AN: I have nothing to say about this except I am so so sorry for hitting you all in your FEELS. Also, mild spoilers for episode 3.04 so don't read it if you haven't watched it.
And also, I disclaim all characters and likenesses and blah blah blah.
Love,
Shazzy
-Birthright-
She'd been missing for a few days. The walker attack had resulted with her getting lost and missing out on so many things.
Death. Birth. New life. New friends. Insanity. Heartbreak. Love.
She'd found her way back, though. She knew she would, she had faith in that much, besides, where could she have gone? There was nothing out in the world for her except her family in the prison.
Her return was a somber one. There had been too much heartbreak and sorrow in the time she'd accidentally gone missing. She was not greeted with cheers and shouts like she had imagined it. She knew that she'd been fooling herself to even think such a thing, but it had been what got her through the time while she was missing.
She took comfort in the fact, however, that Daryl had been there first as she shambled back into the yard, dehydrated, starving, exhausted. He had seen her first and come running. He muttered harsh words about her disappearing and about hoe stupid it was, but there was a softness and a fondness to them underneath it all.
She simply smiled. Then, nearly collapsed at his feet. He held her arm carefully, supporting her as they walked the rest of the way across the yard.
They didn't speak. She didn't ask what had happened while she had been lost. There would be time for stories when she had eaten and rested a little bit.
The group was outside, enjoying the warmth of the season while they could. The sunlight seemed to help clear away the horror of the aftermath of what had happened to them.
Carol almost didn't notice that more than the brave T-Dog was missing.
Not until she heard the mewling cries of the newborn in Carl's arms as he tried to bottle feed his sister.
Carol stopped behind Carl, placing her hand gently on his shoulder, a show of support, of sorrow and understanding. And apology.
"It's a girl." Carl informed Carol, tilting his head back to look at the newly returned woman.
Carol smiled and nodded. "What did you name her?"
"Sophia."