Thanks to gaara king of the sand for the help.
When Molly returned to camp, she expected to find Clementine fast asleep. However, she was startled when she found a low campfire, keeping only empty blankets warm.
At first she could not believe the child was gone. She didn't panic. Calmly, she searched the darkened area for the little girl, looking anywhere she could possibly think, even the most unlikely places.
When she didn't find Clementine, she searched again and again. By now panic had set in.
Panic was swiveling madly through her head, a tightness in her throat.
Where is she? Where is she? The words echoed in her head as she looked for the young girl.
Moments flew by before Molly suddenly heard someone call her name.
Without delay, Molly raced from the campsite, towards the sound of the yell, in the dark of night.
She headed deeper into the woods, hearing a yell of her name once more in the distance.
Clementine didn't dare look behind her. She was scared that she would lose her footing on the uneven terrain. She could hear the leaves and grass crunch under her little feet as she ran.
Her heart thundered in her ears and her breathing drowned out every sound as she picked up her pace, desperate to lose her pursuer.
A large tree came in her sight. Clementine bounded over to the tree.
She quickly hid herself behind a tree.
Her ears trained for the slightest sound. She hoped she lost the stranger who had been chasing her.
Stealing a glance behind her, she didn't see the man.
Heart pounding, the girl decided to head back to her camp. She tripped over a log, falling to her knees.
Clementine quickly gained her feet, but just as she stood a stick snapped behind her.
Before the child had the chance to turn around, a hand anchored itself around her arm. She found herself being restrained.
"Let me go!" She screamed.
She kicked and punched wherever she could.
"Let go!" She cried out. Her little fist collided with the man's cheek.
"Shit..." The man swore, shaking her a bit. "Stop fighting!" He growled.
Clementine struggled more, elbowing the man in the ribs. Hard.
The man cursed, shoving the child hard and sending her to the ground.
He pinned her down. Clementine whimpered in fear, struggling to get free.
"Let me go!" Clementine ordered.
The man chuckled. "Or what?"
Fear filled the child before she remembered the knife…
Molly didn't slow her run, in fact she only picked up the pace as she heard a voice yell out, "Let me go!"
She knew it was Clementine. The child was obviously in trouble.
Molly only hoped she would get to the little girl in time. She would never forgive herself if anything happened the Clementine.
Molly swore under her breath, heading in the direction of the yells.
Clementine fumbled with the weapon in her pocket. With an enormous effort, Clementine managed to reach into her pocket and quickly draw the knife Molly had given her.
She could feel the man's cold hands grabbing at her clothing. With the knife in her little hand, Clementine took the chance and stabbed the man deeply, right in the shoulder
He cried in pain and loosened his grip on the child. "You're going to pay for that."
He yanked the blade from his shoulder and held it to the child's neck. Before he could do anything more, a gunshot rang out and he fell limp.
Clementine didn't move from her spot on the ground. The man's limp body was forced off her small figure, but the girl didn't react.
After a moment, panic sunk in, and Clementine scrambled to her feet, grabbing her fallen knife.
"It's alright. It's me." Molly reached out to the child.
Clementine's heart was hammering in her chest. The girl was covered in blood and dirt, her eyes wide and expressionless.
Molly approached the young girl who was clearly in shock and pulled the small child into a hug.
"Are you hurt?" Molly asked the child as they arrived back at camp. The woman was slightly surprised to find their camp the same way they had left it.
Using a rag, wet with water from a water bottle, Molly cleaned the blood from Clementine's face. The child still seemed to be in shock. Molly was worried.
Clementine didn't utter a word.
Molly sighed. She had checked the child for wounds, but in the darkness it was hard to tell the child exact condition. "Clementine…"
"Hmm?" The child finally responded.
"Are you hurt?" Molly asked the girl again.
Clementine shook her head. "No…" She sniffled.
"What's wrong?" Molly asked.
"I'm sorry…" Clementine said. "I wasn't trying to wander off… I was scared. I didn't know where you were."
"I know, Clem." Molly said. "I shouldn't have left you. I'm sorry…"
Clementine whimpered, moving closer to the woman.
