Feeling nauseous, violent butterflies attacking her stomach, she walked closer and closer to his apartment. Taking deep breaths, she then slowed her steps, walking as slowly as possible.

She was so sick for coming here…And goodness, he was sick!

Shaking her head, she was finally at his door. Timidly, she knocked.

Time seemed to slow. But all at once, her heart stopped as the door was opened.

He was standing there, gun down at his side, and the look on his face was almost one of disbelief at first, then happy, shocked wonder. He smiled a little.

Her heart began to beat faster at the sight of his face. Half of her wanted to run away again. But she forced herself not to.

He was the one who spoke first. "You…you came. I can't believe it," he said softly.

There was blood on his shirt, and a few spatters on his neck. She tried not to let her mind wander as to why, and then shook herself just a bit for being ridiculous…it wasn't as though he had just murdered people in his apartment…

Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to look at him. "Y…yes. I came," she said.

His smile growing a little more, he stood back and held the door wider. "Well, come in," he said.

Smiling tight-lipped at him, she did so. The door closed behind her, and then he was pulling out a chair for her. "Th, thank you," she stammered.

"You're welcome," he said, smiling a little.

Timidly Beth sat, noting the two bags full of supplies on his bed, some spilling out. There were boxes of bullets, two new handguns, and knives in one, and in the other, there were what seemed to be personal products…clothing, some men's body wash and shampoo, and razors and shaving cream. Two red cans of soup and rice had fallen on the floor.

Going to pick them up, he answered her question. "I just got back from a supply run awhile ago…got pretty much everythin' I needed," he said.

She forced herself to speak. "You look pretty banged up…are…are you all right?" she said, and then wondered why she should even care, despairing.

He grinned. "None of the blood's mine, thankfully, though I'm sure I don't smell too good, so I apologize. There weren't too many Biters where I went. I was surprised."

Going into the bathroom, he said, "Do you want anythin' to eat or drink? Whatever you want, you can have." He emerged using a piece of wet toilet paper to wipe the blood off his neck.

Beth hesitated, then said, "I wouldn't mind some water if you have any."

Laughing a little, he handed her a bottle.

Smiling a little in thanks, she took a sip, trying not to wonder what the others would think if they could see her now.

Then he sat down across from her. His hair was tousled a little, as though he had just gotten of bed, and she had to admit he was right…the stench of Walker blood and just a little bit perspiration was present…but it certainly wasn't the worst thing she had ever smelled. Heck, she knew she probably didn't smell all that great either.

Again, he spoke first. "So…how have you been?" he said.

She gulped a little, and then said, "I…I've been alright. How have you been?" she asked.

"Can't really complain," he said.

She nodded. "That's good," she said, and then awkward silence fell again, bringing back memories of their previous meeting.

She let her eyes wander over his appearance more thoroughly, and then wondered why she was… He was wearing a buttoned blue shirt and black pants. Her face flushed a little in embarrassment as she realized the shirt was unbuttoned just three holes, so a little bit of his chest hair was showing.

Averting her eyes, she looked him in the eye again. The Governor spoke again.

"Are…are you really sure you want to be here, Beth?" he asked. "Because you…you can leave. I wouldn't stop you."

She was surprised by his question, shock flooding her…almost feeling touched…Then she forced herself to smile. "Yeah…yeah I am. But thank you."

He nodded curtly. "I just wanted to make sure."

Beth nodded, speaking …this time genuinely wanting to, for some odd reason. "I…I wanted to thank you for the…supplies you gave me...especially the sweater. It's very warm." She did not know why she said those words at first, but as she thought about it, she really was even more grateful than she had previously thought.

He smiled a little. "You don't need to thank me…I wanted to," he said.

His smile burned into her. She looked away, clearing her throat.

She looked back when he spoke again. "Have you been sleepin' okay? Eatin' fine? Is everythin' fine at the prison?"

"Uh…yeah, yeah. I have," she said. "And everythin's fine. Why?"

He shook his head a little. "I…I just wanted to make sure. I just hope you're feelin' fine and have everythin' you need. If you need extra food or water don't hesitate to let me know."

