He had driven like a maniac when the news came. His tired eyes stinged more with each step he took after stepping out of his car. His whole chest hurt as the information sunk in. He was sweaty and exhausted when he finally reached the front doors.

Rick was screaming for them. Panic filled him as people stared back with confusion. It was hard when people knew exactly who he was. He couldn't break now. He had to be strong.

"Dad!" Carls voice came from somewhere, "Dad I'm here!"

His eyes searched for his son, and he ran even faster, pushing people from his way completely blocking out everything and everyone, even the nurses who tried to catch up to him.

Finally, he ended up on the other end of the hallway and stormed inside the room. Carl was sitting on the bed. He didn't waste any seconds to rush to him and grabbed him into the tightest hug he could manage as the emotions took over.

"Ow, dad." Carl winced in pain.

He eased up on him and pulled away reluctantly. He grabbed his face and felt his blood boil as he looked at the huge gash on his forehead that was stiched up.

Rick managed to mumble out, "Is Michonne-"

"They took her in a separate ambulance," Carl felt bad for not knowing anything else, "I tried asking them, but the nurses wouldn't tell me."

He could only admire the strenght that his son had. Aaron had called him and explained what had happened, but half of it didn't register with him. They were alive. He had to get to them and everything else was going to have to wait.

"Dad," Carl brought him back, "Is Pete..."

Rick looked at his sons wondering eyes and thought about how he would explain this to him. It was the vital information that stuck with him from that faithful phonecall.

"Yeah," He squeezed Carls shoulder gently, "He was dead before they reached the hospital."

Carls face fell. It was a life changing feeling when you realized that you took someones life. Even for the greater good.

"Carl," Rick wanted to remind him, looking at him directly, "You did everything right. There is nothing you could've done differently."

"I know," He said quietly, shifting a little on the bed, "I had to save her."

The words brought tears into Ricks eyes and he hugged Carl once again, "I love you son."

"I love you too dad."

As they hugged a cry of relief came from the doorway, "Carl!"

Lori barged in, almost knocking Rick from her way as she cried and hugged her first born like she had the first time she ever laid her eyes on him. She took in his banged up appearance and whispered how much she loved him in his ear.

Rick felt like the world stopped for a second as he processed the fact that Michonne was right now alone. The strangling anxiety could have floored him and made him feel like he was the worst possible human being right now. He couldn't just sit still.

"Carl, I have to," He choked up, wiping a tear from his eyes, "I have to go find her. I'll be right back."

Carl understood and nodded, "Find her."

Lori didn't say or emote anything. She simply held her sons hand and waited to hear what had happened.

Rick walked out of the room and headed back to towards the lobby. Negan and Lucille almost bumped into him.

"Carl?" They asked in unison.

"End of the hall. Lori is there," He mumbled out.

Lucille took off running while her husband stayed behind, squeezing Ricks shoulder, "What about her?"

"I don't know yet." Rick was getting agitated.

Negan could sense his mood and nodded, "Let me know if you need anything."

He nodded at his friend, "Keep an eye on Carl."

"Always."

They went their separate ways and finally, Rick reached his destination. He looked around frantically as he waited for the nurse at the front desk to finish her phonecall. He kept tapping his finger against the desk and shifting on his feet. Trying his best to contain himself.

She finally responded to Rick, "Yes?"

"I need to find someone," He pushed his hair back in frustration, "Michonne Anthony."

She narrowed her eyes at Rick and looked at the computer as she typed in her name, "I'm sorry Sheriff I can't find her in the system-"

Rick banged his fist against the desk now, "She was just brought in. Dark, thirties, car accident."

"I'm sorry, I really can't-"

"Just find her!" He shouted out angrily.

As people stopped to look at them and the nurse gathered herself, a soft voice interrupted them.

"Rick." Maggie said calmly and nodded at the nurse behind the desk, "I'll take it from here."

Rick and Maggie stepped aside and he couldn't stop his hands from shaking.

She took his shaking hands and said calmly, "She's in surgery."

He kept staring, unblinking as he took in what Maggie was saying. He couldn't take this anymore.

"They didn't have time to register her in the system," She explained carefully, "She was awake when they brought her in. She kept asking about Carl, she talked about Andre and you. Then suddenly her pulse dropped. They think it was internal bleeding from the crash."

He pushed Maggies comforting hands away and raised his hands behind his neck

He could have dropped on his knees right there and then.

