Clementine slowly rose from her bed, sitting up as she stretched lightly. She sighed, looking away as she smelled the distinctive smell of coffee wafting through the room.

AJ picked up a cup and walked towards her.

- I made some coffee.

He said softly, handing the cup to Clementine, who took a small sip and sighed with pleasure. One of the only things she liked, and didn't get much of a chance to have, was a hot cup of coffee right after waking up.

It gives a different feel to the morning, a little more energy and willpower to face the world, as she always did.

- It tastes good. Where did you get it?

she asked, her voice slightly hoarse, taking another sip and putting the cup on the table beside her.

- It was in the kitchen, Tenn said I could get it.

He answered softly. Clementine stared at AJ for a while, he seemed a little more depressed, more quiet.

She sighed again, not understanding why the others had reacted that way. Marlon literally sold two people close to them, and planned to sell others, but the only guilty party in the story was AJ? Fuck them then.

She shook her head slightly, remembering that there were a few who defended the kid, like Violet, Tenn, and Brody herself.

Mitch, of all people, seemed the most annoyed.

Louis was just shocked, and said a few things in the heat of emotion. Clementine doubted that he really meant those words, but still.

She didn't get angry very often, not when she was the one suffering the insults and blows, however, things were extremely different when it came to AJ.

She let out a wry laugh, she didn't know if it was fate, but her life was somewhat similar to Lee's.

He didn't get angry very often either, but that always changed when she was involved in the middle.

- Last night, with Marlon... I heard Louis, and what he called me...

AJ said in a low tone, looking at Clementine with a hesitant expression as he hugged his own arm.

- Am I a murderer?

He asked, and Clementine bowed her head, remembering last night.

(...)

Marlon's body was lying on the ground, blood dripping from his head and his eyes open, surprised to feel the bullet penetrating his skull, perhaps? Even if it was only for a few milliseconds.

Clementine arched an eyebrow at AJ and sighed, she didn't want him to pull the trigger, not so soon.

She hoped to spare him from killing someone, as much as she could. She didn't want him to become like her.

There was a time when she would kill for almost no reason, killing is easy for her, and that changed her in an extreme way.

She didn't want him to become someone as... apathetic as she was.

Clementine walked over to Marlon's body and crouched down, taking the pistol that was beside him.

- No!

Louis's desperate voice caught her attention, and she watched as the boy ran up to Marlon with an anguished expression, touching the now-dead boy's back.

- Oh my God...

Omar said in a frightened tone, and Clementine turned around with an arched eyebrow... why were they looking so afraid? The threat had been killed, they were safe now, no?

- The... The kid blew his brains out!

Mitch said in a mixture of shock, and anger, alternating his gaze between Marlon's body, and AJ, who had an expression just as confused as Clementine's.

- You... you shot him... you're a murderer...

Louis said almost in a whisper, looking with tears in his eyes at AJ, who was surprised to hear this.

- Okay, so you ignore the fact that Brody would be dead if I hadn't acted? Ignore the fact that if the gun was loaded, I would be the one with a bullet in my head right now? Holy shit...

Clementine said with one hand on her head, not believing what she was seeing, and hearing.

Really?

- What the fuck did you teach this kid?

Louis ignored her, turning to her with a mixture of anger and sadness.

- Ahm... survive?

She answered with an arched eyebrow, taking the bullets she had put in her pocket and starting to reload the gun's comb.

Louis looked at her startled, intrigued... maybe because she was so calm about it, so... "normal".

- Come on, he tried to kill Brody, goddammit! She'd be dead by now!

Violet shouted, pointing at the girl who was still leaning on Ruby, staring wide-eyed at Marlon's body.

- Survive? You call that surviving?! The boy is a murderer... you turned him into a murderer!

Louis shouted, ignoring Violet, no longer able to control the tears streaming down his face.

(...)

- He called me a murderer... but, we have to kill bad things. Monsters, and bad people, right? Did I do it bad?

AJ asked, looking at the ground as he clenched his fist.

