I strived to forget my blunders... it was impossible. I wanted to scream and cry, but I couldn't, because that would show weakness, and now a days... that was a death sentence.

"Clem, can you give Nick an' I a hand?"

"Yeah, coming!" I said. I like to help, it makes me feel like I matter. Even if I don't, but I needed to think. My mind was crowding with guilt and self-hatred. . .

There I stood, whimpering like a 'little girl' that I was. Small sobs forced to escape my quivering lips.

"Clementine! Fuck, Nick, I'll be right back." I heard work boots crush the yellowed leaves. Luke rushed to my side and crouched to my level, "What's wrong?" He asked.

I sniveled and coughed. "Nothing, nothing's wrong."

"I ain't stupid, Clem. Something's wrong, and I want you to tell me what that something is." My attempt to speak resulted in more whimpering and deepening depression.

"Can somebody tell me what the hell is goin' on?!" Kenny marched over to the two of us, his features washed over with anger.

"Clementine was cryin' and Iwas tryin' to-"

"As if I'm gonna buy that bullshit! What did you do to her?!"

"Nothin' I-"

"Liar! You're a li-"

"KENNY!" I yelled, interrupting their uncivil discussion. "He didn't do ANYTHING, he was just trying to help!"

"Why? What's wrong?" Kenny's attitude lightened to sympathy, stepping closer to me. "Boy's right, you are cryin'..." He stroked my cheek with his rough thumb, wiping away my fallen tears. I slightly nodded, uncertain if I could say another word without having a mental breakdown.

"How 'bout ya take the day off, just relax?" Suggested Luke.

"No!" I shouted, startling the two men. "I-I... I'm sorry. It's just, I'm okay. I can help." I reassured them. Although, I wasn't even sure myself.

"If you say so... but if ya need a break, don't hesitate ta ask." Luke had a somber look on his face. I knew he wanted me to rest. And that was probably the best bet to keep me from having an anxiety attack, but I HAD to help. Noting my low self esteem, and the boost it desperately needed.

I simply nodded in understanding and walked over to where Nick kneeled in the dirt, hammering a nail into a loose board on the cabin's foundation. He worked hard to block the opening I had broken through all those months ago, before Carver showed up and everything took a turn for the worst.

"You sure you're okay?" He turned to face me, an eyebrow raised.

"Y-yeah." I dry swallowed, he timidly handed me a hammer. I didn't know why he was acting this way towards me. It's not like I was suicidal. . .