"I know, It sounds bad, but you have to trust it's gonna be okay. They got the best people in there, " Maggie told him, trying to keep him level headed, "She's a strong lady, she ain't going down without a fight."

He kept nodding his head, trying to convince himself that there was no other option. She would fight it through. She had to.

"I'll keep you updated," Maggie smiled sadly, her mind going somewhere as she caressed her own growing baby bump, "Glenn is on his way to see you guys. You know we all got you. Through thick and thin, like always."

He felt thankful that their group of friends rallied around them, but as Maggie left he felt the helpless. It killed him that he couldn't control what happened. He could only pray the universe didn't take her away. He could only wonder, Was this the price he had to pay for his sins?

Rick raised his tired eyes from the floor and noticed Connie, Daryl and Carol walking in. He didn't have to say anything. Connie knew soon as their eyes met and cried a river.


He tried his best to keep himself occupied with little tasks. First he supported his son as he recapped the events to his colleague Tara who took his statement. She was sort of new to the office so Rick figured she was the best one to do the job because she didn't have any personal attachment to Carl. She was biased and it was a good thing. The investigation in this needed to be top notch. Carl wouldn't be the one who ended up paying for this mad mans mistakes.

After that, he called Sasha. Sasha, who had been worried out of her mind. Sasha who made him swear that he would protect her. He had failed in the worst possible way. She was making her way to the hospital, but it was rough since Andre was with her. Sweet Andre who was still in the dark about what had exactly happened. He talked to him on the phone and his heart broke when he kept asking for his mother, not fully understanding her condition. He just assumed she was sick because she was in the hospital.

It drained him. Every single minute that went by felt like it dragged on for hours. His hands still shook and his mind was a mess. He kept hearing her voice in his head.

"Do you really think you're a bad person?"

Her eyes shot up and met his in the darkness, "I think... I could have been better."

His voice was horse, "I don't think there is a single bad bone in you Michonne."

She shifted on the bed, her beautiful body melting against his as she got closer to him, digging her fingers in his hair, "I don't think a good person would lay here with you Rick. I knew we would end up here eventually since Vegas. I could have stayed away. I chose not to. So, I would say there is something in me that's not in others."

He raised his brow and chuckled, "Why didn't you save us the trouble then and tell me this is where we would end up anyway. I shaved my beard off for you for God's sake because I was trying to look like I got it all under control."

"Because," She pushed him on his back playfully, "life is about the journey. It's no fun if someone spoils the ending."

"I see," He laughed, "So is this the ending then?"

"Fucking?"

He laughed again at her direct language, "Nah," he pulled her down on to him and smiled, "Us? Together like this?"

She paused for a moment and smiled brightly, "No. I think it's only the beginning."

"Hey," Daryl interrupted his trip down memory lane and handed him a coffee, "Anything?"

He nodded as an thank you and drank the shitty coffee, wondering how the hospital managed to have even more of a bitter dark liquid than his work place. Michonne would pour it down the drain for him if she was here.

"Nothing," He answered, staring at the clock, "Maggie hadn't heard any updates either."

Daryl grunted in discomfort, he didn't deal well with loss, "Connie is walking around with Carol. She can't stay put if somethings bothering her."

"I get that," Rick kept staring at the depressing wall in the waiting room, "It's been too long. I know it's gonna be bad. I can't feel her, I can't sense her in this anymore-"

His friend could tell he was spiraling, "Hey, don't say that."

"Daryl," Rick looked at him then, "If she is gone. I swear I'm not gonna-"

He grabbed his friends arm, "Nah, man don't go there. You ain't sleeping, it's been hell for the last few days. You ain't thinking straight. She is gonna be fine. I'm telling you, stop doing that to yourself. She would smack you for thinking she is gone like that."

With Rick it was sometimes like talking to a brick wall. Thankfully, Daryl wasn't alone in this.

"You know," Negan leaned against the doorframe before stepping inside, "My boy Daryl mother fucking Dixon isn't always right, but with this one he got it just right."He took a seat across from the two men, "Michonne would punch that other eye out if you for one second dared to give up. You know it. That girl ain't going nowhere."

"She isn't a girl," Glenn deadpanned as he entered the room, sitting next to Negan, "She is a freaking hero. I mean Jesus, Rick you should just hang your hat and let her take care of us from now on."

Rick looked at his friends, feeling thankful and decided their story was far from over.


Carl woke, feeling groggy and disoriented. He had never fallen asleep so fast. After giving his statement and recapping the whole thing it felt like his body had given everything it had to give.

"Mom?" He asked, the room feeling cold and empty.

