~One~
A blaring alarm jolted Eve from her sleep, instantly sending adrenaline through her veins. Her eyes flew open as she sprang up from the bed, the movements as silent as a ghost. With a swift, practiced motion, Eve reached under the pillow to retrieve her pistol, its weight reassuringly familiar, as she looked around the small bedroom. Heart pounding like a wild stallion, she extended her arm with the gun in tow, scanning every corner of the small room. Eve's senses were on high alert, looking around for signs of an intruder. To her immense relief, there was no one to be found amidst the stillness of the bedroom. Releasing a long-held breath, she sank back onto the bed and hit snooze on the alarm clock, her muscles relaxing from their tense state. As her eyes roamed the empty confines of the bedroom, a profound sense of safety washed over her.
For the past two weeks, this place, Alexandria, had become Eve's sanctuary. A haven she'd yearned for amid a world turned upside down. Since the cataclysmic events that had shattered modern society, Eve had been a perpetual wanderer, her restless feet never allowing her to stay in one place for more than a fleeting moment. It was an essential piece of advice her father had imparted to her before he was lost to the chaos: "Always keep moving." And so she had, serving on her wits and relentless determination. Then, against all odds, she'd stumbled upon residents of Alexandria who were out on a scouting mission, and they'd saved her life.
Around Alexandria's perimeter, towering metal walls stretched fifty feet into the sky. It was a formidable barrier separating the living from the dangers that lurked beyond them. This small community was a marvel of post-apocalyptic engineering and instilled a sense of security within everyone inside its walls. Functional solar panels brought the gift of electricity, and nestled toward the rear of the community lay an ingenious off-the-grid plumbing system, gifting the residents with the luxury of functioning toilets and refreshingly warm showers that Eve never thought she'd have again.
Vast gardens flourished within the community, bearing abundant fruits and vegetables. They even had a small farm with some farm animals. And the arsenal of weaponry that Alexandria possessed was nothing short of amazing. It seemed too good to be true, an oasis amidst a harsh and unforgiving world, yet Eve couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for having found solace within these fortified walls.
Eve had spent a considerable amount of time fending for herself, so the newfound normalcy of Alexandria felt foreign to her. The sights of neighbors gathering for backyard barbeques, communal movie nights, and even attending church services on Sunday were something she hadn't experienced in a long while. And despite Eve's best efforts to become a part of the community, reintegrating into society had presented tough challenges for her. Although she tended to stay quiet, Eve consciously attempted to assimilate and engage in conversations as needed.
The impending return of Alexandria's leader, Rick Grimes, cast an ominous shroud of uncertainty over Eve's existence within the community, though. Her very future hung precariously in the balance, as it would be Rick's sole prerogative to grant or deny her continued stay in this sanctuary. While no one explicitly articulated their concerns to Eve, she keenly perceived the vigilant scrutiny of the council members; their gazes were laden with unspoken doubts. She comprehended their wariness, for this place stood as a sacred refuge amidst the tumultuous outside world, and bringing in anyone new was always a cautious affair. Eve's heart weighed heavy with worry, contemplating the dire consequences that awaited those who failed to prove their worthiness for Alexandria's protective embrace. Banishing people into the unforgiving wilderness was not the only viable solution alone. Would the community resort to grave measures for those deemed unworthy of shelter within Alexandria's walls? Would they execute her instead?
Eve was lost in her thoughts when an abrupt knock snapped her back to reality. She heard her roommate's voice from the other side of the door. "Eve, you gonna get that or what?"
Her eyes darted to the nightstand, where the small alarm clock was emitting its blaring alarm again. Eve had not heard it go off, then hurriedly reached over to silence it while apologizing to her roommate, Tara Chambler.
Tara chuckled, her voice carrying through the closed door. "I whipped up a small breakfast this morning. I made you a plate and left it in the microwave. Grab it if you're hungry. I'll catch you at shift change. Laters."
"Bye," Eve offered to the closed door, Tara's footsteps fading as she descended the stairs.
After Tara departed the house, Eve began her morning routine. A hasty visit to the restroom was followed by a warm shower, the steam hot enough to cause condensation on the bathroom mirror. Upon stepping out of the shower, she grabbed a towel and whipped away the mist, revealing her reflection. Although her body was now clean and fragrant, her short brown hair shampooed and conditioned, her soul and skin bore irremovable stains.
With a furrowed brow, Eve gazed at her reflection, a stranger staring back at her from the mirror. She no longer recognized the person she had once been. The bubbly, vivacious personality that had once defined her before the undead overran the world had been obliterated, replaced by the hardened, unrecognizable individual reflected in the glass. The woman who had once been Guinevere Blair Pritchard, the CEO of a thriving real estate business, was no more.
Running a comb through her damp hair, a deep frown etched across Eve's face as she confronted the stark visibility of her ribs, barely concealed beneath the paleness of her skin. She had been relatively slender all her life, but the unforgiving apocalypse had been anything but kind to her physique. The relentless struggle for survival had caused her to shed an alarming amount of weight, forcing her into a relentless cycle of daily food hunts, and on most days, she went without. Her time in Alexandria had been a saving grace for her, for they had offered her an abundance of food, allowing her to indulge herself without constraint.
