"I've done things," Charlie said, looking up into his eyes full of disappointment. "Things that I am not proud of. But everything I've done, I've done to survive...And I did. I survived."
"And are you happy?" Daryl asked, using all his power to stop...
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Charlie was standing next to Glenn, her arm around his shoulders patting it from time to time. He was standing with crossed arms, holding his tears as two men were clearly destroying his car.
"Look at them," he said. "Vultures," Glenn whispered. "Yeah, go on, strip it clean."
"Generators need every drop of fuel they can get. Got no power without it," said Dale and shook his head. "Sorry, Glenn."
"Thought I'd get to drive it at least a few more days." Asian boy said.
Charlie bit her lips and nodded, trying not to burst out laughing. "Maybe we'll get to steal another one someday."
They turned their heads to the sound of a car. Shane was back from his trip to the lake. That was probably the furthest he left the camp, and today he wanted to leave it more than any day, because of the unexpected comeback.
"Water's here y'all!" Shane called. " Just a reminder to boil before use." —— The sun was high on the horizon, shining bright as no cloud could be seen on the sky. Amidst the hustle and bustle of survivors going about their tasks, Charlie knelt next to a little girl, offering her a bottle filled with water that Shane brought earlier that day.
"Here you go, Sophia."
"Thanks," she smiled up.
"So, Sophia, tell me more about your life before all this craziness," Charlie said. "Carl always brags about what he was doing before."
"There's nothing to talk about," she shrugged, looking away.
"What were you doing for summer breaks? Any favorite games? Cartoons?"
"I don't know."
"We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."
"It's just...I'm different than Carl," she said.
Charlie reaches out, squeezing Sophia's hand gently, her expression softens, understanding dawning in her eyes. "It's okay. Everyone is different."
"I guess," she nodded.
"Hey, guys! What are you up to?"
"Just talking and resting. Join us,"
Carl plopped down beside them, his energy infectious. "You're doing exercises?"
"Yes, she does. So should you," Charlie said and gave him his book.
"Why? The world ended, there's no school, right?"
"Just do it, Carl."
Her eyes moved to Sophia's movements with a mixture of admiration and sorrow. Despite the harsh realities of their world, Sophia persevered, her determination evident in every stretch and bend. She was so obedient and calm, doing whatever she was told. Meanwhile, Carl's energetic antics contrasted sharply with Sophia's focused demeanor. He joked and laughed, his carefree attitude a stark reminder of the innocence they had lost.