She was by his side faster than a lighting bolt, "You alright? You want me to page the nurse? Are you in pain? You know I can ask a favor and get you some extra jello."

Carl adjusted himself enough to lift himself on the bed to a sitting position. He suffered a concussion, a broken rib and a few cuts on his arms and face. He winced a little as he took a deep breath. This day sure was crappy.

"Did you hear anything about Michonne?" He asked her first, ignoring the thousand questions considering about himself, "Did she get out of surgery?"

Lori felt uncomfortable. Not because she didn't want to discuss her, but she was afraid if Michonne didn't make it her son would be devastated. He didn't need to have survivors guilt on top of everything else traumatic that had happened.

"No honey," She sat beside the hospital bed, "Nobody knows anything yet."

Carl was upset, "I did my best. I guess it wasn't enough."

Lori was quick to interject him, "No honey," She repeated herself, "You couldn't have done more. You saved her life Carl."

"But I didn't. Dad is not gonna survive if she doesn't make it out alive," Carl said sadly, "I think he loves her. A lot."

"Yeah," Lori agreed, it was a fact and there was no use in denying it, "He does."

"You think you could try to get along if she makes it?"

The question caught her off guard, "Carl..."

"I mean what's the use in being angry and fighting?" He couldn't go back to the way things were before, "I know Shane is here. I heard you talk to him outside in the hallway and mom, I want you to be happy. I want dad to be happy. I know Judy is on board too. I just don't want go home and be strangers again."

She nodded, fighting back tears, "I know baby. We've been too caught up in our own lives and I promise I see and hear you right now. I swear to you that it's not going to be like that when we go home. Me and dad will talk it out. We'll make this work."

Carl felt a sense of relief that his words were taken seriously, "I wouldn't be here if she didn't take matters into her own hands. She saved me. I hope that means something to you."

His mom squeezed his hand and nodded, "It does. More than you know."


Maggie knew people were counting on her. She was not even in the operating room, but she was like a beacon of hope whenever they saw her. She could bring good news any minute now. Michonne brought up a lot of emotions in everybody. Some felt deep concern and others felt guilty for seeing her only as the other woman. She, herself was guilty of judging her and she distanced herself from the situation because it felt like she didn't understand.

It clicked into place when she was wheeled in. Maggie didn't need to understand because she would never be in her shoes and experience her story. Only Michonne and Rick would know what it was that was between them. If it was love like she shared with her own husband she could see how it all unraveled to this point. She felt ashamed for making assumptions and now she might not have the possibility to get to know her.

"Maggie." Her voice was weak.

They were prepping her, putting needles in and huddling over her as the situation turned more serious.

"Maggie." She repeated as she searched for her eyes.

She snapped out of shock and leaned closer to her.

"Before they do anything to me. Tell them I might be pregnant."

Her thoughts swirled around in circles. She silently prayed on Michonnes behalf and the life she might have been carrying.

"Hi sweetheart," Lucille, the tall blonde interrupted her moment and looked at her small bump, "You should sit down."

"I'm fine," Maggie smiled and kept her eyes on the doors that led into surgery, "I'm doing this for Rick."

"Staring at the doors?" Lucille asked, slightly amused.

Maggie kept smiling, "Yep. I guess I am."

She raised her brow in question, "I don't get why all of a sudden people seem to forget who she is. Sure, she got Carl out, but I'm not exactly sure why we keep coddling her and Rick."

Maggie was flabbergasted. She had to remind herself that a good southern woman wouldn't jump on someones throat like she had felt the sudden urge to do just now.

She held her head high and said very directly," You know Lucille, I understand you're a ride or die for Lori, but now is not the place or time to be saying things like that. Read the freacking room."

"I was just saying-"

The pregnant woman held her finger up at her, "No. It doesn't matter what she did or what Rick did when she is in there fighting for her life and if you only want to spread negative energy around here then take a hike."

Lucille looked at her, realizing that she had crossed a line, "I'm sorry Maggie. I know, I shouldn't have said that."

"Don't apologize to me," She rolled her eyes dramatically, "Apolozige to her when she gets out of there."

She sighed, not really knowing what to say. Lucille never felt speechless, but right now she sure did.

"Maybe you should go to the chapel and pray," Maggie suggested, eyeing Lucille, "You've been lost a long time. Maybe you find some answers in there."

"Maggie, " She didn't think her harmless remark would cause her to react this strongly, "I'm not a bad person."