- They shouldn't blame you for doing that, Marlon tried to kill Brody, tried to kill me, if you hadn't put a bullet in his head, I would'.

She said, patting the bed, and soon, AJ sat down next to her.

- As to your first question, yes, you are now a murderer. Once you kill another person, AJ, you become a murderer. It doesn't matter if it was to defend yourself, or because you wanted to.

she said, looking deep into the eyes of AJ, who was staring at her attentively.

- However, I have to admit that even if I had pulled the trigger, I would have the wrong thing to do... according to what is "right and wrong", or some shit like that. Marlon was no longer a threat, not at that point, I could have stabbed his leg, or cut the nerves out of his arm, and handled it another way.

She said, looking away and running a hand through her hair. That subject, like everything else, was something quite complicated to deal with.

Everyone had already killed... well, maybe not some people in that school, but most people in the world.

That was a necessary thing, and the synonym for "murderer" had been lost for a long time. Everyone was a murderer, it was no longer possible to judge.

- So... even though it was wrong, would you do it? Why would you?

AJ asked with an arched eyebrow, and Clementine sighed wearily.

"How am I supposed to explain that?" She thought, taking the hat off her head and placing it at her side.

- Because I know the difference between a permanent threat, and a temporary one. Marlon lied to them for over a year, planned to sell other people here, planned to sell us... he was a danger to us, that's for sure, that's why I would kill him.

She explained, placing her hand on AJ's shoulder gently.

- However, there would be the other way to judge him. And that would be in a conversation with the others, with him as a prisoner. It's not practical anymore, and it's also too risky these days. So, just in case, I prefer not to risk it, depending on the situation.

She said, raising her head and looking at the wall of the room. This subject was much more complex than she had said, but it was something AJ would learn as he grew older.

- But still, AJ. You don't go out shooting everyone you think is a threat, you have to learn to judge that kind of person, to know when to shoot to kill, to wound, or simply to scare. Sometimes, not to shoot at all. Some people play tough, but they are no big deal and not worth wasting a bullet on.

She said, looking back at him with a serious look.

-So, is that why they got angry with me?

he asked, looking at Clementine with some doubt in his eyes.

- That too. But mostly because they're not used to this kind of thing. They're not used to killing someone... or seeing someone killed by a bullet.

She answered, bending down and picking up her machete from under the bed, placing it on her back.

- What are we going to do now?

he asked, looking down sadly.

(...)

Clementine looked at the frightened faces with a certain nonchalance. Most of them were blaming AJ, ignoring what Marlon had done, and that was fucking bullshit.

Her gaze fell on Mitch, the boy had an irritated expression and was clenching his fist tightly. He tried to take a step towards AJ, but Clementine took out her machete and pointed it at his throat.

- Try to do something against him and you're next.

She said in a cold tone, looking intensely at Mitch, who only grew more irritated.

- Oh, you're going to kill me now?! Like that kid did to Marlon?!

he shouted angrily.

- Like Marlon was going to do to Brody.

She replied coldly, and Mitch's eyes widened for a moment, not knowing how to respond.

- Oh, for fuck's sake! What's the matter with you people?!

Violet asked, equally annoyed. She walked forward and stood beside Clementine, looking incredulously at the group.

- They murdered Marlon! We could have talked to him, done things the right way!

Louis shouted back, his voice choked with crying, where his tears mixed with the rain.

- Brody has a hole in her leg! Sophie and Minnie have been sold, damn it, fucking sold! Does that sound right to you, Louis?!

she shouted again, turning to Louis for a moment, before turning her gaze back to Clementine.

- Get AJ and get out of here, I'll handle this.

She said seriously, and Clementine stared at her for a moment.

She didn't need to do that, they weren't much danger to her, not after everything she had been through, and what she had seen.

But, to keep AJ from getting more involved than he should, she decided to do as Violet said.

- Thank you... Let's go AJ.

She thanked him, and called to the boy, who started to walk beside her, somewhat shocked by the things he heard.

- Oh, so we're just going to let them go back to the dorms like that? After they killed my best friend?!