Setting the comb aside, Eve leaned against the bathroom counter, her gaze locked onto the reflection in the mirror. Her body bore a tapestry of scars, each a vivid marker of the past. She traced a hand over the more prominent ones. They were like a constellation of memories etched onto her belly, their origins as vivid and tangible as the bathroom she stood in. The mere recollection sent an icy shiver through her skin, the memories she seldom allowed herself to dwell on. She released a deep, resigned sigh and lowered her hand to her side. No longer wanting to look at the woman she had become in the mirror, Eve departed the bathroom, dressed, and then went downstairs for the breakfast Tara had so kindly left.
The breakfast was simple: a plate of eggs with crispy bacon, but Eve was thankful. She savored each bite while seated at the dining room table, gazing at the nicely decorated home. It exuded an ambiance akin to something plucked from the pages of a Martha Stewart magazine, a fact she marveled at. Eve never expected anything like this when she'd run into Tara and Rosita out on the road.
Amid the solitude of the well-decorated house, Eve's senses were serenaded by the subtle harmonies of everyday life. The refrigerator emitted a gentle hum in the background, a soft cascade of water droplets accompanied the forgotten faucet left dripping by Tara, and the resounding tick-tok of a grandiose grandfather clock resonated from the hallway. Each of these sounds wrapped Eve in a comforting cocoon, fostering a sense of belonging she had longed for.
Although not particularly religious, Eve sent forth a silent prayer to any cosmic force that might lend an ear. Her reverent hope was that the leader of Alexandria would extend the hand of acceptance, treating her as an equal. The sanctuary she had discovered here felt close to heaven on earth, and she desired nothing more than to remain within its secure walls.
Residing in Alexandria didn't equate to idle days filled with leisure. Not at all. As a recent arrival, the residents of this community were diligently committed to their endeavors, and Eve was no exception. The previous week, she had dedicated her time to assisting Alice in the garden, where the vibrant array of plants flourished under their nurturing care. But this week, her assignment took on a different form. She had guard duty at platform number three, overseeing the community's rear.
While not as engaging or enjoyable as tending to the garden, this new responsibility was a role Eve wholeheartedly embraced. She was more than willing to contribute wherever her assistance was required, aligning herself with the shared spirit of cooperation that thrived within Alexandria. Her guard duty often enveloped her in solitude, but sporadically, a diverse array of faces had appeared alongside her.
On her first day, Aaron Raliegh visited her, sparking a connection that had extended to an evening with him and his husband, Eric, over dinner. Eve's new job had also introduced her to Eugene Porter, a bookish man determined to improve his firearm skills. With Eve's expert guidance rooted in her background and familiarity with firearms, being the daughter of a Police Chief, she saw significant improvement in Eugene after about two hours. Everyone she'd met had been friendly, and Eve had carried on conversations with every one of them, even though conversations were challenging at times.
As it turns out, she found she was good at faking it.
When Eve approached the platform with her gun, she found Tara eyeing the road beyond the wall through her binoculars.
"Hey," Tara greeted with a welcoming smile as Eve ascended the ladder to join her. Once up, Tara gestured toward the nearest line of trees. "Got a small group of walkers over there. They're weaving in and out."
"Gotcha," Eve replied with a firm nod, her gaze fixed on the distant group of undead, their silhouettes moving with an eerie slowness.
Tara then turned to Eve and handed her the binoculars. "So," she began in a relaxed tone, causing Eve to shift her attention from the walkers to her roommate. "How was your morning?"
"It was good," Eve admitted, her tone relaxed. "I pretty much did a lot of nothing, just watched movies and read some of my book."
Tara leaned against the railing, studying Eve with a knowing look. "Bet that's still weird for you, huh?"
Eve nodded in agreement, her eyes returning to the world beyond the wall. "It is," she admitted, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "Never thought I'd be doing anything like that again."
Tara's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Did you finally watch Back To The Future?" she asked eagerly.
Eve lifted the binoculars to her eyes, pretending to scan for lurking threats beyond the wall. She allowed a beat of suspense to build before finally lowering the binoculars and turning back to Tara, who was waiting with bated breath.
"I did!" Eve revealed with a grin.
Tara's face lit up with enthusiasm. "Oh my god!" she exclaimed. "Did you love it?"
Eve's eyes shone with happiness as she confirmed, "Yes!"
Tara smiled brightly. "I knew you would!" she exclaimed. "When you told me you'd never seen them, I nearly croaked! Can't call yourself human if you haven't seen that classic."
Sharing a hearty laugh, they returned to scanning the perimeter for any lurking threats.
Eve's smile remained, and she looked at Tara again. "I especially loved it when Loraine fell for Marty! That sooo funny!"
Tara asked, "Did you watch the second one today, too?"
Eve shook her head. "No," she replied. "I watched Pulp Fiction next."
Tara's eyes lit up with anticipation. "Oh, just wait till you watch the second one. It's my favorite!"
Suddenly, a voice called out from the ladder at their feet, causing Tara and Eve to jump in surprise. It was Rosita, and she didn't appear to be in a good mood.
