Eyes Closed [TWD]

°•twenty one•°

"And you're sure that you're all right?" Maggie asks, brushing her hand on my hair gently.

"I am," I assure, "Go on. They need you."

She sighs, bending over the bed to lay a soft kiss to my cheek.

"I'll be back later to check on you," she says.

"I know you will," I nod.

She nods back, gently caressing my cheek before standing.

"Carl," she calls stepping around my bed and to his side.

As he looks up to her, Maggie bends down, kissing his cheek as well.

"Thank you," she nods, patting his head softly.

"I told you," he reminds.

"I know. But, still," Maggie says, patting his shoulder and making her way to the door.

"Listen, we're gonna find them," Rick says from the foot of the bed.

"Okay," I nod, trusting his words.

"I'll be back later, too," he says, patting my leg. As he leaves, he also pats Carl's shoulder before chasing after Maggie.

Finally in silence, I rest oy head further on my pillow, closing my eyes.

Carl gently squeezes my hand, "Need anything?"

I hum a negative tone, "I'm okay."

"You're shoulder popped out of place and you took a blow to the head when you already had a concussion.. Sure, you're fine," he scoffs.

I squeeze his hand back, "Hey, I'm doing better than you. How's it feel to be on the other side of the bed?"

He groans, "I feel bad for getting shot and putting you through this if this is how it feels."

"Twice," I remind.

"Twice," he repeats, "Sorry for getting shot twice."

"You're forgiven," I nod once.

Carl breathes out a laugh, pulling our hands up to gently kiss the back of mine.

"How is it out there?" I question, opening my eyes to look at him.

"I only know what my dad and Maggie said. I haven't seen anything of it," he admits.

"You haven't left?" I ask.

"Why would I?" he asks.

"I was out for a few hours.." I remember.

Siddiq had popped my shoulder back into place then replaced the bandage on my head before giving me a dosage of medicine which I remember put me to sleep within the hour. Even when I was out, he didn't leave?

"I didn't want you to wake up alone," Carl says, thumb tracing circles on my hand.

I couldn't help but smile, which he takes note of.

"You're in this shape and you're smiling?" he asks.

"How can I not? You're here," I say, feeling my heart beat pounding.

"I am. And you're still here, too," he nods.

"Thanks to you," I remind.

Carl finally gives a soft smile, but doesn't say anything else.

"What did your dad say?" I ask.

"They think the Saviors poisoned their weapons. Anyone who was shot or anything- they turned. Tobin was the first, the fever took him out. He turned and made it inside the house.. Took others out and they turned. Then those attacked others and they turned.. Just kept going," he explains.