Louis said loudly, looking somewhat mockingly at Clementine, who simply ignored him.

- Your best friend sold out Tenn's sisters! When is this going to get into your fucking head?!

Violet replied, looking at Louis in the same way.

- What's going to happen next time any of us do something that that boy doesn't like?! Should we expect a bullet in the head too?

He ignored her again, and Violet sighed loudly in irritation, clapping her hand over her head.

- If you guys try to kill me, like Marlon did, you better make sure I'm dead.

Clementine said, looking coldly at Louis, who stared at her in disbelief.

- Was that a fucking threat?!

Mitch asked, looking at Clementine with mortal rage.

- No, it was a warning. This is for your own good; I'd hate to have to kill someone here because they did something stupid. Don't challenge me, Mitch, I've seen it, and I've done things you have no idea about.

She replied, turning and walking towards the dormitory, placing a hand gently on AJ's back along the way.

(...)

- If I am a murderer, will I die too? I think murderers are like monsters... and we know what happens to monsters.

AJ asked, and Clementine was brought out of her thoughts by the boy's quiet voice.

- No, that's not how it works, buddy. Like I said, everyone is a killer these days. That doesn't necessarily make you a bad person. You killed Marlon because you saw him as a threat, and you wanted to protect what you consider important, there is nothing wrong with that.

She said, leaning her elbows on her thighs and looking at the floor with a distant expression.

- Remember the story I told you yesterday? About Kenny? Yeah, a lot of people would think he was a monster too, and he really did act like one, but, he was forgiven, and he did things that monsters wouldn't do. It's the same with everyone, AJ. We do monstrous things sometimes, and other times, not so much.

She explained, smiling at AJ gently in an attempt to comfort him.

It seemed to have worked, at least a little.

- They think I'm a monster.

he said after a while, shaking his head slightly.

- Well, if you really want this thinking to change, I'll help you. They need to see this situation with our eyes. I'll help you atone.

she said, placing her hand gently on AJ's head, who looked at her confused.

- Atone?

- It means, make up for what you dit wrong. Just like Kenny. Although what you did is totally justifiable.

she replied. Honestly, she didn't care much about being hated, but this place was too good, so she had to at least try to stay behind the safety of those walls. Not for herself, but for AJ.

Outside was no place for a child. Even though she knew that AJ could take care of himself, they wouldn't have to take any unnecessary risks if they stayed in that school.

- You've killed a lot of people, right? When was the first time you killed?

He asked after a while, drawing Clementine out of her thoughts.

- It was a long time ago... I was eight... nine years old, I think. That's when I was kidnapped. I took the knife from the man who was taking me to the prison that they called a room, and stabbed him several times. I lied about him attacking me, but in fact, I just wanted to kill him, I was frustrated, angry, afraid

She said with a distant expression, it no longer affected her. Although she always saw the man's eyes, it didn't haunt her as much as the other things she had experienced in that place.

AJ stared at her for a while, surprised, and even a little more confused by that twisted personality.

-But why?I mean, I understand that you were kidnapped, but what made you want to kill him?

he asked, staring at her with an arched eyebrow.

Clementine sighed and bowed her head. It all started when she saw her dead parents tied to two chairs... after that, she changed forever.

- I... was forced to see my dead parents sitting in front of a dining room table... every day I had to stare at their deformed bodies... it messed with me, with my mind. I got angry, and I wanted to kill everyone in that place... but I wasn't strong enough, so I did what I could until Lee came and got me out.

She answered, standing up as she put the hat back on her head, trying to push away those thoughts that kept flooding her mind.

AJ stared at her for a while longer, understanding her reasons.

- Thank you... for trying to comfort me.

He thanked her, and Clementine turned to him with a slight expression.

- I love you, Clem.

He said, and a warm smile broke out on her face as she felt her chest heat up.

- I love you too, Goofball.

she said amused, looking at AJ's silly expression.

The bedroom door was opened, and Clementine looked at Tenn with a curious expression.

