Thank you everyone for reading, I hope everyone has a wonderful 2024.
Thanks to gaara king of the sand for the help as always!
The group moved cautiously, Clementine, with Diana secure in a makeshift carrier, led the way, her eyes constantly scanning the surroundings for any signs of trouble. Sam stayed close, his senses alert to any potential danger. Danielle and Sarah walked beside them.
Clementine glanced back at the girls, Sarah had been quite ever since they got out of the cabin. "You two doing okay?"
As she expected there was no response from Sarah.
"We're okay..." Danielle said. "For now..."
"...Okay... Let me know if you two need a break." Clementine said.
Danielle gave a nod but Sarah kept quiet.
Clementine knew Sarah wasn't used to being on the road and the last thing she wanted was to overexert the teen.
The group continued through the dense woods. The towering trees cast long shadows as the day progressed, and the atmosphere was tense. After a while, they reached a clearing and Clementine decided it was a good time to rest and gather their thoughts. She gently placed Diana on the ground and gestured for the others to sit.
"Let's take a break here," Clementine suggested. She pulled out a water bottle and handed it to Danielle. "Stay hydrated. We don't know how far we'll have to go."
Danielle nodded appreciatively and took a sip before offering it to Sarah. Sarah however, remained withdrawn, her gaze fixed on some distant point.
Clementine crouched down beside her and spoke, "Sarah, you don't have to talk if you don't want to. But we need to stick together. We're stronger as a team,"
Sarah glanced at her briefly, her eyes reflecting a mix of fear and uncertainty. Clementine gave her a reassuring smile and stood up to tend to Diana. Eventually the baby fell asleep.
As the group rested, Clementine couldn't help but think about their next steps. She mulled over their limited supplies and the importance of finding a safe haven soon.
Sam lay down nearby, keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings.
After a while Clementine stood with a sigh, "We can't stay here for too long. We need to keep moving."
The group gathered their belongings, and Clementine, with Diana back in her carrier, took the lead once again. The forest surrounded them like an endless maze, and the shadows seemed to dance with every swaying branch.
As they ventured deeper into the woods, Clementine remained vigilant, her eyes darting from one tree to another, searching for any signs of danger. The silence was broken only by the rustling of leaves underfoot and the occasional distant howl of a creature.
Danielle walked beside Clementine, her gaze following the path ahead. "Where are we gonna go?" she asked, breaking the silence.
Clementine glanced at the map. "I don't know... Maybe Wellington's an option. Or this area." She motioned to a cluster of mountains on the map.
"I hope we find somewhere safe," Danielle murmured.
Clementine nodded. "We'll figure it out. We just need to keep going." She stole a glance at Sarah, who walked a few steps behind. The teenager remained lost in her own world, seemingly detached from the dire circumstances surrounding them.
Clementine couldn't help but feel the weight of responsibility for the girls' safety, especially baby Diana.
As the day wore on, Clementine found a suitable spot to set up a makeshift camp. The girls looked tired, and even Sam seemed to have reached his limit. Clementine decided it was time to rest and regroup.
"We'll stop here for the night," she announced, setting up a small fire for warmth and light while Danielle held baby Diana.
Clementine started working on cooking a meal of canned soup over the crackling flames
After a while Clementine announced, "Food's ready,"
She distributed the food between the girls, taking Diana back into her arm to feed the child.
As the others ate Sarah remained unresponsive, her mind seemingly a million miles away. Clementine noticed this. "C'mon, Sarah. You need to eat," Clementine urged gently.
Sarah barely acknowledged the food, her eyes distant. Clementine exchanged a worried glance with Danielle, who sighed. Sam nudged Sarah with his nose, sensing her distress.
"Your dad would want you to take care of yourself," Danielle added, trying to break through the walls Sarah had built around herself.
The mention of her father brought a flicker of emotion to Sarah's eyes, but it quickly faded. She picked at her food, the bites mechanical and absent. Clementine could see the struggle within her, the weight of grief and uncertainty pressing down.
"Sarah, we're all in this together. You can't shut yourself off," Clementine said softly, sitting beside her. "Talk to us, let us help."
Sarah remained silent, her gaze fixed on the dying embers of the campfire. Clementine sighed, realizing that the girl needed time.
As night settled in, the girls huddled together for warmth. Clementine kept a watchful eye on Sarah, who eventually succumbed to the exhaustion of the day.
The fire dwindled to embers, casting long shadows across the makeshift camp. In the quietude of the woods, Clementine pondered the challenges that lay ahead.
"Clem..." Danielle called in a small voice.
"Yeah, Dani?"
"We're gonna be okay, right?" Danielle asked.
"Of course. You know we'll be." Clementine replied.
"I want to believe that..." Danielle said with a yawn. "...Wellington sounds nice. But it's far from here, right?"
"Yeah, it's a bit of a journey," Clementine said. "But it might be worth it. They have walls, supplies, and people who've managed to survive. If we make it there, it could be a chance for a better life."
Danielle nodded before softly admitting, "I'm scared..."
"What can I tell you to make it better?" Clementine asked.
"Promise we'll gonna be okay?" Danielle's eyes searched Clementine's face for reassurance.
Clementine smiled, trying to convey a sense of hope. "We're tough, Danielle. We've been through a lot, and we'll keep looking out for each other. No matter where we go, we'll find a way to make it."
"I'm glad you're here..." Danielle said.
"I'm glad you're here too, Danielle," Clementine replied. "Now get some sleep."
Eventually Danielle dosed off.
Clementine kept a watchful eye on their makeshift camp, ensuring the safety of the girls as they slept.
As the first light of dawn painted the sky, Clementine glanced to Sarah, who still slept fitfully, then to Danielle curled up beside her.
They needed to get on the move again.
She carefully roused the girls, mindful not to startle anyone.
"Morning already?" Danielle asked, rubbing sleep from her eyes.
"Yep, kiddo." Clementine said. "Come on, breakfast time..."
The 'breakfast' crackers and water made Sarah furrow her brows, the first reaction they had gotten from the quite teen since the day before.
"You okay, Sarah?" Clementine asked.
"This... isn't breakfast..." Sarah mumbled.
Clementine sighed, realizing that the meager offerings of crackers and water were far from satisfying for someone used to a more stable life. The stark reality of their situation weighed heavily on Sarah, and Clementine wished she could provide more.
"I know, Sarah," Clementine said, her voice gentle. "It's not much, but it's what we have right now. We're doing our best with what we have."
Sarah looked down at the meager meal, her expression a mix of disappointment and resignation. Clementine understood the struggle within the young girl, trying to adapt to a world that had turned upside down.
"We'll find something better later, right, Clem?" Danielle asked.
Clementine nodded, offering a reassuring smile. "Yeah, we will. We just need to keep moving and stay strong. We'll figure this out together."
With a reluctant nod, Sarah began to nibble on the crackers, her gaze distant.