Feeling even more surprised at his apparent concern, Beth could only stare, but soon she hastily smiled. It was…it was nice, oddly enough. Even coming from him. And she couldn't deny that his offer to give her any food or supplies she herself might want or need was incredibly generous. Almost…she felt strange using the word in reference to him, but it was almost…sweet.

"I…I will. Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me," he said.

Beth nodded. "I do, though. And I…how have you been? Have you been sleepin' fine and everythin'?"

The Governor nodded his head. "I've slept alright, I guess. Some nights I just can't sleep more than four or five hours at a time, but I do alright with that much sleep. And I eat when I have to…but I sometimes don't. I just drink fluids."

Beth stared. "That's…that's not really healthy. You should try and eat at least one meal a day."

He laughed a little. "I feel fine, really. Besides, I do eat at least one to two meals a day. I've only done that for one or two meals every few days. You'd be amazed what water and juice alone can do for you."

She nodded. "I suppose."

Nerves once again flooding her, Beth steeled herself to ask what she was going to ask…what she was honestly so curious about…had been wondering about ever since she had first discovered him here.

She said, timidly, "I….I…was just wonderin' what….what do you do all day?" She flushed a little at the end.

He looked a little surprised that she was even asking…but then he cleared his throat. It sounded a little hoarse.

He shrugged a little. "I go on runs…hunt…every mornin' I go and check the perimeter of the whole town outside the gates to make sure there isn't a horde brewin' around here…some nights when I just can't sleep I go on runs…I actually prefer them to daytime runs. It's cooler, and it's almost peaceful drivin' around with the stars up in the sky…And then when I don't have to go on runs I try and find some things to do in here…little construction projects…makin' things that'll be useful to me in the way of extra weapons…Fixin' up extra cars that are still here from before in case the current truck I drive dies…I just hate bein' idle. I can't stand it, and keepin' busy makes the time go by and makes me…forget."

The look in his eye as he finished the sentence was almost…almost broken…ashamed. He was looking past her now.

Beth stared, almost feeling pangs of pity for him. That life seemed so lonely. She could only imagine what it would be like to not have anybody to talk to on a daily basis… And she could only imagine how being back here, almost trapped with his memories, haunted him day in and day out…especially on lonely, mournful nights.

She cleared her throat, unsettled. "I…I know it wouldn't be much but you could…you could read a book," she said, feeling even more silly as she spoke the words. Somehow Beth wanted to make him…feel better…offer comfort…though she couldn't understand why…

Luckily, he seemed to snap out of his trance, and smiled a little wryly at her. "A book, huh? I suppose I could try that."

Beth shrugged a little, blushing, feeling even stupider. "Well it…it helps me. And hey…maybe you'll get lucky and find a…a record player or somethin' that still works on your next run."

He grinned a little. "We actually did have some back then…and then they all broke after awhile."

"Oh," Beth said, not knowing what to say. "That's unfortunate then."

He laughed a little, the sound making her jolt. That sound alone reminded her that he was human…just like her and everybody else at the prison…

The sound of his voice again made her forget her current thought.

"It's actually kinda pretty at night…I'll go out and just stand and look at the stars…it's all open and wide in here. It's nice."

The picture he painted did indeed sound pleasant. It also reminded her of nights on the farm and the nights she, Maggie and Shawn would spend stargazing, laughing and eating junk food.

"I…we used to live on a farm, before all…all this. My sister and me and my…my brother would always go watch the stars. It is beautiful."

The Governor looked at her, almost cautious as he asked the question. "You…you have a brother too?"

Biting her lip, she shook her head. "He…he's dead now too."

Putting a hand on the back of his neck and rubbing slightly, he said, "I…I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."

Shaking her head, Beth said, "N…no. No. It's fine. I brought it up. It's only natural."

An awkward silence passed again, and then he said, "So…what do you do all day?"

It struck her that he was genuinely interested, yet gently teasing her too.

Feeling a little flustered, she said, "I…I don't know. I…I take care of Judith…I cook…. help wash clothes…that's really it. Nothin' of importance. I guess singin' too, but…"

He said, "It sounds important to me. I'm sure your family really appreciates it. And you sing?"

"Y…yes," she stammered. "But only for my own amusement…and of course to the baby. She really likes it."

Smiling, he said, "Well, I won't ask you to sing anythin' but I wouldn't mind hearin' that if you'd ever want to."

