In the Willows

{Part Two} Chapter Thirty: Rest Stop

Louis' POV:

You've been riding in the truck with Omar and Josephine for the third day now. Kyan has been rerouting the trip to avoid big cities and blockages on the highways. You look to your left and see Josephine leaning her head against the window of the truck. Last time you stopped it was at the Indiana state line, you still have plenty of ways to go.

"I still can't believe it." says Omar breaking the silence in the truck.

"Y/N dying? Me either." you respond.

"I didn't know him that well, but I liked the guy for what he did for us."

You rub your temple, "Yeah."

"Everything ok?"

"I don't know what's gonna happen now."

"Like Kyan said, we make it to Jackson and start again there."

"What if it's not that simple?"

"Have some hope."

"I lost a lot of hope when I watched the guy who was the last person I'd thought be killed was shot in the head."

"They're probably after us still." says Josephine raising her head off the window.

"Bastard Syndicate?" asks Omar.

"They got what they wanted." you say.

"No, they want me too."

"They can't possibly know where we are going." responds Omar.

"You'll be surprised."

Kyan stops the van and Omar slows the van to a stop as well. You all get out of your respected vehicles and gather around each other. You look around the group seeing the pain and restlessness on everybody's face. Your eyes stop on Clementine. She has bags under her eyes like she hasn't slept this whole time. Her arms are crossed, staring blankly ahead. AJ stands close by her holding onto her arm.

"We're close to nightfall. I want us to start building camp. I'm going to scout the area just in case there's trouble and we'd have to leave." he looks around at the group, "Louis, I want you to come with me."

Your jaw drops, "Um, I don't know my knee has been giving me trouble since we stopped in Ohio."

His face doesn't shift from his frown.

"I'll get one of the bikes." you say walking towards the truck.

"We're walking."

You stop in your tracks and turn back.

"Everyone else not building camp, hide the vehicles. If we aren't back in an hour or two leave without us."

"You have a gun?" asks Kyan.

You shake your head, "Clementine has mine."

"You gave it back to her after what she did to Josephine?"

"I took all the rounds from the weapon."

"You should get it back then, right?"

You look over to Clementine who is watching the group move the vehicles around to hide them.

"You sure I need-"

"Get the damn gun Louis."

"You're right getting the gun now." you say slowly walking towards Clementine.

You haven't spoken to her since she requested Y/N's gun back. She hasn't spoken to anyone except AJ since then. Clementine has changed, like she's lost without Y/N being by her side.