Molly wrapped in arm around the trembling child. "It's okay, kiddo."
Clementine was terrified. She had no idea who that man was or what he planned to do to her, but she was scared.
Molly rubbed the child's back, comforting the young girl. Eventually the nine-year-old drifted off.
Molly made sure to keep the girl close. After being sure the child was asleep, she went to bed herself.
The weather became much colder and as each day passed, their meals became less plentiful. By mid-December supplies were starting to run low
The colder it become the more Molly worried about when it started snowing. They didn't have enough supplies necessary to hold up in a snow storm. She'd have to go supply hunting again soon.
Even now as they walked, Molly could feel the bitter cold on her skin. She just hoped they would find shelter before it got too cold.
Molly noticed Clementine's little body shivering.
"You okay, kiddo?" Molly asked the girl.
"It's cold…" Clementine replied.
"I know… We'll find someplace warm soon…" Molly said.
"Okay…" Clementine muttered.
Molly didn't know how soon, soon would actually be.
Fortunately, they managed to stumble upon a log cabin only a day later. It was just their luck because only hours after they had arrived, it started snowing.
"What do you think?" Molly asked as Clementine looked around the little cabin.
"It's nice." Clementine said. "I like it."
"Yeah." Molly said. "So do I."
"Are we staying here." Clementine questioned.
"For a little while." Molly replied. "At least until the weather gets better."
"Okay…" Clementine said.
"Well… We might as well get comfy." Molly said. "You hungry?"
"Yes…" Clementine said.
"How about something warm for a change." Molly suggested.
Clementine nodded. She was tired of eating canned fruit and cold beans. They hadn't had time to settle down and cook a meal. Hunting was becoming harder because of the cold, and Molly had wanted to find shelter as quickly as possible so they were continuously on the move.
"Soup alright?" Molly asked.
"Yeah." Clementine said.
Using some wood, Molly lit up the nearby fireplace. She used the heat from the fire to cook the soup.
Once the food was done she placed it in two bowls she had found in the kitchen of the cabin. She handed one to the child along with a spoon.
Clementine was happy to have a hot meal for once. As she sipped on the soup, she was reminded of time when she would have a cold. Her parents would always prepared chicken noddle soup for her… She missed them so much…
Molly noticed the child's glum expression. "You okay?" She questioned.
Clementine quickly nodded. She didn't want to worry the woman. It was time for her to grow up. She needed to stop acting like a little kid.
"You sure?" Molly asked.
"Yes." Clementine said.
"Alright..." Molly continued her meal. "I'm exhausted."
"Me too…" Clementine admit.
"I bet." Molly said. "It's pretty cozy in here." The heat from the fireplace only made it better. They took advantage of the fireplace.
"Yeah, it really is nice." Clementine said.
After they finished their meal, Molly leaned back onto the couch, "Let's get some sleep."
"Okay." Clementine said. Climbing on the couch, the little girl laid down as well.
"Night, Clem." Molly said.
"Goodnight, Molly." Clementine replied.
Sometime in the middle of the night Clementine had woke. She was a bit startled to hear noise from a bit away from her. However, she calmed as her eyes took in Molly's figure.
The woman was rummaging through their supplies. Molly had a frown on her face and seemed, distressed about something.
Clementine wanted to ask what was wrong, but she knew the woman would not have told her.
The child decided to close her eyes, and pretend she was still asleep.
"This isn't good..." Molly said. "There's no way we're going to make it through the winter with just this..."
Clementine frowned. She knew they had been running low on supplies, but she didn't think it was that bad. She wanted to help. There had to be something she could do…
"Damn it!" Molly huffed, closing the bag.
Clementine quickly rolled over, keeping her eyes shut as Molly made her way back to the couch to lay down.
"Clem?" Molly called gently. "You awake."
Clementine didn't respond.
Not to long later, Molly seemed to have fallen asleep.
"Molly?" Clementine tried.
No answered.
Clementine looked to the woman.
Molly's eyebrows were drawn together. She seemed stressed out, even in her sleep.
Clementine made up her mind. She'd find some supplies first thing tomorrow. Molly would be proud of her… Right?
