WITH YOU | TWD

[9] SOMETHING INSIDE ME

Charlie sat quietly in the dimly lit church, her gaze fixed on the flickering candle flames dancing before her. The familiar scent of incense lingered in the air, mingling with the musty aroma of old books and worn pews. She could hear the faint echo of footsteps approaching, signaling Gabe's arrival.

"They got you a nice church," Charlie remarked softly, not turning to face him. "All those things you got...those people love you."

She was jealous. After everything he had done, he got so much love from people, who could barely greet her. Gabe's voice, filled with concern, broke through the stillness. "Charlie? What are you doing here?"

"What people usually do in a church," she replied cryptically, her tone weighted with unspoken thoughts.

Gabe settled beside her, his presence a silent comfort amidst the turmoil brewing within her. "You came to confess?"

"I have nothing to confess," she shook her head, her voice tinged with resignation.

"We're all nothing but sinners," Gabe countered gently, his eyes reflecting the compassion he held for her.

Silence enveloped them, the weight of Charlie's unspoken words hanging heavily in the air. In her mind, a tempest raged, threatening to consume her with its relentless fury.

"I have no sins."

"We all do."

"I have just fears," she said as she turned her head to him.

Gabe reached out, his hand resting gently on Charlie's shoulder as he sought to understand the turmoil that churned within her. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit," he quoted from the book of Psalms, offering her a beacon of hope. "Whatever burdens you carry, you don't have to face them alone."

Charlie rose from the pew, her expression clouded with unresolved emotions as she turned to leave the church. Her movements graceful yet laden with the weight of her unspoken burdens, she cast a sidelong glance at Gabe

"Thanks for the enlightening chat, Father," she quipped, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "I'll be sure to drop by for my daily dose of redemption." With a flick of her wrist, she turned on her heel and strode purposefully towards the door. "Oh, and make sure that this time you won't kill your congregation."

As Charlie stepped out of the church, the warmth of the sun enveloped her like a comforting embrace, casting a golden glow upon her weary features. She spotted Noah, his determined stride betraying the nerves that lurked beneath his stoic facade, as he prepared for the first supply run beyond the safety of Alexandria's walls.

"Hey, Noah," she called out, her voice cutting through the calm air.

Noah turned to face her, a flicker of surprise dancing in his eyes before a warm smile spread across his face. "Charlie, hey," he greeted, his tone tinged with genuine warmth.

"Good luck out there," Charlie offered, her words laced with sincerity. "And be careful, okay?"

Noah nodded, his expression grateful for her well-wishes. "Thanks, I'll do my best," he replied, his determination shining through despite the uncertainty that lay ahead. "Oh, and I talked with Reg...He wants to  teach me engineering some," he remarked.

Charlie's eyes sparkled with excitement at the mention of his newfound opportunity. "Oh! That's great!"

"Yeah, I'm really looking forward to it," he admitted, his enthusiasm palpable. "It's a chance to learn something new, something that could really make a difference."

"I'm so proud," Charlie smiled and squeezed his arm.

Before he could respond, a familiar figure emerged from the bustling activity of Alexandria, catching both their attention. Glenn's presence brought a sense of reassurance, his steady gaze a beacon of strength amidst the uncertainty that loomed over them all. "Hey, Charlie," he greeted warmly, pulling her into a tight embrace.