As the girls ate the crackers and sipped their water Clementine nursed her daughter, providing the baby with the nourishment she needed.
As they finished their makeshift breakfast, Clementine gathered their belongings and prepared to set out once again. With Diana cradled in her arm, Clementine took the lead once again.
"Do you think we'll find more people out here? Like, other survivors?" Danielle asked.
"It's possible. We'll keep our eyes open and be cautious. Not everyone out here might be friendly." Clementine said.
"Yeah, that's true..." Danielle said with a frown. "Do you think the people at Wellington are friendly."
"I would hope so..." Clementine replied.
"Me too..." Danielle said. "...Do you think the others are okay?"
"We can hope..." Clementine said. "Come on, let's keep moving."
Danielle nodded in response.
The day pressed on, and the group continued their journey through the woods. Clementine occasionally consulted the map, guiding the group through the challenging terrain.
As they walked, Danielle looked up at Clementine. "I wish there was some music or something. It feels so quiet."
Clementine managed a small smile. "Yeah, I miss those days too. But right now, we need to stay focused. Noise can attract unwanted attention."
The day wore on, and as the sun began to dip below the horizon, Clementine scanned the surroundings for a suitable place to make camp. They needed to rest, especially with Diana needing attention.
"We'll stop here for the night," Clementine declared, choosing a spot with a natural barrier on one side. She set up a small fire and prepped some soup much like the night before.
As they sat around the flickering flames, Danielle broke the silence. "Clem, do you think we'll ever go back to the way things were?"
Clementine sighed, pondering the question. "I don't know, Dani. The world has changed, and we have to adapt. But we can still make a new life, find a place where we belong."
Sarah, who had been mostly silent throughout the day, spoke up, "I just want to find my dad. I need to know he's okay."
"We'll do our best, Sarah. We'll make it through. Just take it one day at a time." Clementine said.
As night settled in, the group huddled together for warmth. Clementine kept watch as the girls slept, keeping her guard up in case things went array
Day three dawned with a sense of weariness settling over the group. The continuous journey had taken its toll on everyone. Clementine, with Diana in her arms, walked at the forefront, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.
The girls, Danielle and Sarah, followed closely behind. The exhaustion was evident in their steps, and even Sam seemed to have lost some of his usual energy. The forest path stretched ahead, winding its way through the towering trees, casting dappled sunlight on the uneven ground.
The group continued their trek, the forest seemingly endless. Hours passed, and fatigue weighed heavily on them. Clementine decided to take a break in a small clearing, shaded by the canopy above.
"Let's rest here for a bit," she suggested, lowering Diana gently to the ground. Sam found a comfortable spot nearby, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.
As they sat amidst the trees, Clementine unfolded the map to reassess their route. Sarah, still withdrawn, stared into the distance. Danielle, ever the curious one, peered over Clementine's shoulder.
"Anything interesting on the map, Clem?" Danielle asked.
Setting the map on her lap, Clementine traced a route with her finger. "We're here, and if we keep heading this way, we'll make it to the mountains in a few more days. Could be a chance to find supplies and maybe a place to stay."
Sarah's gaze flickered, a spark of interest in her eyes.
"That's good, we'll need more supplies soon." Danielle said.
"Yeah, we will." Clementine agreed.
As the group continued their break Clementine took the time to nurse and change her daughter, while Danielle tried to engage Sarah in conversation. Though when the teens seemed unwilling to chat Danielle turned her attention to playing with Flopsie.
"We should get going soon," Clementine said, standing up. "The more ground we cover, the better chance we have."
The group gathered their belongings and resumed their journey.
When nightfall approached, Clementine scanned the surroundings for a suitable spot to rest.
As the group settled in for another night in the wilderness, ever watchful, kept a vigilant eye on the horizon, knowing that the journey was far from over.
"Clem, are you gonna sleep tonight?" Danielle asked, her young eyes reflecting genuine worry.
"Why are you asking me that?" Clementine asked.
"You've been keeping watch for the past few days. You need to rest too." Danielle said. "Let me take watch tonight."
"Don't worry about me, Dani." Clementine said.
"But I do worry. We're a team, remember? You said so yourself. Let me help." Danielle responded.
"You're always a big help." Clementine said. "I'll get some rest... But you need your rest too."
"Then who will keep watch?" Danielle asked.
"Sam will bark if there's any danger..." Clementine replied.
"...Okay... Danielle hesitated. "It's just... with everything going on, I want to make sure you're okay too."
Clementine appreciated Danielle's concern. She crouched down to be at eye level with her. "I appreciate that, Dani, I promise I'll rest... If you wanna keep watch for a bit, that's fine."
Danielle nodded, happy to help.
The makeshift camp was set up, and as the night settled in, Clementine found a spot to lie down, keeping Diana close. Sam positioned himself nearby, his watchful presence providing an added layer of security.
The morning sun painted the sky in hues of pink and orange as Clementine stirred awake. The makeshift camp had provided a restless night's sleep.
Clementine checked on Diana, who lay nestled beside her.
Danielle, already awake, sat on guard, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger.
"Morning, Clem," Danielle greeted with a tired smile.
"Morning," Clementine replied, "Dani, did you get any sleep?"
"I told you I would keep watch last night." Danielle said.
"I know, but still..." Clementine sighed. "We need to get ready to move. Wake Sarah up..."
Danielle gave a nod going to do so, while Clementine gently woke Diana to tend to her daughter's needs.
As they walked, conversations were sparse. They walked mostly in silence, all tired from the days on the road already.
And just when things seemed they couldn't get worse, thunder boomed through the air.
Diana immediately began crying.
The weather had taken a turn, and gray clouds loomed overhead, threatening rain. Clementine adjusted Diana in her arms to shield the baby as best as she could. Sarah and Danielle walked beside her, their eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of walkers or potential threats.
"We should find shelter before the rain starts," Danielle suggested, casting a worried glance at the gathering clouds.
"We'll try our best." Clementine said.
"Shelter like, a house?" Sarah asked.
"I doubt we'll find something like that. An abandoned vehicle might be our best hope." Clementine said. "Or a gas station might be our best bet."
After what felt like hours of walking they did manage to find a broken down car. They quickly piled into the vehicle to shield themselves from the rain.
As they huddled inside, Clementine set Diana down on a makeshift blanket. The baby, growing more accustomed to the harsh realities of their world, looked around with curious eyes.
The rain continued to fall, a soft patter against the car's decaying roof. Clementine, feeling the exhaustion in her bones, took a moment to rest against a cold door. The weight of her missing arm seemed to intensify in these quiet moments, a constant reminder of the battles fought and the losses endured.
"Are you okay, Clem?" Sarah asked, her eyes reflecting genuine concern.
"I'm fine, Sarah. Just tired," Clementine replied, mustering a reassuring smile.