When the next morning came, Molly woke at day-break. She forced herself from the couch. She was slightly tired, considering she had gone to bed late, but she preferred to get this day moving early.
Molly glanced outside the window, noticing the snow on the ground. She hoped that the weather would turn warmer before the full brunt of winter kicked in. Otherwise, they would be trapped at the cabin for a while.
It wasn't a completely bad thing. The cabin was okay. It was better than being trapped outside, but Molly would rather keep moving for as long as they could. Staying in one spot for too long wasn't a good idea.
Molly made some food for Clementine and herself.
Once she was done making the food, she woke the little girl up.
"It's morning already?" Clementine asked.
"Yeah." Molly said. "I made you some breakfast…"
"Thank you." Clementine said.
"Yep…" Molly muttered.
"Are you okay?" Clementine asked her guardian.
"I'm fine…" Molly said. "Eat your food."
The two ate their breakfast in silence. After a few moments Molly spoke, "I'm going out, I want you to stay here."
Clementine was surprised. "What?"
"I want you to stay here." Molly said. "Got it."
"Why?" Clementine asked. "I can help."
"Not happening. You'll stay here where it's safe." Molly said.
"You taught me how to survive… Why can't I go with you?" Clementine asked.
"Because… I want you to stay here." Molly said.
Clementine pouted.
"Do you understand me?" Molly asked in a firm tone.
Clementine was silent for a moment.
"Do you?" Molly asked again.
"Yes…" Clementine answered.
"Good…" Molly said.
After Molly had left Clementine looked through their supplies. There really wasn't much left.
Clementine closed the bag. She had to do something to help. She picked up the bag and walked to the cabin's bedroom. She shoved the bag under the bed. That way the supplies would be safe if anyone showed up at the cabin.
Clementine walked back into the living room. Slipping her jacket on, she opened the front door.
The snow was close to her knees. Clementine's little feet sank into the soft snow easily. Each step she took felt heavy.
The wind was blowing with a roar. Clementine ignored the chill that the cold air sent through her.
Molly walked through the crunchy, cold snow.
Wind was blowing hard, and snow fell from the sky.
Molly continued her brisk walk, through the snowy woods.
About half an hour later, Molly came to a small clearing. A one-room shack met her eyes.
Molly hesitantly approached the shack, holding Hilda close to her. She didn't know what was inside, but she was about to find out.
Touching the door of the shack, she was surprised when it swung open.
Her eyes widened at what she saw.
Two bodies. Both laid on the ground. Blood on the wall, floor.
Molly tried her best not to vomit at the almost unbearable smell of blood.
Something else, however, grabbed the woman's attention. There were shelves for storage. Most of it was depleted now, but some still remained.
Molly moved around the bodies and started to gather the supplies. As she picked the objects off the shelf, her foot hit something, nearly tripping her.
She looked down and noticed a blood soaked bag.
Pausing for a moment, she eyed the bag before kneeling down and opening it. It was filled with cans, and water.
Molly was beyond shocked. These people had enough supplies to keep them going for at least a week or two.
Molly placed the objects from the shelf into the bag.
It felt awkward, with the owners of the bag being so close to her. It almost felt as if she was stealing, but she knew the two people had no use for this stuff anymore.
After she finished packing up the supplies she left the bloody shack. However, when she got outside the wind was blowing hard and the snow was falling fiercely.
It was hard to see through the harsh snow.
Molly decided it was time to call off the supply hunt. They had enough supplies that they could last through the storm. It was time to head back to the cabin and wait it out. Molly would go back out once the weather had calmed down.
Clementine used her sleeve to wipe her running nose.
Her little body shivered in the cold, but Clementine pressed on. She wanted to show that she could help. She could find supplies.
As Clementine walked further through the woods she was starting to worry about getting lost.
And then, the child became worried she would freeze to death. The snow was only rising.
Clementine decided she should turn back. She decided to retrace her steps, but found that her tracks had been covered by the fresh snow.
Frantically, she searched for her footprints, but couldn't find them. Finally giving up in frustration, she started walking again.
Walking as fast as her tired state and the snow would allow, she wondered if she was heading in the right direction of the cabin.
