Author's note:
*insert laughing/crying emoji face here* I love you guys so much. Especially the review and comments you leave. So I'm really hoping you didn't die of a heart attack while I was writing this short, but sweet, chapter. (You know who you are)
But please. Ideas are appreciated immensely.
I hope y'all enjoy this chapter and I can't wait to hear from you guys again!
Carl's POV
When I gave her the bag she was silenced with shock. Her hand was covering her mouth and her eyes were wide and glossy. She then told me that I was an idiot, and then she asked why.
"Why? Why would even risk it?"
"Because you needed it. We all need something from home to remind us of who we are and where we came from." She still didn't get it. "You don't have to become a walker to lose yourself. This is an anchor. Everybody has one."
"What's yours?" she asked. "What's your anchor?"
"Well, I've got my Dad, Judith… and now I've got you… I hope."
"Don't be stupid, Mr. Cheesy. Of course you got me."
And now we are sitting on the make shift bed. Riley is nestled against me, and I have my arm around her as she goes through her stuff. I don't talk as she rummages through her bag. I just sit here, breathing her in, hoping that we would be as lucky as Glenn and Maggie and that this would work.
I need it to work.
Riley's POV
He was tired and I was tired. And even though I knew what was in the bag, I went through it anyway. Pictures. Books. Journals. My music. Clothes. Bras that would actually fit more comfortably. (Praise the lord!)
Eventually, my mind grew distant from the things in my bag and I could only focus on one thing. Carl. I'd known him only a few short months, but yet he'd gone out of his way and done this for me.
I packed everything back into my bag and set it aside. I turned around so I could see Carl. His eyes were closed and his head was back against the wall. He was sleeping. And he was still. I don't think I'd ever seen Carl so perfectly still. It was a bit unsettling, but I took the chance to look at him. To really look at him.
He had a major case of hat hair. His face was more brown than anything, due to all the dirt. And I even saw a hint of a smirk on his face, the same one he wore everywhere.
I went up and kissed his cheek, and his blue eyes fluttered open.
"Hey," he said with a tired voice. "What time is it?"
I gave a little laugh. "Time to go to bed." I said.
His face fell a little bit. "Do you, uh, want me to walk with you back up to the cells?"
"I think we're both too tired to walk anywhere at the moment."
"Does that mean I get to stay here with you?" he asked, his face inching a little closer to mine.
"I hope so." I replied, smiling like an idiot.
"Good." He said, and then he kissed me.