Danielle joined them, handing Clementine a canteen of water. "You've been pushing yourself really hard. We can help too, you know."
"I know, Dani. I appreciate it." Clementine said.
As the rain intensified outside, the group found a temporary respite within the confines of the gas station. The soft sounds of raindrops provided a backdrop to their collective silence. Diana, nestled among them, seemed unfazed by the world outside.
In the dim light, Clementine glanced at the faces of Sarah and Danielle.
"We'll rest for now... And tomorrow, we'll keep moving forward," Clementine declared. "No matter what comes our way, we'll find a way to survive. We're in this together."
The two girls nodded huddling closer as the rain outside continued its steady descent.
Day five brought with it a new challenge as Diana, started to get fussy. The constant movement and unfamiliar surroundings seemed to unsettle her. Clementine adjusted her grip on the baby, trying to soothe her.
"I know, Diana. It's tough for all of us," Clementine murmured, gently rocking the baby in her arms. Sam, sensing the tension, came closer, offering a comforting presence.
"Is she okay?" Sarah asked, looking anxious.
"She's just fussy right now... She's probably tired...She needs proper rest, and so do we." Clementine said.
Danielle noticed Diana's fussiness and chimed in, "What should we do? If she keeps crying monsters will come..."
"We'll worry about that if it comes to it..." Clementine said. "Just keep walking."
As the group continued their journey, the forest path seemed to stretch endlessly, and the baby's cries echoed among the trees. Clementine knew they needed a break soon, not just for Diana's sake but for the well-being of all of them.
After some time, they reached a clearing and Clementine took the time to tend to Diana's needs.
Diana's cries softened as her mother nursed her.
"Is she going to be okay...?" Sarah asked.
"Yeah... She just needs rest..." Clementine said.
After nursing her child, Clementine decided it was time to set up camp for the night. The girls helped gather firewood, and Clementine started a small fire. The warmth and crackling flames seemed to provide a sense of comfort in the darkening forest.
"We'll stay here for the night," Clementine announced, arranging their makeshift camp. "We all need rest, especially Diana."
As the night settled in, Clementine held Diana close, the baby finally succumbing to sleep. The girls huddled together, finding solace in the shared warmth. Sam lay nearby, keeping a watchful eye on their makeshift camp.
Clementine, gazing at the stars peeking through the treetop. Sleep did not come easy for her. Her mind buzzed with thoughts of their uncertain future and the responsibility of caring for the girls, especially baby Diana, weighed heavily on her shoulders.
"We'll get through this," Clementine whispered, more to herself than anyone else.
The days on the road stretched on, and Diana's cries became a constant companion. Clementine did her best to comfort her baby, but the relentless sound of walkers in the distance and the uncertainty of their surroundings seemed to agitate Diana, leaving her inconsolable at times.
As they settled in a makeshift camp, Diana's cries echoed through the night air. Sarah and Danielle exchanged glances, both unsure how to help with the distressed baby.
The night continued, and Diana eventually settled into a restless sleep. The group huddled together and Clementine broke the silence with a question. "How are you girls holding up?"
Sarah hesitated before finally speaking, her words barely audible. "I just want my dad to be okay. I want everything to be okay."
"We're doing our best, Sarah. I'm sure your dad is okay... We'll try to find him and we'll keep each other safe. But we need you to be strong too." Clementine said.
Sarah nodded. "Okay..."
The next day the had come to another stop. At Clementine's urging, Danielle climbed on top of a rock using binoculars to see.
"See anything?" Clementine asked.
"I see the bridge." Danielle replied.
"Does it look passable?" Clementine questioned.
Danielle nodded. "I think so. There's a little house by the bridge. And...There's a lift or something."
"Chair lift? Must be that ski resort." Clementine hummed.
"There's a building on the mountain." Danielle added.
"What it's look like?" Clementine asked.
It's pretty big." Danielle replied.
"That sounds like a good place to spend the night." Clementine said. "Okay, thanks Dani. I'll go check it out."
Danielle put her binoculars away and frowned, turning to look at Clementine. "Alone?"
"Yes. You two stay with Diana." Clementine said.
"But Clem..." Danielle started to protest.
"I'll be quick, Dani. Just need to see if it's safe," Clementine reassured her. "Keep an eye out, and I'll be back before you know it."
Danielle nodded reluctantly, her concern evident as she watched her guardian walk away.
The groans of the undead echoed in the eerie silence. Clementine reached the beginning of the bridge, where two walkers awaited her.
"I've handled worse," she muttered to herself, her voice carrying a mix of determination and resilience.
The taller walker, its decayed limbs moving with an unnatural stiffness, lurched toward her. Clementine's eyes remained sharp, and she moved with swift determination.
In a well-practiced dance, Clementine dispatched the walkers with little struggle. However, amidst the distraction, she almost failed to notice a third walker silently approaching. Clementine's breath caught as she spotted the additional threat, moving as it goes to grab her.
"Oh, shit...!" Clementine's voice betrayed a hint of alarm as the walker lunged, its grasp closing in on her. She struggled against it's cold grip on her only arm.
Just as the creature seems to be getting the upper hand, a sudden gunshot rang out, echoing through the air. The walker fell lifeless, its grip on Clementine released.
Clementine's eyes widened as the walker fell, a bullet piercing its decaying flesh. She instinctively looked around to identify the source of the gunshot. To her surprise, a figure emerged, holding a gun confidently.
"You okay?" The man calls from where he stands.
"I-I'm fine." Clementine, still catching her breath from the struggle with the walkers, nodded appreciatively. "Thanks for the assist,"
Th man gave her a nod. "No problem. You seemed to be handling it, but I figured I'd lend some help."
"You've got good aim." Clementine said.
"Comes with practice. You never know when you'll need it out here." The man replied.
Clementine nodded.
"So... who are you?" The man finally questioned.
"I'm Clementine. And you are?"
"The name's Matthew." The man said, "Saw you coming and I thought I'd meet you halfway. Then I saw you dealing with those lovely fellows. Figured you could use a hand. Uh... not pointing out your lack of one- Sorry."
"No...it's fine... I appreciate your help." Clementine said.
Matthew walks closer to her. "You don't look like an asshole. Are you an asshole? No offense or anything. But you know how it is out here. You run into a lot of assholes."
"You're the one holding a gun." Clementine pointed out.
"Touché." Matthew said. "You headed north like everyone else? I see at least one group a day move through here. You all look the same. It's like a great migration of the dazed and confused."
"A lot of people are heading that way lately... It's supposed to be safe..." Clementine said.
"So I've heard..." Matthew said. "Are you all alone?"
"No, I have kids with me." Clementine admitted, seeing no point in lying.
"Kids?" Matthew repeated.
As if cue, the two were startled by a young voice calling out, "Clem! Clem, are you okay?!"
Clementine turned to see Danielle and Sam rushing towards her. "Dani, what are you doing?"