The blowing of snow against her cheeks felt like a slap in the face. Clementine had to stop her walking. She huddled against a tree in a weak attempt to keep warm.
Looking around the girl noticed a shack, hidden beyond towering trees and thick shrubs.
To a weary child it seemed like a safe haven, a place to rest.
Lost in her relief, she unconsciously continued toward the shack.
However, when she reached the open doorway, the view that burst upon her, nearly caused her to vomit.
Undaunted, Molly made her way towards the cabin. By time she had arrived the snow was blowing so hard all she could see was white.
The cabin door swung open, and Molly walked inside, snow coated every inch of her clothing. She stomped snow from her boots and moved into the living room, placing the bag of supplies on the floor. "Clem," She called. "I'm back!"
There was no response.
Molly frowned. She desperately wanted nothing more than to relax by that warm fireplace. Shaking off the thought she walked around the house, searching for Clementine. The girl was nowhere to be seen.
Molly swore under her breath. Clementine must have left. Meaning the child was out in that storm.
Without hesitation, Molly raced out the door.
Her progress was slow due to the heavy snow on the ground.
Precious time was slipping away. She needed to find that kid.
Trying her best not to panic, she entered the shack, looking around. The little girl did her best to ignore the blood that covered the area.
The place was completely empty and Clementine was disappointed to find the place had already been ransacked. There were no supplies.
With a frown, the child readied to leave but she stopped when she noticed a gun on the ground. Picking up the weapon, she smiled. At least she had found something useful.
Making her way outside, she walked behind the shack where a firepit lay, black and cold.
The child looked around the area but flinched when she felt a cold hand grab her ankle.
In a panic, the child stumbled back, the walker released her.
Clementine broke into a run, nearly crashing straight into a second walker.
Clementine gasped, nearly tripping over her own feet as the creature lunged at her. Snarling wildly, the monster tried to bite the little girl.
Clementine gave the walker a hard shove, before taking off.
The two walkers followed after her, but she refused to stop until she was safe.
Molly had no idea where to start, but something in her gut told her to check the shack.
Fighting her way through the deepened snow, Molly made her way back to the shack.
When she finally arrived, she noticed the door was wide open and the bodies that once laid on the ground were no longer there.
She also picked up on the snow that had been tracked inside the shack. Clementine had to have been there.
The question was, where was the child now?
A gunshot seemed to answer her question. At least, Molly hoped it did.
She raced towards the noise.
Snow was blurring her vision. She could hardly see where she was going.
Clementine slowed down, checking the gun for bullets. There was only one. She would have to use it wisely.
The child was exhausted, she had spent the past ten minutes avoiding walkers and trying to figure out which way led back to the cabin. She knew Molly would be mad when she got back.
When the girl heard growls from behind her, she started moving again. She couldn't let those walkers get too close for comfort. She was no longer running. There was no reason to. She had noted that the walkers seemed much slower than usual, some of them had even given up on chasing her.
She had nothing to worry about, as long as she didn't get-
Suddenly, a walker, who has lying on the ground grabs her, yanking her down.
Clementine yelped, panicking she aimed her gun and pulled the trigger.
Molly hoped that Clementine was okay. A realization dawned on her, making her pick up her pace. Clementine didn't have a gun.
Avoiding the severely slowed down walkers, Molly continued her search for Clementine.
Molly didn't know how long she had run, but she eventually stopped right in front of a frozen pond.
She spotted a figure on the edge of the pond.
Molly's heart leaped when she saw that the figure was Clementine.
Clementine forced herself to shaking feet, and started to walk again. Her feet her, and her fingers had gone numb from the cold. She just wanted to get back to the cabin. She didn't care if Molly scolded her. She just wanted to get inside and go to sleep.
She didn't even know where she was going until her sneakers slipped and sent her down to her knees, the surface below her crackling and popping a warning in response. Clementine climbed to her feet, looking to the ice below her. She tried to move quickly but after a couple steps, she slipped again and this time fell hard.
She forced herself to her feet again, her body still shivering from the cold.
The little girl risked a look back and saw a figure. "Molly!" She said, a smile on her lips.