Nodding awkwardly, she looked down at her hands.

Then she was even more shocked when he spoke once again.

"And…hey…I don't mean to imply that…that you can't take care of yourself…can't be safe…but…if…if you'd like…I could go with ya on runs every week for extra protection…or you could take any of my own supplies back each week instead of goin' by yourself. I wouldn't mind."

Staring at him, she almost couldn't believe what he had just said.

If any of her family had suggested what he just had, she would have gotten upset…agitated…supremely frustrated that they continued to baby her and didn't have faith and confidence in her. But of course, he was just being…nice…knew nothing of her situation…

"I…if you were wonderin'…this was only my second run by myself. I…I've always wanted to prove to my family and everyone else at the prison that I can go on runs too, and be…be useful. My family at first wasn't crazy about the idea, but we…we agreed on places the others had cleared. Smaller places…I…I've been fine."

He said, "I…I know. I have no doubt you're wonderful at runs…and I completely understand your wanting to prove yourself to your family but…Yes, you were lucky these two times. But what about the next time? Biters…Biters aren't the only thing you have to fear now. Especially if you're a female."

His words sunk into her. Then he spoke again.

"I…it's your decision, it's just…I would hate to have somethin' happen to you."

Biting her lip, she thought. It really was a thoughtful offer…she truthfully had never considered the idea of being attacked by men while on runs…or running into less than friendly people. She shuddered a little just thinking about the possibilities.

Looking at him, she said, "I…I'll consider it. Th…thank you."

He curtly nodded. "Don't mention it."

He put his hand on the table and she remembered vividly last time…she wondered how it was doing and how she had even forgotten to ask about the condition of it again.

There were still angry bruises on it, and cuts, and it was still (albeit newly) bandaged, but it did look a lot better than last time.

"How…how's your hand been?" she asked. "I hope it's not hurtin' you."

He shook his head, lifting it up. "It's fine. Thank you again. You did a wonderful job on it."

Silence lapsed again, and then he got up, surprising her. "I'm just goin' to check on somethin'… I'll be right back."

Nodding, she watched him leave.

Looking around the room, she surmised it probably was almost dusk now.

Everything looked ordinary…nothing was out of place or order.

Yet, unexpectedly, her attention was caught by a rather odd looking thing on a dresser far across the room. She got up, curious.

It was a picture-frame, with a black cloth over it, so nobody could see the picture unless it was lifted. Gently lifting the cloth, she set it on the dresser and then lifted up the picture frame, her mind in wonder, as well as feeling stricken by it. Sad.

Three smiling faces stared at her, each person as far removed from this new world as anything could be. The Governor smiled back at her, with both eyes and a smile as wide and happy as any man could ever hope for. He looked like he was the happiest man on earth, in this picture. Beside him, smiling just as wide, snuggling in close to him, was a woman, hair long and slightly wavy, and in front was a beautiful little girl, with long brown hair. Her smile was just as wide as her parent's were. All looked radiant, beautiful, and as though they were blessed. It honestly was a beautiful picture…The perfect family.

Beth stared in particular at The Governor. The man….stranger… in the photograph looked so very like him, and yet how could they have been the same? He was just as every bit attractive as he was now, she had to admit, and he looked so happy…so full of joy.

Her eyes moving over, his wife (she assumed) had been beautiful.

Then, her eyes moving downward to the little girl…Penny…she felt another pang. She really had been a beautiful little girl…and so young, too…

She was startled by his re-entrance. Gasping, she froze as he too froze, just staring at her wordlessly.

"I…I'm sorry! I…I'm so sorry," she said, hastily putting the photograph back. "I…I shouldn't have…"

Glancing at the floor, he walked over to where she was and cleared his throat, speaking softly. "It…it's fine. Don't worry about it."

Staring at him, heart still pounding, she then softly asked, but rather timidly, "Was…was that your…your wife and…and Penny?"

She could have shot herself at the expression on his face. His eye now had a dead dull look to it and even she couldn't deny that no matter what he had done…despite everything…she felt sorry for him now, in this moment.

He spoke rather softly, looking at her. "Y…yeah."

Biting her lip, she looked at the photograph again and then said, earnestly, "They…they were both beautiful. And…that's a beautiful picture. You were a beautiful family."