"I never said you were, " Maggie shrugged, not giving her anymore attention, "Maybe that's how you feel about yourself."

Lucille walked off, hear head bowed down in shame. Maggie was left right where she left off. She crossed her fingers again and hoped for the best result for everyone.


Rick flinched when he realized he had dozed off. He cleared his scratchy throat and looked around. Everyone else seemed to be in the same situation. Negan was practically drooling on Glenns sweater as they leaned against each other in slumber. Daryl was half asleep, his hand in Connies hair while she laid asleep in his lap. Carol was leaning against her own hand, her lips tight with a frown on her face.

Rick rubbed his eyes, the hospital air-condition wasn't really helping with the dryness and stinging he felt as he tried to adjust his sight.

He looked up from his seat at the clock and wondered had someone played a cruel prank. Time wasn't moving fast enough. It felt like he was stuck.

Rick saw Shanes head peek into the room. He really didn't want to deal with him right now, but could read his ex best friend well enough. He wanted to talk. He carefully got up from his seat, trying his best to keep quiet. Everyone was exhausted and deserved this little moment of shut eye.

Rick walked up to him, they took a good distance from the waiting room and looked at each other with the matching sleep deprived eyes.

"I don't want to start anything, okay?" Shane said quietly as he leaned against the wall, "I know it's not exactly a good timing right now, but I wanted you to know whatever I said before... it's off the table."

He squinted his eyes at him and replied calmly, "You mean you don't want to blackmail me anymore?"

Shane laughed with a wide smile, "Oh come on man."

Rick really didn't have the patience or the energy for his games, "Shane I don't give a flying fuck," He said back, "Go tell the world. I don't give a fuck."

He could see his distress and raised his arms in surrender, "I'm just trying to be nice here Rick."

"If you wanted to be nice you would get your ass back where you came from," Rick did his best to keep his voice in check, "Go back into hiding and being Loris personal diary."

"Man," Shane turned to him, "It's a shit storm right now and all I'm saying is I got you. I don't want to play these games which'u and Lori. I care about her okay? I always did. I ain't hiding that no more and I got carried away thinking she needed saving. She doesn't. Y'all need to work it out without all of this extra bullshit."

Rick wanted to laugh in his face, but reeled himself in, his voice coming out bitter," You got me?" He repeated, "You got me?"

"Look,"Shane got even closer, his voice a whisper, "Huntley never happened okay? We know nothing right? That's settled."

Rick didn't have it in him to fight with him right now. He wanted to keep his mind away from the drama and the chaos that had consumed him and Michonne. She didn't deserve him at his worst. He needed to keep his word and be better.

"Fine." He nodded, his jaw clenched.

They stood there staring at each other when Maggie rushed to Ricks side.

"She's alive."

They might have been the most glorious words he ever heard.


She wasn't exactly sure what tasted so bad in her mouth, but something did. She slowly swallowed, her mouth was dry and it ached.

The beeping around her was the next thing she registered. It was coming out in a even rhythm. It quite frankly annoyed her.

She opened her eyes slowly, the light hurting her eyes and making her feel dizzy. For a moment there she didn't know who she was or what was going on, but as she blinked it all came back.

Pete.

Carl.

Carl?

Her eyes snapped open wide and she breathed heavily, panic was rising in her as she tried to take in every little detail around her. The monitors, the tubes and the wires connected to them and to her. She felt like a dead fish as she tried to raise her hands.

That panic was gone before it managed to settle inside her. She felt a rough, but familiar fingers grab on to her hand. Suddenly there was warmth. She felt safe.

"You're safe. Carl is safe. It's over."

Her eyes were still a bit blurry and it felt like her brain was having a hard time taking everything in, but then she looked up and saw the piercing blue eyes she had longed to see.

"Rick?" She managed to mumble out as she squeezed his fingers back.

Her skin, her touch had never felt this good. She had never meant this much.

"Yeah." Rick choked up, those tears he had held in for hours now fell without a warning, "It's me."

Michonne smiled weakly from the hospital bed, "What took you so long?"


Thank you.

I keep thanking you guys after each chapter because holy hell there is a lot of you guys, and each time you take the time to write a review, or favorite, or recommend this to fellow fans, or anything else like that I'm beyond grateful. I'm also trying my best to post weekly, but right now I'm working part time so I have less time to write. BUT I will try my best to keep up with the same pace. I also want the quality and the feel of this story to stay authentic, so don't get worried if I post a couple days late.

Hugs to you and lets have an amazing fall!

Until next week!