She started to run towards the woman, the ice protested with a squeaky noise.
"Clementine stop!" Molly ordered.
But it was too late, the ice below the girl's feet cracked, sending her into the frozen water.
Clementine struggled helplessly to free herself. Her efforts proved futile and she sank deeper into the water.
Molly looked for something to throw out to the child but found nothing. Without hesitation, Molly ran toward her, barely keeping her balance.
Molly felt the thin ice cracking beneath her with every step she took.
The ice was really easy to break, fortunately she was tall enough to keep her head out of the pond, at least for a bit, but the chilling water made it hard to walk.
Once she got to the center of the pond, the water was up to her neck. As she move further, Molly fell beneath the surface. The water was deep enough for them to drown and Molly knew they would if she didn't hurry.
Molly started swimming towards Clementine. She grabbed the child and pulled both herself and the little girl to shore. Swimming through the ice water was a tedious task.
She managed to grab the edge of the ice, and tried to climb out. Each time the ice would break a little more.
Molly would not let them meet their end this way.
Finally, she managed to pull herself out of the water, dragging young Clementine with her.
The girl was limp. Molly held the child close in an attempt to gain some response. Weakly the girl opened her eyes.
Molly ran off the ice, carrying the child. She headed back towards the cabin.
Molly kept a quick sprint, and within moments, they had reached the cabin.
Throwing the door open, she darting inside. Shutting the door behind her, she placed Clementine on the couch and rushed to grab several blankets and towels.
Once she returned to the room, she proceeded to strip the child's wet clothes off.
The little girl was barely conscious at this point. Molly was trying her best not to panic. The good thing was hypothermia was setting in because the child was so cold, which bought Molly some time.
Molly used the towels to dry the child off before wrapping a couple blankets around the girl.
She quickly ran to the fireplace, lighting a fire.
Once she finished lighting the fireplace she looked over to Clementine. The girl was slumped over on the couch.
Molly rushed to the child, "Clem?"
There was no response from the girl.
Molly checked for a pulse. She couldn't find one.
The woman felt her heart clench. Had she been too late? The kid was just dead?
Just as she was about to move away, she felt a faint pulse from the girl.
Molly sighed in relief. "You're going to be okay..."
Gathering the child into her arms, she placed the girl on the floor beside the fireplace.
She then peeled her own clothes off and she sat by the fire beside Clementine.
Molly unwrapped Clementine's blankets pulled the child into her lap, wrapping the blankets securely around the both of them.
Several moments passed as she tried desperately to warm the child up, before Clementine suddenly let out a gasp.
"It's okay..." Molly spoke gently.
"I'm s-sorry..." Clementine said through chattering teeth.
Molly only pulled the girl closer.
Clementine felt Molly wrapped her tighter in the blankets. She could feel heat of Molly's body along with the fire and blankets warming her slowly. She didn't protest, instead she snuggled beside the woman.
Neither of them spoke. They just sat there in silence.
Molly would check the child's breathing every so often.
The night carried on without a word until eventually they both had fallen asleep, exhausted from the day's events.
The next morning, Clementine woke up past noon. She felt cold and her head ached.
Letting out a pained moan, she started to sit up, but a voice stopped her.
"You got a fever." Molly said. "You just rest up..."
"I'm sorry..." Clementine rasped out. Her throat felt sore as she spoke.
"Are you really?" Molly asked. "You could've died out there."
Clementine frowned, "I know..."
"What were you thinking?" Molly demanded. "You know how dangerous it is out there!"
"I... I wanted to help..." The child coughed a bit.
"It was stupid." Molly said. "How many times do I have to tell you you're not allow to go off on your own?!"
Clementine didn't respond.
Molly sighed, looking at the girl's sad expression.
Suddenly Clementine broke into a coughing fit.
Molly searched through the supply bag for some cough syrup. Once she found it she gave some to the child.
"Try to get some rest." Molly said in a calmer tone. "I'll make you some soup…"
"Okay..." Clementine muttered.
"We're going to be here a while..." Molly sighed.
Clementine felt guilty. She had only wanted to help, but instead she made Molly angry. She just wished she could do something right...
