the beginning of the end, twd

introduction

Loss

It was three months prior to the end of the world events. The Grimes family had been visiting the head of the family, Rick. He was shot by an uncounted criminal in a stolen getaway car.

The news shattered the family, especially Rick's two children. Annie and Carl Grimes, both had been attending school when it happened.

But ever since their father had been in a coma in the hospital the two have sat by his side the entire time.

Still, Annie found it abnormal that Shane had been sticking around so much. Overseeing, shielding the three from the unknown.

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The news took over the cartoon channel again, reciting the same old, same old. No one in authority would provide any of the civilians with any explanations, for the confusing worldwide outbreak.

I sat next to my father's chilled bed while he lay still, not moving a muscle. His hand was cold to the touch, rubbing his thumb softly attempting to make him feel the slightest bit of comfort.

Mom told me he wouldn't know I was there, but still, I felt like he just knew.

My mother was numb to this, numb to my father being lifeless to the world.

I couldn't even look her in the face most times, it wounded me. How could a loving wife watch her devoted husband rot in a depressing hospital bed?

I hear the audible footsteps of Officer Walsh, my father's best friend and his partner. My eyes don't leave my lifeless father as I observed the slowed air exit and enter his body.

Shane's hand rests on my shoulder for a moment before I move away from him. I continuously gave Shane the cold shoulder, conscious of the way he gazed at my mother.

"So I heard some news from the station."
Shane says while unleashing a hefty breath.

My teeth grit together as his voice echoes into the silent bare room. Something about him always made me irate, perhaps it was the way he spoke or the way he stared at you. But it constantly got underneath my skin, which made family gatherings agonizing.

My mother steps closer to him as he hesitates before proceeding with his sentence. It was something dreadful, something he was desiring not to say. Carl flees the room, leaving the four of us to sit in utter silence.

"The outbreak, it's getting worse. I'm thinking we should leave the city sooner or later."
Shane said airily.

My irritation began arising understanding what he signified. He wanted to leave my father behind, he didn't care about the misery he endured.

My mother gapes at me begging me to agree with the two of them. I stand up steadying myself, I kiss my father's head before exiting the room with a fist bawled of rage. Carl watches me hurry down the hall towards the cafeteria of the hospital.

My heart broke for my suffering father, the family man and the one with the kindest heart. He only gave love and they wanted to leave him behind, to be frightened and forfeited.

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After a few weeks have passed the outbreak only increased, it was taking over the city. It was getting threatening out leaving me terrified to step foot outside.

Shane was visiting my father in the hospital since he demanded the three of us stay inside. It was difficult not being able to see my father, which drove me to start writing to him.

I knew he'd never be able to read them, but it relieved me to cope. This coping mechanism was the only thing that had worked for me.

I concluded the last sentence in my journal when I attend to the the vociferous outcry of Shane, he returned safely.

For fuck sake.

"Lori! Lori! Pack your shit we have to leave!"
Shane shouts frantically.

I roll my eyes into the back of my head when I hear his exclamations. Of course, he desired to depart, of course, something sparked that again.

I step down the stairs spotting my mother performing the 1 2 3 breathing exercise on him provoking me to laugh.

"Annie, you need to pack the things you need and help Carl with his."
My mother notifies me.

Carl scurries past me up the stairs towards his room, hauling my father's suitcase. I cross my arms at the bottom of the steps, no way was I leaving without my father. There was zero possibility of it.

"I'm not leaving without him."
I tell the two.

They blankly gaze at me while tears roll down my mother's cheeks. She was concealing something and didn't desire to notify me. Shane approaches me, putting his hands on my shoulders and gripping me in place.

"You need to do what your mother says if you wanna live darlin'."
Shane scarcely says close to my face.

I back up gradually before maintaining eye contact with my sobbing mother, she was eager for me to go do as she says.

"Is he dead?"
I ask while tears began forming in my eyes.

Shane glances back at my mother before reconnecting his eyes with mine.

"Annie..- I tried."
He whimpers before attempting to pull me in for a hug.

Quickly I shove him off, running up the stairs. My knees began to weaken when I get inside my room, resulting in me falling to them while the salty tears drench my face.

The agony replenished my entire body like hot lava, nothing could've wounded me more.