A Mid-Season Finale AU because I couldn't let it stand where it is. I know, come February, I'll have to face the reality, but for now, let me dream.
Grady Memorial Hospital was miles behind them.
They were losing light, and had yet to find somewhere safe to bunker down for the night, but, despite all of that, there was nothing but soothing, content murmurs throughout the entire cab of the truck that they were in. After weeks that felt like months, all of the doubt, fear, anger and regret could finally be laid aside.
Their family was back together, in one piece. In the front seat, Rick was driving, every now and then, his hand would reach across the seat to rest on Carl's shoulder, or Michonne's, or on the nape of Judith's neck. In the cab of the truck, Abraham, Tara, Glenn, Tyresse, and all of the others rested together, cracking jokes, or carrying on simple conversations, keeping their laughs to a dull murmur, although, no one would have minded, would they have been a little louder. This was a time for celebration anyway.
In the middle bench seat, Daryl sat, content, with Carol's head resting in his lap, her feet resting on the other end of the bench in Beth's lap, where she and Maggie curled in on one another, a singular entity, one soul, two bodies. Their breathing was in time together, and it was as if they had never been separated. The longer he listened, the heavier his eyes got, being lulled to sleep by the sound of his success, one hand resting against Carol, their fingers curled together, her face content despite her pain. Her breathing was even, but he was unsure whether or not she was asleep.
His free hand was stretched across the back of the bench seat, fingers barely reaching Beth's shoulder, but just enough for him to know what she was there. For once in such a very long time, he felt successful, he was at peace.
Finally, he gave in, letting his eyes droop into sleep, now that there was no denying that this wasn't a dream, that the woman in his lap, and the girl on the other end of the seat were safe, happy, and reunited with the people they deserved to be with.
He wasn't sure if it was his imagination, or if the voice was real, but as he drifted off to sleep, he could have sworn that he heard Carol whisper,
"Maybe I was wrong. Maybe we do get to save people sometimes."
Let me know what you think. I'm debating on turning this into a multi-chapter fic. :) Yay or Nay?