Three days later, the fighting had stopped. The New Frontier had lost and people were living in peace. Nick just stared at the bulletin board, filled with people who had lost their lives in and out of Richmond. Nick stuck his hand in his pocket and pulled out two pictures. One of Sarah and one of Clementine, when she was 11. Nick felt like crying, but he posted the pictures up on the board. David walked up to him.
"You lost your daughter?"
Nick chuckled, but it soon turned into even more sadness. "No, she wasn't my daughter, nor was she Kenny's. She was actually a very good friend…" Nick's eyes began to well up. He couldn't finish his sentence as he was already starting to sob.
David placed his hand on Nick's shoulder. "Hey, it's gonna be alright. I actually wanted you and Kenny to meet my family. How does dinner sound?"
Nick shook his head. "It sounds great."
"Alright, then. I'll see you there."
"Thanks, David."
David nodded and walked away, giving Nick his space. Nick took a deep breath and looked at the board. I'm sorry, Clementine. I thought I could keep you and AJ safe, but I couldn't. Wherever you are, please forgive me. Nick turned around and walked out of the building to see the children of Richmond, jumping and playing around. He saw Conrad sitting on the front steps, reading some kind of a book.
"I give you the mausoleum, of all hope and desire. Which will fit your individual needs no better than it did mine or my father's before me. I give it to you, not that you may remember time, but that you may forget. For a moment, now and then, and not spend all of your breath trying to conquer it."
"What's that you're reading?" Nick asked, concerned.
"Oh, it's just a history book that I found lying around. My father always tried to get me to read history books, but I was too damn stubborn."
"Well, it seems like your father was right. You seem to be enjoying yourself."
Conrad chuckled. "Just don't tell my father, alright?"
Nick patted Conrad on the back and Conrad smiled back at him.
"Hey, Conrad?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you know where Tripp and Kenny are?"
"Oh, Tripp's at the bar and Kenny is at that little girl's grave." Conrad saw Nick become upset. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you."
"No, it's okay. Just watch what you say next time."
"Will do."
"See you around, Conrad."
"See ya."
Nick walked past Conrad and walked in the direction of Clementine's grave, which was just outside the steel walls. He saw Kenny kneeling down, right beside Clementine's grave, holding her baseball cap.
"Oh, you found it."
Kenny looked over at Nick. "Yeah, I did."
Nick sat down next to Kenny. "How are you feeling?"
"Like complete bullshit. I promised myself to keep her safe and now look at her."
Kenny looked over at Clementine's grave. He placed the baseball cap on the cross. "You rest in peace, Clementine."
Nick bowed his head in silence for his fallen friend. Kenny looked over at Nick.
"Hey, I've been thinkin' about leavin', never lookin' back, ya know?"
Nick stared at him with shock. "No, you can't do that. I need you here, Kenny."
"Does anyone else need me?"
Nick began to feel sick. "Please, Kenny. I don't know anyone else. I don't want to lose you too."
Despite Nick not saying much, this affected Kenny to a whole other degree. Kenny sighed and looked over at Nick.
"Alright, if you want me to stay, I'll stay."
Nick smiled and leaned in to hug Kenny, but Kenny pushed him back. Kenny stood up and stared at the cross holding Clementine's hat.
"I'm real glad to have met you, Clementine." Kenny said, tipping his hat.
Nick stood up. "So, Kenny, David and his family are having dinner tonight. Do you want to come? You're invited."
Kenny shook his head. "No, I really can't stand to see another family so happy. I just…need some time, ya know?"
Nick shook his head. "No, I completely understand. Take as much time as you need."
Kenny nodded. "Thanks buddy."
Kenny walked into Richmond with Nick following him. "So, I guess I'll see when I'm ready to accept this?"
Nick shrugged. "Whenever you feel ready."
Kenny nodded and walked off in the direction of a place to sleep.
Nick looked over at the bar next to him. I guess I might as well check on Tripp. Nick walked inot the bar to see Tripp drinking heavy liquor at the bar. Tripp noticed Nick walk up to him.
"Oh, hey Nick, you want a drink?"
"Sure. Why the hell not?"
Tripp smiled and patted the seat next to him. "Come on, take a seat, you deserve it."
Nick sat down next to Tripp and Tripp hit the table, alerting the bartender.
"I need another one of these." Tripp said, pointing at his drink. "Can you do that?"
"Sure, no problem." The bartender responded.
The bartender handed Nick the drink and Nick consumed it with one big gulp. Tripp chuckled and patted him on the back.
"Look, I'm sorry about what happened to…Clementine, was it?"
Nick nodded. "Yeah, that was her name."
"I'm sure that she ain't pissed at you, at least in an afterlife. You tried to save her, at least she died knowin' that."
"Yeah, you're right. I know you are."
Tripp shrugged. "Hey, don't take my word for it, but you know what, I might've had too much to drink, so, I'm gonna go take a nap, which I suggest you do as well. You hear me?"
Nick nodded. "Yeah, I hear you."
"Good."
Tripp stood up from his seat and left the bar with Nick following him. He followed Tripp until they made it to their sleeping quarters. Nick went into the room across from Tripp.
"Hey, have a good nap, Tripp."
"Yeah, you too buddy."
Nick closed his door and observed the room. Despite sleeping in this room for three days, he still wasn't used to it. Nick walked over to the bed and laid down on it. He took his hat off and set it on the nightstand. Sleep began to grab at Nick and the last thing he imagined before the darkness overtook him, was the first time he had laid eyes on Clementine. He knew that she saved his life on more than one occasion and Nick silently thanked her as he quickly fell asleep.
P.S. This is the (most likely) official end to this short series. I hope whoever read it liked the concept. When Season 4 is released, I might come back to this series, but I'm not sure. I hope that you all enjoyed the somewhat satisfying ending. Have a good rest of your year!