Danielle ran in for a hug, relieved to see Clementine was okay while Sam stood protectively in front of the girl, growling at Matthew. "Hey, settle down, boy. It's okay."
"Woah, you have a dog?" Matthew asked, wide eyed with surprise.
"Yeah..." Clementine said shortly, attention still on Danielle. "Dani-"
"Are you okay?" Danielle asked.
"Yeah, I'm okay. This is Matthew. He helped me with the walkers." Clementine said.
Danielle eyed Matthew cautiously before nodding. "Thanks for helping Clem."
"No problem," Matthew replied, offering a friendly nod. "Just doing what needed to be done."
Clementine sighed and knelt to Danielle's level, breaking the hug. "Dani, I told you stay with Diana."
"I know, I know... but I-I heard the gunshot and came to check on you..." Danielle said.
Clementine looked at Danielle, her expression a mix of concern and understanding. "Dani, I appreciate that you're looking out for me, but I need you to stay with Diana. We have to be cautious out here."
"I told Sarah to keep an eye on her." Danielle replied.
"Sarah doesn't have the survival skills that you do yet. You know that." Clementine gently emphasized the importance of Danielle's role in ensuring the safety of the group.
Danielle sighed, realizing the gravity of the situation. "I just wanted to make sure you're okay. I can't lose anyone else."
"Hey, look at me, kiddo. You're not gonna lose me..." Clementine reassured.
Danielle nodded, her eyes reflecting a sense of guilt. "I just... I heard the gunshot, and I couldn't stay back there, not knowing if you were okay."
Clementine placed a reassuring hand on Danielle's shoulder. "I get it, but we need to stick to the plan. If I tell you to do something, I need you to listen, okay."
"Okay... I will." Danielle sighed, acknowledging Clementine's point. "I just... I worry about you, Clem."
"I worry too, Dani. We all do. But we have to be smart about it." Clementine gave her a warm smile. "I'm not going anywhere, Dani. We're a team, and we'll look out for each other. Now, let's get back to Diana and Sarah and keep moving."
"Not to interrupt but you two look like shit. If you need food, I've got some canned stuff in that station back here." Matthew said.
Clementine straightened up. "That's nice of you... what's the catch?"
"No catch. I've got plenty." Matthew replied.
"Well, alright, then. Thank you." Clementine said.
"Hey, no problem. Nice running into friendly faces out here. Like I said, I've got food and supplies back in the station. And if you want I can take you and your kids back to the lodge." Matthew offered.
"The lodge? You're staying there?" Clementine asked.
Matthew nodded. "Yeah, it's a safe place. I've been there for a while. Got some other folks with me. We keep an eye out for each other."
Clementine exchanged a glance with Danielle, weighing the offer. Safety was a rare commodity in their world, and the idea of a secure place with additional survivors was tempting.
"What do you think, Dani?" Clementine asked.
Danielle looked thoughtful for a moment before nodding. "If it's safe, maybe it's a good idea. We could use a break and some proper rest."
Matthew chimed in, "It's as safe as it gets these days. We've got barricades, lookouts, the whole deal. Plus, it's up in the mountains, so it's harder for walkers to get up there."
Clementine considered the information. "Alright, Matthew. We'll check out the lodge. But if anything feels off, we'll be on our way."
"Fair enough," Matthew said. "Get your kids and I'll take you there."
Clementine nodded.
Matthew waits on the bridge while Clementine goes to get Sarah and Diana.
As Clementine and Danielle approached Sarah they noticed the girl humming to Diana to keep the baby calm. "Thanks for watching her, Sarah." Clementine said.
"You're welcome... She started crying a little but she calmed down." Sarah said.
"You're good with her." Clementine smiled.
"Thanks." Sarah smiled a bit herself.
Clementine took her daughter into her arms and motioned for Sarah to follow.
"Where are we going?" Sarah asked.
"We found a nice guy who's going to give us a place to stay." Clementine said.
"Okay..." Sarah said.
"He said a lot of people have come through here." Danielle said.
"Like... my dad? Do you think my dad came through?" Sarah asked.
"Maybe...We can't say for sure." Clementine didn't want to get the girl's hopes up, so she left it at that. "Come on..."
Carrying Diana, Clementine leads the girls to the bridge with Matthew is waiting.
"We're ready..." Clementine said.
Matthew looks shocked upon seeing them. "Woah, when you said kids I wasn't expecting a baby. I was shocked enough when I saw you had a dog, but a baby..." Matthew said. "You folks have really been through it huh? I can't imagine being your age out here with kids..."
"It hasn't been easy..." Clementine said.
"I'd imagine..." Matthew said.
"We've had our share of struggles, but we're managing. This is Diana," Clementine introduced. "And this is Sarah. They're part of our group."
Matthew smiled warmly at the baby. "Well, it's not every day you come across a little one like this."
"That's true..." Clementine said.
"Before we go... I have to ask you something... I couldn't help but notice that scar on your arm. It got me thinking... Is it what I think it is?" Matthew asked, looking anxious.
"A bit... It was... But it's not the first time I got bit..." Clementine said. "That's how I lost my other arm..."
"Damn... seriously?" Matthew said.
"I know it sounds crazy... but-"
"It does sound crazy but crazy enough... I believe you..." Matthew said. "I can tell you've been through a lot... I'm sorry to hear that..."
"Yeah... But we all have..." Clementine said. "I'm just glad to be alive..."
Matthew nodded. He didn't press further, realizing that Clementine had been through more than her fair share of hardships. "Follow me, and let's get you all settled in."
Matthew them towards the lodge.
"Hold on, let me let my group know you're here." Matthew said heading inside.
Clementine strained to listen as Matthew went to inform his group about their arrival. She could hear the muffled voices of the others inside the lodge, and initially, there was some disagreement.
"Come on, man. They have kids," Matthew stressed.
"Kids or not, we don't know them from fucking Adam." Another voice argued.
The voice sounds familiar to Clementine's ears, but she can't place it immediately.
"It's a young woman, probably just turned eighteen. She has two kids and a baby... Just come outside and meet them. They're not gonna harm anyone," Matthew's voice conveyed a sense of reassurance.
Clementine exchanged glances with Danielle and Sarah, their expressions mirroring her concern. The last thing they needed was to find themselves in a hostile environment after cautiously accepting an invitation.
Clementine took a deep breath, preparing herself for the encounter. She held Diana protectively in her arms, while standing protectively in front of the girls.
"Man, you don't need the gun. Dude seriously!"
The man seemed to ignore Matthew, throwing the door open gun in hand.
Sarah and Danielle hid behind Clementine who clutched Diana tightly before recognition hit her.
Clementine's heart skipped a beat as she spotted the familiar face that emerged with a gun in hand. "K-Kenny?" she stammered, disbelief and a mix of emotions washing over her.
"C-Clem? Is that really you?" Kenny's gruff voice held a mix of shock and relief.
