The sound of a rattling noise caught Rick's attention. He lay in the room with the rest of his group. Everyone was sound asleep, trying to recover from spending months on the road. It had been tough on them—their lack of food and water weakened their bodies. However, they managed to keep their strong mentality.

He focused on Carl, who was fast asleep with Judith beside him in a crib. There was Maggie curled up against Glen. Abraham, Tara, Sasha, and he couldn't seem to find Carol and Daryl but knew they were around somewhere.

Rick sighed while leaving the room. He stood in the living room area as he examined the outside through the window. The wind blew wildly, causing the trees to rattle against the wall.

"I guess you can't sleep either."

The soft voice caught his attention. He looked over and realized Michonne was standing nearby. She was dressed in comfortable clothing that was suitable for bed. Rick didn't speak immediately but managed to nod slightly.

Michonne leaned her head to the side with her eyes slightly narrowed.

"What's on your mind?"

"This place..." Rick managed to say in a low tone.

"What about it?"

"Alexandria..." Rick trailed off with a scoff. "I'm not sure what to think of it. Everything is...just not what...I expect it to be."

Michonne didn't speak immediately. She stood beside him with her brows knitted in uncertainty.

"They have everything here. Electricity, water, food, supplies...the works." Rick glanced at Michonne with a subtle expression. "What the hell is this place?"

"It's a place that could help us—possibly," Michonne answered firmly. She looked off briefly before saying, "Look. I know you have your doubts, but give this place a chance. Let's see what it's about before we run with assumptions." She leaned her head to the side and added, "Don't you want a place for Carl and Judith to live? Don't you want them to be comfortable?"

Rick placed his eyes on Michonne for a brief moment but didn't bother to say anything. He glanced at her dark brown skin and eyed her succulent facial features before glancing at her slim figure. Michonne didn't seem bothered by his thorough examination. She didn't catch on due to the dimming of the living room area and the inability to see where his eyes were aiming fully.

"Think it over...and try to get some rest." She rasped before leaving the area. She left Rick in the room to deal with his thoughts.

Rick looked around the room and checked out the clean layout thoroughly. A bookshelf filled with books, couches, a desk, and a window displayed a view of the neighborhood. Rick walked forward and pressed his hand against the wall. He looked outside, taking the beautiful view of the neighborhood. A few Alexandrians were busy walking around and chatting with each other.

"Hello. I'm Deanna Monroe. Welcome to Alexandria."

Looking over his shoulder, Rick noticed the same short woman he met the night before. He kept a stone yet cautious expression as he pushed away from the window, leaving a grease stain on the white wall.

"We met yesterday." Rick rasped, being straightforward.

Deanna didn't seem offended by his cold behavior. He seemed uncomfortable and attentive about Alexandria and the people who resided there. She knew it would take a while for him to get acquainted with everything.

"That's right. We did." She smiled while nearing her desk. "How about we take a seat and have a nice chat? Do you mind if I record you?"

Rick trained his eyes on her as he watched her closely.

"Why do you need to record this?" He questioned her while fidgeting with the ring on his finger. Deanna noticed it but didn't say anything about it.

"It's my way of getting to know you and your group," Deanna replied as she watched him sit on the chair. "I'm interested in you, Rick."

"Is that so?"

"Yes." Deanna nodded with a slight smile. "You managed to lead a group and keep everyone together. I find it fascinating how so many people from different backgrounds can unite and survive without turning on each other." She leaned over and said, "Now, that is what I call leadership."

Rick didn't speak or nod. He just continued to sit there with wandering eyes.

"How did you do it?"

"We work together...we make things happen, and if we can't..." He shook his head. "We still manage to push."

Deanna smiled before saying, "I love it." Suddenly, she grabs a manila folder before saying, "I'm hoping to assess your group's skillset so we can provide a job."

Rick throws her a look but doesn't say anything.

"Everyone works in Alexandria. Our community believes in helping each other to bring profits and equality."

"I was in charge of...taking care of everyone. I took the role of being the den mother." Carol spoke as she sat in the chair.

"What was your life before?"

"Before that..." Carol stayed silent momentarily and said, "I was a housewife. I was married...to the love of my life." She fidgeted with her fingers as she thought about her husband. "Ed...that wonderful man."

"Would you say your role has prepared you for...life after?"

Carol's smile was wiped away as she slowly looked up.

"Yes..." She lied.

Michonne stepped outside the bedroom feeling rejuvenated. She went to the kitchen and noticed Rick approaching the door without a shirt. She stopped in the hallway and saw a blonde woman standing with a basket filled with items. Instead of standing there, she continues to the kitchen for water. She runs into Carol, who was busy going through the kitchen cabinets and drawers.

"Are you okay?" Michonne asked, looking at her with caution. "What are you looking for?"

Carol pops up from searching the cabinet. She held a subtle expression but didn't say much while trying to find an excuse.

"I'm just checking the cabinets. I was hoping they would have some kind of groceries in here. I wanted to bake some chocolate chip cookies."

"Chocolate chip cookies?" Michonne reiterated before leaning against the counter.

"Deanna gave me a job." A smirk appeared on Carol's face before she added, "I'm in charge of cooking for the community."

Michonne gave her the side eye.

"What did you tell Deanna during your interview?"

"I told her what I feel she should know," Carol replied, adjusting her cardigan.

Michonne decided to stay quiet.

"I'm going to go to the pantry and see what I can come up with for dinner."

Carol left Michonne standing there.

TO BE CONTINUED