WITH YOU | TWD

[8] WEAK

Images flickered and shifted, a kaleidoscope of memories and fears that twisted and warped into nightmarish shapes. In her dream, the walls of Alexandria crumbled around her. She raced through the chaos, searching desperately for her friends, their voices swallowed by the deafening roar of destruction that echoed in her ears. And then, just as she reached out to grasp Glenn's hand, he vanished before her eyes, slipping through her fingers like smoke. Panic surged through Charlie's veins, her heart pounding in her chest as she called out his name into the void, only to be met with silence.

With a gasp, Charlie jolted awake, her body drenched in sweat and her heart pounding like a drum in her chest. The decision to sleep in separate bedrooms, had left her feeling more isolated and vulnerable than ever before. She tried to steady her racing heart, drawing on every ounce of courage she possessed to quell the rising tide of fear threatening to overwhelm her. "Charlie, are you alright?" Rick asked, his voice gentle but insistent. He crossed the room in quick strides, his concern palpable as he knelt down beside her bed, reaching out to brush a stray strand of hair from her forehead.

"Nightmare," Charlie offered him a weak smile, grateful for his comforting presence in the wake of her unsettling dream. "Sorry, for waking you up."

"It's okay," he shook his head. "I'm surprised you woke up only me."

She tried to smile a bit wider.

Charlie watched as Rick rose from his kneeling position, his hand lingering for a moment on her back before he turned towards the door. As Rick turned to leave, Charlie's heart clenched with a sudden surge of fear. The thought of being left alone in the darkness, haunted by the remnants of her nightmare, filled her with an overwhelming sense of dread.

"Rick," she called out, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

Rick paused in the doorway, turning back to look at her with a furrowed brow. "Yes?"

"Will you stay with me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want to be alone."

Rick nodded solemnly, understanding the depth of Charlie's fear and the importance of his presence in that moment. The mere presence of his steady presence was a balm to her nerves.

"Thank you, Rick," she whispered, her voice barely audible in the stillness of the room. She settled back into her bed, her eyelids growing heavy as she allowed herself to drift off into a peaceful sleep, knowing that Rick was watching over her, a silent guardian in the darkness.

Rick offered her a reassuring smile, his eyes warm with understanding. "Anytime, Charlie," he replied softly. "I'm here."

As Charlie slowly opened her eyes, she felt a heavy weight pressing down upon her body. Every movement sent waves of exhaustion coursing through her limbs, leaving her feeling weak and drained. With a groan, she tried to sit up, but her muscles protested, resisting her efforts. With great effort, Charlie managed to push herself into a sitting position, her head spinning with dizziness. She took slow, shallow breaths, willing herself to regain her strength.

As she stepped out onto the porch of her home, the cool morning air enveloped her like a comforting embrace. But despite the tranquility of the scene before her, she couldn't shake the lingering sense of unease that clung to her like a shadow.

Clenching her fingers tightly around the wooden railing, Charlie tried to steady her trembling hands. Her breath came in ragged gasps, each inhalation feeling like a struggle against the weight of her own fears. Her heart raced in her chest, a relentless drumbeat echoing in her ears.

"Hey Charlie!" called a woman. She looked up and with the most fakest smile, she waved at her back.

"Are you excited about the party?"