"Wait, you two know each other?" Matthew's voice was heard as he followed Kenny outside.
"Clementine...? Holy shit!" Kenny wasted no time, pulling the girl into a embrace.
"I- I thought you were dead. I can't believe it's you." Clementine said, tears threatening to spill.
"I'll take that as a yes." Another man spoke.
"Well, I'll be damned. Clem, you've grown. I-" Kenny broke the hug, noticing something. "Wait, wait, wait. What happened to your arm?!"
"It's a long story, Kenny. A lot has happened since we last saw each other." Clementine said.
"That's an understatement if I've ever heard one." Kenny said. "Damn darling, I can't imagine what you've been through... Is it just you and...the kids?"
"For the past few days..." Clementine confirmed.
"Come on, let's get you all inside. You must be tired and hungry. We've got a lot to catch up on." Kenny said.
"Great. I just started dinner." The other man said.
"Yes, come inside. It's awful cold out here." A woman spoke.
"Clementine, this is Walter, and Sarita." Matthew introduced the two. "You already, know Kenny, I see."
"Yeah I do..." Clementine said.
"It's gonna storm soon. Please, come in." Walter said. "Let's get you kids out of the cold."
Clementine nearly sighed at being called a kid, but didn't say anything.
They head inside of the lodge as they enter they notice the lodge is covered in lights and festive decorations.
"Kenny and Sarita have been staying with us for several weeks. Used to be a ski lodge, obviously, so we have plenty of food. And believe it or not, we still get some power from that wind turbine out front. We tend to keep most of the lights off at night to avoid drawing attention. But after we found this stuff in storage, we couldn't resist making an exception." Walter said.
Kenny mimes to Clementine that Walter is talking too much, and she quietly laughs.
"What's so funny?" Walter asked.
"Oh, nothin', Walt. Walter here is one smart son of a bitch." Kenny said as he patted Walter's back. "Makes a mean can of beans too."
"Well, why don't you two catch up while I get some dinner started?" Walter suggested.
"Look, Clem! A Christmas tree!" Sarah brightened more than Clementine had seen the entire trip.
"Isn't it great? We found it all in storage." Sarita said.
Sarah smiled. "It's amazing."
"Okay... so who are these little ones?" Kenny asked.
"You know one of them." Clementine said. "You remember Danielle?"
"Danielle, as in shy little Dani?" Kenny's eyes widened in surprise.
"Yeah, that's her." Clementine motioned to the child. "She's not as little anymore, though. Been holding her own out there."
Kenny's eyes softened as he looked at Danielle, who stood beside Clementine. "Well, I'll be damned. You've grown up, a lot too, Dani. Last time I saw you, you were just a little thing,"
Danielle, feeling a bit overwhelmed, nodded hesitantly. "Yeah, it's me. We've been through a lot since then."
Kenny grinned, ruffling Danielle's hair playfully. "Well, I'm glad to see you're still kicking. And who's this?" He gestured towards Sarah, who stood close by, observing the reunion.
"That's Sarah," Clementine introduced. "She's been with us for a while now."
"Nice to meet you, Sarah." Kenny said. "So... the baby... don't... don't tell me she's yours..."
"Yeah, Kenny. She's mine. Her name is Diana." Clementine said.
"You... You had a baby Clem?, I... I can't believe it. You've become a mom out here. I never thought... After everything we've been through, I never thought I'd see this." Kenny stammered.
"It wasn't planned, but life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges at you," Clementine replied, holding Diana a bit closer. "She's been our light in these dark times."
"I... I'm not ready to be a grandfather yet." Kenny mumbled.
Clementine chuckled at Kenny's surprised reaction. "Believe me, Kenny, I wasn't ready for it either. But I wouldn't trade her for the world."
Kenny sighed, still processing the revelation. "Clem, you've been through so much. It's... it's good to see you again..."
"You too, Kenny." Clementine said.
"Would you two like to decorate the tree with me?" Sarita asked the girls, wanting to give Kenny and Clementine the time to catch up.
"Can we?" Sarah asked.
Danielle looked to Clementine waiting for her answer.
"Of course. Have fun, girls." Clementine said.
The two beamed and Sarita lead them over to the tree.
"Still wearin' this dirty old thing, huh?" Kenny tapped Clementine's hat. "So. Where'd you end up?"
"I was with Carley for a long time... But... we got attacked... She's gone..." Clementine said, sadness filling her at the thought of her friend.
"Sounds like it ain't been easy for you. I'm sorry, darlin'. I wish I coulda found you sooner. But everything's gonna be fine now." Kenny said.
"Where have you been?" Clementine said.
"Oh, hell, all over, after Savannah." Kenny replied.
"How did you get out of there?" Clementine wondered.
"Tell you the truth, I should've never made it out of Savannah. Long story short, I got lucky. Real lucky. Spent a long time alone after that. It, uh..." Kenny trailed off lost in thought, "And then I met Sarita, thank god. Gosh, it's great to have you back."
"It's great to see you too, Kenny." Clementine said.
"So... about the baby..." Kenny looked to Diana. "Who's the father?"
"I... I'd rather not get into the details," Clementine replied, her gaze briefly flickering to Diana, who lay peacefully in her arms.
"Fair enough, Clem. You've always been one to keep your cards close to your chest. I get it." Kenny said.
As the two continued to catch up and the girls busied themselves with decorating, Clementine could hear laughter from the two and couldn't help but smile.
"I haven't seen them looking so carefree in a while," Clementine remarked, a hint of relief in her voice.
"Really?" Kenny responded. "Well, they deserve a bit of normal, don't they?"
"Yeah... We got split up from Sarah's group. Her father, I don't know if he's alive or not... It's been tough on her. And Dani's been through a lot in general." Clementine said.
Kenny nodded, understanding the challenges they faced. "Yeah, even way back then..."
"Right..." Clementine sighed.
"Well, you guys are welcome to stay here as long as you want," Kenny offered. "It's safe, and a lot more comfy than being out there."
"We appreciate it, Kenny," Clementine replied with gratitude.
"How about you go help Walt with dinner." Kenny suggested.
Clementine nodded, "Sure thing, Kenny."
"Matthew, lend me a hand. Let's bring the rest of the supplies in before it starts storming," Kenny instructed.
"Absolutely," Matthew agreed, and the two set out to gather the necessary provisions.
Clementine laid Diana on the couch, using the pillows as a barrier to keep the child from rolling off. Kissing her child's head she stood and headed to the cafeteria, where Walter was cooking dinner in a pot on the stove.
"Hey, Clementine. Settling in well enough?" Walter greeted.
"Yeah, thanks." Clementine said.
"Excellent." Walter smiled. "So how do you know Kenny? He and Sarita have been a huge help. Matthew and I barely knew what to do around here the first week. But Kenny, well, he never slows down."
"We're... old friends I knew him since the start of all this." Clmentine said, "He was like a father to me."