The boy looked downcast, a heavy expression hung over his face. Quite different from the calm and peaceful expression the boy always had.

- Hey. Violet told me to take you guys to the funeral.

he said as he walked toward them, alternating his gaze between Clementine and AJ.

- We're invited? Really?

Clementine asked, putting a hand on her waist and looking at Tenn in surprise.

- Violet didn't want us to have a funeral, but... it seems like the right thing to do... even though he has...

He stopped talking and sighed sadly, looking at the ground.

Clementine could sympathize with the boy, he was a good kid. She walked over to him and put her hand on his shoulder in an attempt to comfort him.

Tenn looked at her for a moment, nodding to her in appreciation as he gave a small, sad smile.

- I brought this for you.

He said, handing a policeman's doll to AJ, who stared at him in surprise.

- I thought you'd be scared, with everyone upset and all. But you were very brave yesterday. Just like a cop.

He explained, and AJ took the doll from his hand, staring at the policeman with a slight expression.

- Cops are good... I'm a murderer, I don't deserve this.

AJ said, trying to hand the doll back to Tenn, who just pushed his hand back slightly.

- Cops kill too. They kill to protect others. Besides, you have to have a trial first, before you can be considered a murderer. That's how it works... used to work. Before.

Tenn said, and AJ looked at Clementine suggestively.

- Who decided that you are a murderer? Killing to protect something, or someone, is not wrong. It's just the way things are.

Tenn said, and Clementine looked at him in surprise.

The boy was more mature than he seemed.

AJ stared at him for a few moments, before turning his gaze to the policeman in his hand.

-Thank you... I hope we can play with it later, me with the policeman, you with the firefighter.

AJ said with a slight smile on his face, and Tenn reciprocated.

- After the funeral. They already buried him, Vi will start in a little while. See you there.

Tenn said, waving to both of them one last time, before walking to the door and leaving the room.

- This is gonna be complicated, they're gonna be pretty upset.

She said, getting up and massaging her shoulder, of all the things to worry about, she had to worry about a bunch of angry teenagers?

"Jesus... They wouldn't survive out there like that" She thought, making sure her gun was in easy reach.

Just in case.

- What should we do? I mean, what do we have to say?

AJ asked, getting up from the bed and putting the revolver in his waistband, looking at Clementine slightly confused.

- I don't know. Maybe that you killed him because you saw him as a threat. Tell them your real reasons. Which, by the way, are entirely plausible.

She said, watching the confused expression on AJ's face for a moment, but he kept his doubt to himself and walked towards the door.

Clementine sighed slightly, and followed him out.

(...)

They approached the school cemetery, watching the group of people standing in front of Marlon's grave, even Brody was there.

With her leg bandaged and propped up on a crutch, but she was there.

- Clem... why do people have funerals?

he asked as he approached, looking at Clementine with a certain curiosity.

- To remember those they love... or to say a final goodbye... or as a sign of respect... I don't know, people do them for different reasons. I have never buried a loved one.

She answered, looking at the grave, where Rosie was sitting just in front of it, somewhat depressed.

- Does everyone have a funeral?

- People? Most of them, yes. Even some animals.

- Monsters too?

-... It depends. For example, if I get bitten and become a monster, you can decide to bury me, or burn my body, whatever you think is better.

She said neutrally, oblivious to the somewhat anguished expression AJ made at that thought.

She was not afraid of death, it was something normal. She had lived with it long enough to get used to the idea.

And as long as AJ was alive and safe, she didn't mind dying... not anymore.

They focused their eyes on Violet, who approached the grave. The girl was standing sideways to them, not giving a good view of her expressions.

But Clementine could swear she saw a bit of pain on the girl's face.

- Marlon... I will never forget when you saved Tenn from those zombies, or how you brought food and took care of us when all this happened... you were almost a hero to many people here...

She said in a nostalgic tone, staring at Marlon's name on the wooden cross.

- You helped us to survive, and until some time ago, we thought we were a family. I also won't forget the day you betrayed us.

She said, ignoring the stares she felt penetrating her back.

