She ran relentlessly. Her agitated heart, her altered breathing. She felt claustrophobia in the open air. She knew he needed her. He was in danger, he's exposed himself to that threat on his own, desperate and clamouring for revenge.
She knew it was her fault and a hard battle was fighting inside her. She deserved that, she deserved to suffer because of her mistakes. She knew this. But if something happened to him, she would desire to be died.
He was her reason for hope, the hand to hold when she fell down. He was an angel, always looking after her… and she has let him down. It took so much time for her to realize the irreplaceable place he occupied in her devastated heart. It took so much time for her to let the storm go and open her soul to the sunlight again.
Then she found that place and went into, without hesitation or delay. Her knife in hand, constantly alert. There was no danger there. She looked around but no one or nothing was inside. She despaired. Blood on the floor, someone has fought and someone must be really hurt.
'Not his blood, please…', she prayed.
Then, she heard a quiet gasp, the sound of someone trying to stick to life. She moved forward and she could see him. Lying on the floor, bloodstained, she found him. 'No, no, no! Damn it! Daryl!', she shouted. She went down on her knees next to him and tried to check his situation. He needs help, she knew she must do something immediately.
She caressed his hair and whisper 'You're getting home with me, Daryl'. She tried to wake him up but he was unconscious, didn't respond. 'Come on…', Carol mumbled while she was trying to incorporate him. He opened his eyes but his weakness was an evidence. He made an effort to look at her and pronounce her name quietly. Carol smiled, 'I hold you, we're getting home now'.
They began to walk slowly, step by step. She dedicated all her energy to hold him and help him to go on. 'We're almost there, just a little effort more…', she said. Soon, Carol could see Alexandria in front of them. They were at home, at last.
When they crossed the house door, she was exhausted but a feeling of gladness and relief filled her soul. She smiled because he will be fine now. She helped him to go upstairs and to lie on the bed. She healed his wounds and then, she covered his body with the bedding. And she kissed him on his forehead. 'You'll be fine very soon', she murmured.
She was so tired that she laid back in the bed, next to him, and closed her eyes. He slept and his breath was more regular. Carol was quiet. She decided to enclose him in her arms and rested her face on his back. She felt at home now, his presence by her side was all what her heart needed to be calm, to feel peace. She needed him.
She fell asleep with her arms around him and slept for hours. Something woke her up, Daryl had hold her hand between theirs. Carol smiled and said 'hello'. He rolled over slowly and looked into her eye. 'Hi', he answered. 'How is it going?', she asked, caressing his face. 'I'll survive', he answered and smile slightly. 'I need you to forgive me, Daryl, please. I didn't want to…', Carol started to cry, her feelings surfacing. But he didn't answer. He just caressed her cheek, wet from the tears, and got his face closer. She could feel his breath and the warmth of his skin. She stared at him and caressed his hair softly, no more words, no more regrets. Just they together. Carol looked at his lips… and wanted to touch them. So, she kissed those lips and then he answered her with the sweetest kiss she'd ever received. Tears of joy streamed from her face. Her soul smiled. 'Why not?', she wondered.