"That's great. Connecting with people is so important. I don't know what I'd do without Matthew." Walter said, adding salt to the food.
"Did you need any help with the cooking?" Clementine asked.
"Nah, it's almost done. Wanna taste it?" Walter offered.
Clementine lifted a brow. "What exactly...is it?"
"Le Walter Surprise. An autumnal legume salad with a peach roux." Walter said with a smile before seeing the confusion on Clementine's face. "It's peaches and beans. It's all we've got."
"Beggars can't be choosers." Clementine said.
"You can say that again. Well, I'll call you when it's ready." Walter said.
Clementine just nodded. She decided to go check in on the girls.
"What's the song you're humming?" Sarah asked.
""Good King Wenceslas". It's my favorite Christmas song." Sarita replied.
"What's it about?" Sarah questioned.
"Well. It's about a king that brings food to a poor man. The king and his servant march all night through a cold winter storm to reach the man. The storm is very strong. After a long time, it gets so cold that the servant can't go on. But the king tells the servant to just step in his tracks." Sarita began singing. "Mark my footsteps, good my page. Tread thou in them boldly. Thou shalt find the winter's rage, freeze thy blood less coldly."
Sarah and Danielle exchanged looks of confusion.
"I don't get it." Sarah said.
"Me either." Danielle admitted.
Sarita chuckled, "It means that doing good things for people can be good for you, too."
"But the servant wouldn't have been out there in the first place if the king hadn't made him." Sarah said.
"Good point." Sarita laughed a bit before noticing Clementine approaching. "Hello, Clementine, did you come to help?"
"Nah. I just came to check on the girls." Clementine replied.
"Look Clem, isn't it pretty?" Danielle asked.
"Very pretty, Dani... You guys are doing a great job." Clementine praised.
"Here, Sarah, you take this and string them up over there." Sarita handed Sarah a streamer what the teen happily took. "So Clementine, Dani was telling me how you both knew Kenny before. It must be incredible to see him again. When I met him, well, he's so different now. But you must be so glad."
Clementine nodded. "Yeah. It's nice to see him again... He was like a father to me."
"Well, I'm glad you're with us too." Sarita said.
"So, how'd you meet Kenny?" Clementine asked.
"I found him holed up in an old restaurant, if you can believe it." Sarita answered.
"Holed up?" Clementine echoed.
"You should have seen his beard then." Sarita joked. "He's just the nicest man. Always so considerate."
"How's this look?" Sarah called, having hung the streamer.
"Perfect. Now we just need the topper." Sarita said.
"We always had an angel on top of our tree."
"My family didn't celebrate Christmas, but I still love the decorations. I used to love this time of year. You know, now that you are all here, this place is starting to feel like a real home." Sarita said.
"Where can we find a topper?" Danielle asked.
"You two can check in the boxes upstairs." Sarita replied.
"Okay, come on, Sarah!" Danielle said.
With that, the two girls raced up the stairs.
"Clem, I wanted to ask you... Does Kenny seem different to you? I didn't know him before, and, well, I'm curious. He has good days and bad days like everyone else. But lately I get the feeling he's... struggling." Sarita said.
Clementine thought for a moment. "He does seem different than I remember."
"In what way?" Sarita asked.
"I'm not sure." Clementine said honestly. "I think most people are different from how they used to be..."
"That is true... but..."
"Well, you've all been busy." Kenny voice grabbed their attention as he approached.
"Kenny! Isn't it great?" Sarita smiled, picking up a cardboard box of decorations.
"I got it, hon." Kenny offered.
"I think I can manage, Ken." Sarita said.
Kenny however snatched the box, his tone sounding a bit irritated as he said, "I said I got it!" before walking away.
Clementine didn't know what to think of the display she had just witnessed.
"Always has to play the gentleman. But I'll tell you, when I met him, he couldn't lift a fly." Sarita said.
"Look! We found an angel!" Danielle called as Sarah placed it on top of the tree.
"Beautiful!" Sarita commented.
"Very pretty, girls." Clementine said.
"Well, everyone, dinner is served. C'mon, let's eat!" Walter called.
With that, the group started to gather for dinner, Clementine going to get Diana from her sleeping spot on the couch.
As Clementine took a seat at the table Kenny spoke, "Hope you like the food. Peaches and beans. Great for nutrition. Not too great on the way out, though, I tell ya."
Clementine rolled her eyes at that. "This lodge is really nice."
Kenny chuckled at Clementine's eye roll, appreciating her familiar reaction. "Well, glad you're enjoying the lodge."
"So, how long are you planning to be here? Were you gonna stay through the winter?" Clementine asked.
"Actually, we were thinking of moving on. Somewhere up north. You ever heard of a place called Wellington?" Kenny asked.
"Yeah! We were going there!" Danielle said.
Kenny raised an eyebrow, looking surprised. "You have your sights set on the same place? That's a hell of a coincidence."
Clementine nodded. "We've heard it's a safe haven, and we were hoping to find some stability."
"Well, ain't that something. We can all go together!" Kenny said.
Walter chimed in, "Sounds like a plan. It's always better to have more people looking out for each other."
"This is like a dream! I am so fucking happy right now!" Kenny grinned.
"Kenny, language..." Clementine said, motioning to Diana.
"Sorry, Clem... I just... I'm so happy to have you back." Kenny said.
As they continued to share a meal and discuss their plans, the atmosphere in the lodge became one of ease. The warmth of the fireplace, the laughter of the girls, and the shared stories created a sense of temporary respite from the harsh realities outside.
Clementine couldn't help but feel a glimmer of hope. The idea of traveling with a familiar faces, especially with Kenny, brought a sense of reassurance.
As the group continued their meal, Clementine slowly excused herself from the table, she stood up, cradling the baby in her arms.
"Excuse me," Clementine said politely, acknowledging her need to tend to Diana.
"Where are you going, Clem?" Kenny inquired, a hint of curiosity in his tone.
"I'm going to nurse Diana," Clementine replied, keeping her response matter-of-fact.
"Wait, wait, wait..." Kenny, seemingly taken aback, blurted out, "You're too young for that."
Clementine, accustomed to Kenny's well-intentioned but sometimes outdated views, sighed. "Kenny, I'm a mother now. I'm not too young for anything that comes with it."
"Why can't she just eat this food?" Kenny questioned, gesturing towards the dinner spread.
Clementine sighed, a mix of exasperation and patience in her expression. "Kenny, she's a baby. Babies need milk. It's, you know, what babies do."
Kenny, still adjusting to the idea of Clementine as a mother, raised an eyebrow. "Well, can't she eat regular stuff? She's got teeth, right?"
"She has some, but she's still needs to nurse to get proper nutrition." Clementine said. "It's natural."
