time talking me up to the scouts at Berkeley...” She smiles faintly. “Vast improvement from my other games. He was one of those parents that wasn’t afraid to scream at a ref.” 

Worst memory: (other than them dying)

“Whenever him and my mom fought, which wasn’t that often, but still. That was kinda hard. I had a few friends with divorced parents, and from what I saw with them, it was always the dad that left.” 

What they look like: (also is there a faceclaim in mind)

“He looked perfect, just like my mother. My friends always thought they were life a real-life Ken and Barbie stuck in suburbia.” (FC: Matthew Fox)

How do you deal with the loss:

“I... Pretend not to remember.” 

Did you bury them?:

“No. I didn’t have time to.” 

What was the last words they said to you:

“Noah’s going to pick you up from the airport, but then we’ll do something, okay? And please try to be nice to Emma - she’s stressed with the wedding.” 

What was your last words to them?:

“Whatever, Dad. I’ll just see you when I get there.” 

Has the loss of the person affected your emotional state?:

“I try not to let it affect me, but I don’t know.” 

Is there someone that fills the hole left by that person?:

“No.” 

Where would the two of you be now, if the world hadn’t ended?:

“I’d probably be at college. And he’d be calling me reminding me to get my mom a birthday present, telling me I need to call her more.” 

Would they be proud of the person you’ve become?:

“No. I know he’d be disappointed.” 

What would they say if they saw you today?:

“He’d tell me to leave Noah alone, and he’d tell me to patch things up with Emma before they get worse.” 

Do you have any possessions of theirs?:

“Technically, sure. It’s just a picture I got when I went back to the house... I don’t want to forget what him or my mom looked like.” 

If you could turn back time, what would you change? (other than their death)

“I would have tried harder to be the person he really thought I could be. Been nicer, wouldn’t have pushed him and my mom and Emma away as much as I had my entire life... I would have put him out of his misery when I saw what he’d... Turned into... There’s a lot I would change.” 

If you were given an option to either A. Spend one last day with the person, but someone important to you now would die as well. Or B. They died sooner and the apocalypse never started. Which would you choose?