Rosita's voice was sharp as she questioned Tara, her tone indicating impatience. "You coming?" she prodded. "Or are you going to stand around chatting all day? We got work to do, you know?"
Tara responded with a hint of mock petulance. "Yes, Mom! I'm coming," she retorted, playfully mimicking a child. She then shot a wink in Eve's direction. "Well, duty calls. See you tonight."
"Y'all have fun!" Eve replied with a warm smile to both of them.
Rosita, clearly exasperated, let out a loud huff as she descended the ladder, and Tara followed. Eve couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness as they departed. Among all the people she had met in Alexandria, Tara was the one with whom she felt the most at ease. Talking to her was effortless, reminiscent of an old friend, and Eve was gradually becoming comfortable enough to let her guard down around Tara.
Eve shifted her focus back to the expanse beyond the wall, lowering herself into the sole stool on the platform, preparing for her vigilant watch. The morning at Tara's had passed swiftly, but the afternoon crept along at a snail's pace. Amidst the stillness, Eve's watch took a more eventful turn a while later. She spotted a small group of walkers that had ventured perilously close to the wall, prompting her to dispatch them efficiently. Her keen eyes also caught sight of a deer, and she decided to take a shot, the tension building as she lined her target. Just as she prepared to squeeze the trigger, the deer departed away into the dense woods, eluding her aim.
Eve's shift finally ended as the clock struck nine, and she made her way toward the armory. But an unfamiliar man approached her, his long hair neatly pulled into a low ponytail, a hint of stubble marking his tanned cheeks. One might have considered him handsome with a nice physique, but Eve's thoughts were far from such matters.
"Hey," he greeted with a warm smile. "You're the new girl, right?"
Eve nodded, acknowledging her status as the most recent addition to the community. "I'm Eve."
"Nice to meet you. Listen, I'm running late to join a few others on an outing, and I need a favor. Would you be kind enough to take this to the prisoner for me?" He held up a plastic grocery bag brimming with items. "Tara mentioned your shift was ending soon and that you'll pass by the cell on your way home."
Eve arched a skeptical brow, her instincts momentarily questioning the man's request, but she accepted the bag nonetheless. After all, who was she to question their procedures?
"Awesome! Thanks! he exclaimed enthusiastically. "Just drop the bag in front of the bars." With two thumbs up, he swiftly turned and hurried off toward the front gate.
The bag's contents were a curious assortment. Inside, she found a Twinkie, a neatly wrapped sandwich with lettuce, meat, and cheese, a bottle of water, and a small brown paper bag that seemed to hide a bottle of alcohol or at least that was her best guess. It struck her as a somewhat unusual collection of items to deliver to a prisoner at this late hour. However, being the new arrival, Eve decided it wasn't her place to question how the Alexandrians handled their detainees. Their methods were their own business.
After securely storing her gun in the armory, Eve made her way to the solitary cell in Alexandria. The absence of a guard on duty struck her as odd, and as she approached, she noticed the lack of illumination around the closed door. The darkness of the surroundings sent a shiver down her spine, entirely unrelated to the slight chill in the late September air.
She took a deep breath, reassuring herself that there was no reason to be afraid, and cautiously entered the enclosed room. She discovered a switch on the wall in search of a light source. Eve flicked it, and a feeble light bulb above her head sputtered to life, casting a dim glow that barely reached a foot past the bars enclosing the prisoner.
The unsettling silence was broken by the sound of movement emanating from the dark corner of the cell, where the prisoner's bed was situated. An eerie sensation ran down her spine, raising the hairs on the back of her neck. Then, a deep, disembodied voice broke the silence, sending shivers down Eve's spine.
"Well..." it began, emerging silkily from the shadows, "you're a new face."
The voice resonated with an unsettling smoothness, and a soft, almost eerie laughter reverberated within the confined space. Eve could feel her throat tightening as fear crept into her expression. There was a reason this man was locked away as a prisoner, sentenced to spend the rest of his days in confinement. She glanced down at the bag she held tightly, and he took notice.
"Got something for me?" the voice inquired from the darkness, and Eve, with a single, cautious nod, met unseen eyes. "And just what have you brought me?"
Eve offered a nonchalant shrug. "Late-night snacks, I guess."
A sense of curiosity colored the disembodied voice as he inquired further, "What's your name?"
Eve had been about to move forward to place the bag in front of the bars, but his abrupt question gave her pause.
"Why do you want to know?" she countered, her tone defiant. There was no way she was going to reveal her identity to him.
A silence followed, during which she could almost feel his unseen gaze. She silently appreciated that he remained on his bed in the corner. Eve wasn't sure if she would have the courage to drop the bag in front of the bars had he been any closer.
He hesitated a while before saying, "I just... do."
"Well, I'm not telling you," Eve declared firmly, though the words sounded oddly childish to her ears.
He chuckled softly once more, then said, "As you wish."
When he offered nothing further, Eve willed her feet to move. She swiftly deposited the bag beside the bars, then retraced her steps to the door. As she began to pull it open, he managed to slip in the last word before she exited.
"Don't be a stranger."