Kenny, a bit awkward with the topic, scratched his head. "Yeah, I guess so. Just feels weird seeing you all grown up and doing mom stuff. Last time I saw you, you were just a kid, and now you're... doing the mom thing. Just never thought I'd see the day, you know?"
"Yeah, well, a lot has changed since we first met." Clementine, unfazed by his remark, shot him a brief but pointed look. "Kenny, people grow up. This is what mothers do for their children. I'm not a kid anymore."
Kenny, realizing his misstep, raised his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. It's just... seeing you like this is gonna take some getting used to."
"I get it, I just need you to try to remember that I'm not the same kid you used to know." Clementine said.
As she made her way to a more private corner to attend to Diana, Clementine couldn't help but smile at Kenny's genuine but bumbling attempt to navigate the realities of parenthood. She really had missed him.
"We've got some spare rooms here. You can all get some rest, and we'll talk more in the morning." Kenny said.
"Thank you, Kenny," Clementine said.
"No problem. Sweet dreams, darling." Kenny said.
Clementine gathered the kids, ensuring they were settled for the night. The spare room in the lodge provided a temporary haven from the constant dangers outside. Clementine, holding Diana in her arm, and Sam at her side, laid down to rest, the girls curled up together on a bed opposite side of the room. The events of the day, coupled with the worries about Carver, lingered in Clementine thoughts.
As they settled in, the warmth of the blankets and the soft breathing of the children brought a semblance of peace.
Slowly, Clementine allowed herself to drift a restless sleep.
The stillness of the night was shattered by the sudden jolt that woke Clementine from her uneasy sleep. Her eyes shot open, and she quickly scanned the room, trying to pinpoint the source of the disturbance. Gunshots echoed in the distance, sending a shiver down her spine.
The echoes of the shots reverberated in her mind, and her first thought was Carver. The past had taught her to be wary of unexpected sounds.
The familiar weight of her weapon pressed against her side as she grabbed it, a reflex honed by years of survival. Without wasting a moment, Clementine rushed downstairs, her senses on high alert.
Clementine reached the main area, where the group had shared meals and laughter only hours ago.
The world outside had gone quiet but Clementine nearly jumped out of her skin when the door opened.
Matthew, Kenny, and Walter stepped inside,
"What's happening?" Clementine asked, her voice steady despite the underlying unease.
"It's alright, darling," Kenny reassured her as he noticed her immediate concern. "Matt, Walt, and I handled it."
Clementine's eyes darted around, scanning for any signs of danger. "What happened?"
"We had some walkers out there," Kenny explained, his tone matter-of-fact. "The wind turbine started spinning too fast 'cause of the storm. Thing was a damn dinner bell."
Clementine sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. Relief washed over Clementine as she processed the information. The threat wasn't Carver or some hostile group; it was the relentless walkers drawn by the noise.
"Guess we'll need to be more careful," Clementine commented.
"Yeah, you got that right," Kenny agreed.
"You alright, Clementine. You seem tense." Walter said.
"Anyone would be waking up to that." Matthew said.
"True..." Walter nodded.
"Clem, you're okay. Everything's fine. You can head back to bed." Kenny said.
Clementine however, shook her head. "I... I need to tell you something... I should have brought it up earlier but... I was hoping it wouldn't be an issue."
"What are you talking about, darling?" Kenny asked.
The trio of men exchanged glances, silently urging her to continue. Clementine took another breath before explaining what happened with Carver and the group they had been split from.
As she recounted the experience, the room fell into a heavy silence.
"And... You think this asshole might be after you and the kids?" Kenny asked.
"I don't know..." Clementine answered honestly. "But he's crazy... And you can never be too sure."
"Well... we ain't gonna let him hurt you or those kids," Kenny declared, his voice filled with determination.
"Kenny's right, you're family now. We're not gonna let anything happen to you." Walter said.
Matthew nodded in agreement, "We've got your back, Clem. Whatever comes our way, we'll face it together."
Clementine, though appreciative of their support, couldn't shake the underlying unease. "What if he does show up...?"
"Then... we'll be ready for him," Kenny asserted, the determination in his voice cutting through the uncertainty.
As the weight of the conversation settled, Walter broke the silence, suggesting, "It's late... We should try to get some rest."
"Make sure all the doors are locked." Kenny reminded them, "Clem... I'm gonna talk to Sarita about what you told us, if that's okay."
Clementine nodded in agreement, acknowledging the importance of sharing the information with Sarita. "Yeah... She deserves to know."
With the decision made, the group prepared to turn in for the night. As they headed to their respective rooms, Clementine couldn't shake the unease that lingered. Sleep, she knew, wouldn't come easy tonight...
The next morning, Clementine was stirred awake by the sound of laughter, a stark contrast to the interruption to sleep the night before. As she opened her eyes, she found Diana still peacefully asleep at her side.
Clementine's gaze drifted to the empty space where Sam had been and then to where the girls were sleeping.
Concern flickered across her features, and she gently disentangled herself from the makeshift blanket cocoon that had formed during the night. Holding Diana in her arm she padded quietly across the room, making her way downstairs.
To her relief she noticed the two downstairs huddled on the couch and flipping through a book together.
"Clementine, good morning..." Sarita greets with a smile. "Kenny... informed me of things... I want you to know that, you're safe here."
Clementine returned Sarita's smile, appreciating the woman's kind words. "Good morning, Sarita. Thank you,"
The reassurance from Sarita brought a momentary ease to the weight that Carver's presence had cast over her.
"Your safety and the kids' safety are our priority," Sarita continued, her expression earnest. "Kenny and Matthew are checking the perimeter, making sure everything's secure. I hope you don't mind but they took your dog with them."
"No that's fine." Clementine said.
"We'll do whatever it takes to keep this place safe for everyone." Sarita said.
Clementine nodded appreciatively. "I'm grateful for that, Sarita. It means a lot to us."
Sarita placed a comforting hand on Clementine's shoulder. "We're all in this together, Clementine. You and the kids are part of our family now. If you need anything or just want to talk, I'm here."
"Thank you," Clementine said sincerely.
Before long breakfast was served. The aroma of canned food filled the air. The table was set with whatever provisions they had, a simple yet comforting spread that brought a sense of normalcy to their lives.
The clinking of utensils against plates and the occasional chuckles and giggles of the children filled the space. As they enjoyed the simple breakfast, the shared meal helped them momentarily forget the world outside.
The next few days unfolded in peace, Danielle, Sarah, and Diana found moments of joy, playing games and exploring the corners of the cabin.
Clementine took on various tasks, contributing to the well-being of the group. Whether it was assisting with chores, helping Walter with cooking, or merely spending quality time with the kids.
As they adapted to the routines of their new home, the worries of Carver seemed to momentarily disappear.
As they settled into the safety of the Ski Lodge, Kenny's boisterous and inquisitive nature emerged, specifically when it came to the identity of Diana's father. It had become a sort of routine, "Alright, Clem, are you ever gonna tell who the fella is that got to share daddy duty with you?"