- Violet...

Ruby scolded her softly, causing Violet to sigh in irritation.

- What? I have to forget the shit he did? Forget that he sold out two of the people who considered him family? That he almost killed Brody?

She asked ironically, turning to Ruby, who didn't know how to answer that.

- This is a funeral, have at least a little respect for him, because he did good things too.

Louis said, his red, swollen eyes staring into Violet's angry ones.

- I respected him, before he stabbed us in the back. He did good things, yes, but in the end he threw us away like garbage.

She said mockingly.

- Marlon... Marlon protected us... he helped us... I have to see his side too.

Louis said, trying to control the emotions that were fighting furiously inside him.

- Well then, fuck you, AND him.

She said, turning away from the grave and standing next to Brody further back, who stared at Marlon's name in silence.

- Bitch.

Mitch cursed, glaring angrily at Violet.

- Dude, don't start.

Louis said, making Mitch turn to him.

- Really, Louis?! He was your best friend!

- And you think I don't fucking know that?!

Louis said at the point of exploding, taking a deep breath to keep from screaming, or letting the tears run down his face once again.

- He wasn't perfect, but he deserved better than to be killed by a fucking kid.

Mitch said scornfully, glaring angrily at AJ.

Clementine was willing to have a peaceful conversation there, to resolve the situation in a civil manner, something very rare these days.

But if anyone tried anything against AJ, she would not hesitate to shoot.

- Sophie and Minnie deserved better than to be sold to strangers.

Violet said, crossing her arms and looking in the opposite direction, clearly trying to irritate Mitch.

And it worked.

- That boy killed him like it was nothing!

he shouted, pointing at AJ as he took a few steps closer.

- And I'm going to do the same to you if you don't calm the fuck down. Why don't you get mad at Marlon, who sold out two loved ones like it was nothing?

Clementine said, standing in front of AJ and looking at Mitch defiantly. She wouldn't stand by while someone who had never stepped foot outside spoke ill of AJ, no fucking way.

- Look, I know I'm a murderer...

AJ began, standing next to Clementine, who didn't look away from Mitch.

- But, Marlon tried to kill Brody, he tried to kill Clem... and he was going to sell others from here to those guys... he was a threat...

He explained, getting uncomfortable with the heavy expressions of some people, but continuing to say. He had to tell his real intentions, even if people didn't like it.

- Damn... I can't hear this...

Louis said, bowing his head and walking out of the cemetery.

- good riddance.

Violet said in a whisper, crossing her arms and standing with her back to Marlon's grave.

- I know you didn't want me to do this, but I thought Marlon was dangerous, and I didn't want him to hurt anyone else, no more than he did. But, I'll make up for what I did.

He said, bowing his head and looking at the ground.

- You don't have to make up for shit. Marlon was a murderer, a fucking liar. Arhg, I should have asked more questions about Sophie and Minnie's disappearance last year, maybe things wouldn't have ended this way.

Violet said angrily, walking further ahead and looking at the others.

- She has a point.

Aasim said, putting his hands on his waist. He looked the most "neutral" there.

- Shut up! It wasn't Marlon's fault.

Willy said, looking irritated at Aasim, who just ignored him.

- Holy fuck, what about him wanting to sell you, Willy, that wasn't his fault? Wanting to sell you and Tenn to those guys? Open your fucking eyes! Marlon reaped what he sowed, end of story.

Violet said, ignoring the boy's irritated look in her direction.

- I agree with Violet.

Brody's voice caught the attention of everyone there, and they turned to her.

- I'll never forget the threats he made, the times he tried to beat me to keep my mouth shut... him pointing a gun at my head. If AJ hadn't killed him, I would have sooner or later.

Brody said with some sneering in her voice, still looking at Marlon's name on the cross, and ignoring the stares of the others.

- Unbelievable...

Mitch said in a whisper, walking towards the cemetery exit, glaring at AJ angrily as he passed them.

Clementine sighed as she watched Mitch, she hoped she didn't have to kill anyone else there.