He stared at her, saying nothing, until nodding his head slightly. "Thank you. And they were."

Now he too was staring at the photograph, as though he wanted to live inside it.

His expression changed back to serious when he looked back at her. "I've been meanin' to burn it soon."

Shock flooding her, she couldn't believe it. "W…. what? Burn it? Why?"

Why would he…

He shrugged a little, voice wistful. "Too painful to look at every day."

More sympathy hitting her, despite her best wishes, or judgment, she was aching for him now.

Taking a timid step forward, not even knowing why she was doing so, she placed a gentle, slightly shaking hand on his right arm. His heat almost seared her.

"H…hey. I…I know how it feels…I've been there. But…but you…you shouldn't burn it. I…I can't tell you how I'd love to have a picture of my Momma and brother every day. One day, you…you really might regret it."

Biting her lip, unsure why she was even doing so, she lifted up both of her sleeves, stepping back, so the angry scars forever on her wrists were on display.

He stared at them wordlessly and then stared at her, pity and understanding on his face.

"I…back before we found the prison…my…my brother and my…my Momma became Walkers. My daddy kept them locked in the barn, because he…he thought they could become human again some day…normal. We…we all thought so. We all hoped so…especially me. But one day…Shane…a guy from Rick's group…he…he found out about the barn and wanted to kill them. He thought they…they weren't people. Well…they were all killed. Every single one of them in the barn were, along with my Momma and Shawn. I was devastated. I…I tried to kill myself."

She took another step back, feeling even more self-conscious. Pulling her sleeves down, she said, "I…my point is…I was in a real dark place, and I…I was also stupid. But…even though you may not have them anymore, you…you can still be happy again some day. I know how bad it must hurt you, but…no matter how sad and lonely you get…must be…don't ever let it get the best of you and try to die…kill yourself. I may not have known them, but I'm sure they…I know they wouldn't want you to do that. I…I just don't want you to…to do that. Try and remember the good times you had with them. I…I know I probably sound really stupid right now, and corny, but…sometimes thinkin' back to good memories makes life more…bearable now."

Glancing at the floor, she stayed silent, not knowing what to say. Then she felt a warm hand on her arm.

She looked at him, shaking slightly. "Hey. Th…thank you, Beth. That…that does help, a little. And I'm very sorry for what happened to you."

Nodding, she said, "I'm glad. And don't be sorry."

He removed his hand then, and she could still feel the warmth. He looked at her and pointed at the photograph. "That was taken just three months before my…my wife died in a car accident. Drunk driver was goin' the wrong way…head-on collision. I got the call at work."

Biting her lip, she stared at him in sympathy. "I'm so sorry," she said.

He shook his head slightly, glancing at the wall now above the dresser. "Don't be. It wasn't your fault," he said softly. The Governor looked at her again.

"It's just…that's all I have left of them and sometimes…even lookin' at it hurts. I…sometimes I just can't…I can't handle it. But…maybe…maybe I will take your advice…put it away somewhere, just so I have it."

Smiling a little, she said, "I think that'd be nice."

Nodding his head slightly, he took the photograph, looking once more at it, before taking the cloth and wrapping it up neatly, and then opening a bottom drawer and putting it in, closing it.

Clearing his throat a little, he said, "It…it's almost dark now. You'd better be gettin' back."

She nodded. "Alright."

"I'll…I'll walk you out."

Smiling a little in thanks, unsure how to feel, she walked out beside him. They reached the back gate. The air was a little cooler now, and the sky was turning blacker than before.

Opening the gate for her, he curtly nodded his head. "Thank you again, Beth. See you next week."

Feeling unnerved inside, nervous, she nodded too, feeling even guiltier yet again as she thought of everyone else. "Yes. Have a good night."

"You too."

Still feeling shaky as she walked to the pickup truck, she got in, breathing deep as she started the engine.

As she drove, she still felt unsettled…like a horrible person…and yet so…affected.

His smile, unbidden, flashed before her eyes…and the way he had looked at the photograph haunted her…

Time seeming to speed, she was at the prison before she knew it.

And somehow, the whole night, though she could not understand the reason why, the place on her arm where he had touched her still tingled.