Clementine rolled her eyes. She had become accustomed to Kenny's antics over the past few days. "Kenny, we've been over this. It's not some grand mystery."
"Come on, give me a hint. Is he tall, dark, and handsome?" Kenny half joked.
"Kenny, it's not a guessing game. She's been through enough." Sarita lectured.
Ignoring the comment, Kenny continued, "Alright, alright, serious question this time. Is he good with a gun? You know, gotta make sure he can protect his family."
"Yeah, Kenny, he was handy with a gun. But that's not why I picked him." Clementine said.
Kenny raised an eyebrow. "Picked him? So, it's a choice, huh? Interesting."
"I'm not saying anymore." Clementine said. "I gotta get Diana to bed."
"Okay... We'll continue this tomorrow."
"Whatever."
"Oh come on, tell me it's not that shitbird Ben's kid."
"She's not Ben's kid, Kenny." Clementine sighed, Kenny was back at it with the questions and it felt a bit uncomfortable answering them.
"Really?" Kenny rose a brow.
"Really... Her father isn't around anymore. It's a long story, Kenny," Clementine added, hoping to dispel any lingering doubts.
"Then who?" Kenny was determined to get to the bottom of this. "Who's kid...? Was... it... those sick fucks from the dairy farm."
"No... Thank god no..." Clementine said. "...Take a good hard look at her, and I'm sure you'll figure it out..."
Kenny furrowed his brows with confusion. "Come on, Clem. You gotta give me more than that."
"I'm not saying anything else." Clementine said.
Kenny sighed, studying Diana's features but only drawing a blank. He was getting nowhere and Clementine clearly wasn't about to spill the beans.
Everyone was gathered round for dinner but suddenly Kenny seemed to choke, spitting out his drink, eyes wide. "SHAWN?!"
"Kenny?"
"It's SHAWN's fucking kid?" Kenny's revelation echoed through the room, catching everyone off guard.
"...You figured it out..." Clementine said timidly.
The weight of the truth hung in the air, and the room fell into an uncomfortable silence.
"How long was that going on?" Kenny's voice cut through the silence, his eyes fixed on Clementine. The question hung heavily in the air, demanding an answer.
Clementine hesitated before answering, the weight of the past pressing on her shoulders. "It started back when we were at the motor inn... right after everything with the St. Johns. Shawn and I, we found comfort in each other during those tough times."
"You're kidding, right?" Kenny scoffed.
"Kenny, it wasn't planned. It just happened," Clementine explained, trying to convey the complexity of the situation. "We were trying to survive, and... things got complicated."
"I can't believe this... Shawn..." Kenny sighed, running a hand through his hair. "That fucker. I would've wrung his neck right there if I knew that he was a kiddie diddler."
Clementine looked horrified at Kenny's words. "He's not."
"He was." Kenny firmly said.
"He was not!" Clementine defended. "I'm not a kid, Kenny."
"You were a kid. What the hell did a twenty year old have in common with a fifteen year old?" Kenny asked.
"I was sixteen when it happened." Clementine said.
"Big fucking difference. What did he have in common with a kid like you?" Kenny asked.
"A lot. The fact that we were living in a fucked up world together." Clementine replied.
"He took advantage of you, Clem," Kenny's tone shifted, a mix of concern and frustration evident in his expression.
"No, he didn't. I initiated it. He was worried at first, but I loved him," Clementine responded, her voice firm.
"I knew it... I should've listened to Duck when he was blabbering about you loving that boy." Kenny said.
"What?" Clementine's eyes widened at the mention of Duck.
"Duck kept on telling me you like-liked Shawn. I brought it up to Kat. Said I didn't want you around him. She told me I was overreacting. That it was just a crush. Look what that crush led to. Damn teen pregnancy." Kenny grumbled.
"I love my daughter. And I loved Shawn." Clementine said.
"I don't doubt that, kid. But... do you think he loved you?" Kenny asked.
"I..." Clementine paused. "I hope. I like to think so... But regardless, I know he would've loved her."
"Oh, he definitely would. Or he would've got his ass kicked double times. Once for knocking you up and twice if he didn't love his kid." Kenny said.
"I never really worried about that. I know he would have loved her. I wish he got to meet her." Clementine sighed.
"From what I knew about him... before you told me this... he was a good guy. I can't forgive him for this but... I'm sure he would've been a good dad to your little girl." Kenny muttered.
"I think so too..." Clementine said, her voice carrying a mix of exhaustion and finality. "Are we done talking about this... I'm tired."
"Clem... I didn't mean to upset you," Kenny apologized, realizing the emotional toll the conversation had taken on Clementine.
"You didn't..." Clementine reassured him. "I'm just ready for bed."
"Yeah... Alright then..." Kenny said, not pressing the issue further.
"Don't stay up too long, girls." Clementine said to Danielle and Sarah who nodded. With little Diana in her arm Clementine retreated to her room.
As Clementine reached the upper floor, she entered the room where Diana would rest for the night. The soft glow of a lantern illuminated the space.
Clementine carefully laid down with Diana ensure her daughter's comfort. Taking a moment to gaze at her daughter, Clementine couldn't help but marvel at the fragile beauty of life amidst the chaos. She sighed, her thoughts still lingering on the conversation with Kenny, the memories stirred by the conversation had her stomach in a web of knots.
She held Diana close waiting until sleep finally claimed her.
Clementine stirred from her sleep as Sam's barking echoed through the cabin, cutting through the tranquility of the night.
Diana quickly began wailing and Clementine hushed the child.
She stood with the baby in her grip and made her way over to where Sarah and Danielle were rest.
"Dani, wake up." Clementine called.
Danielle stirred, eyes fluttering open. "Hmm?"
"I need you to watch the baby." Clementine said.
"What's going on?" Danielle asked.
"I don't know... just... take Diana." Clementine said.
Danielle groggily sat up and took Diana into her arms.
"Stay here." Clementine told her.
"But..."
"Stay."
Danielle sighed. "Okay..."
Clementine made her way downstairs seeing the other adults also gathered by the door. The sudden disturbance roused not only her but also the other adults in the cabin. Groggy but alert, they exchanged puzzled glances, uncertain about the cause of Sam's agitation.
The dim light of a lantern cast shadows across the room as the group, now on edge tried to figure out what was wrong.
Clementine moved toward the front door where Sam had stationed himself. The cold draft from outside seeped in, and the group braced themselves for a potential threat. .
"Sam, what's wrong boy, what is it?" Clementine asked.
The dog's barking intensified, a clear signal that something had triggered his protective instincts.
Clementine paused straining her ears. She could hear muffled voices, indicating that people were clearly on the other side of the door.
The group exchanged looks, the tension escalating as they readied themselves for whatever awaited on the other side.
With a collective nod, they prepared to open the door, weapons held at the ready in case they needed to defend themselves...