The Immune's Cure (The Walking Dead/Carl Grimes)

The Immune (Finale)

The last Casey's POV

Breathe. Just breathe. It'll be okay.

For as long as I can remember I've been strong. I have survived everything the world has thrown at me. Is it because I truly am strong or because the idea of being immune and untouchable made me strong? Because now that my life is facing its first true threat; I am weak. Buckled knees and shaky hands don't happen to strong girls. What makes a strong girl? Forget it. I'm not a strong girl. I'm a strong woman.

I stand at Jude's office doorway, my hand balled into a fist ready to knock on the hard wood. The memory of the night before replays in my head. The people I love giving me the truth I needed. The truth that it's all my choice. It always has been. And my answer would always be the same. I accepted my fate long ago.

Knock

Knock

Knock

The door opens.

"I'll do it." Smiles spread across their faces. "When do we start?" I forced a smile on my trembling lips.

"We can start now!" Jude exclaimed.

"N-now?" I'm not sure what I expected. They've been waiting years for this of course they'd want to do it right away.

"Is that okay?" Sara asked hesitantly.

Something was holding me back. I had decided already that I was going to do it, but there was a voice in my head that was stopping me. I couldn't do it without everyone knowing the truth. Sure I'm maybe saving them. But I need them to know it was me. It was all three of us who started this. They deserve the truth.

"They need to know." The two shared a look as if they knew it was coming. They've lived in comfort all this time with no backlash from the truth while I've been barely surviving in the world they put me in. I don't feel bad for them. It's always been inevitable.

I look over the faces of everyone in the dining hall eating their breakfast happily. My face is blank; afraid of the aftermath of my words. Carl stares at me from across the room. I look into those safe blue eyes for comfort. He doesn't know what I'm about to do but he still gives me a reassuring nod. I take a deep breath and go for the nearest empty table. I step on the chair then on top of the table. The room goes quiet and all attention went to me.

"Hi." I blurt out. Everyone just looks at each other. I turn back to see Jude and Sara standing in the doorway with their heads held high both in fear and confidence. "As you all know I am immune." I glance back one more time and words get caught in my throat as CC wraps her small arm around her mom's leg. "For years I was the only hope a lot of people had for a future. For a cure. But I was just a girl. I was twelve years old. I didn't want it. I didn't ask for it. But it was my reality. And I am honored to say that a cure is possible." Relief washed over the crowd. Cheers were let out, people hugged, people cried.

"How?" A voice called out.

"It's me. It's always been me- but before I let you put all your faith in me you need to know the truth." Confusion filled the room. The two behind me drew in breaths. "The apocalypse started here. In this lab. With me. We caused the apocalypse." The words slipped out of my mouth like poison. Those happy faces filled with horror and disgust.

"What?" Rick stood from his seat.

"Rick, please." I held out my hand. His eyes met mine and they softened. "Please." I whispered.

"Everyone we lost was because of you two?" Daryl spat at them.

"Let us explain!" Jude cried.

"Explain what? How to destroyed most of the human population?" Carol scoffed. "My daughter is dead because of you people?"