VILLAINESS [TWD]

𝖑𝖎𝖛𝖊

as my eyes open, it's easier to breathe.

my eyes flutter open and i blink a few times at the brightness in the room.

i stretch my arms, the bed was warm and cozy. i look out the window to see it snowing.

i smile to myself and roll out of bed. the floorboard creaks under my feet as i stand and make my way to the door.

i hear humming from downstairs. something that sounded like a patsy cline song.

christmas light decorate the staircase railing. i poke at the twinkling lights and sigh in relief as i descend.

the floor downstairs was cold on my bare feet. i scan the living room. the christmas tree made a shine through the living room. 

i plop myself down on the couch and rest my head on grandpa's shoulder.

the smell of his coffee fills my nose and i snuggle closer to him. he was warm in the wintery cold.

"sorry it took so long," i apologize.

beth skips into the living room with a cookie in her hand and noah by her side.

"is it time to open gifts?" beth asks as she and noah sit down on the floor by the tree.

"not yet," grandpa advises. "we're still waiting."

worriedly, i raise my head and look up at him.

"we're not waiting on mom, right?" i worry. "she.. she can't come. not yet. it's not her time-"

"of course not, dear," grandpa soothes.

"it isn't your time, either," beth frowns.

grandma walks in and sets a plate on the table full of mugs with hot chocolate. she sits down and pulls a throw blanket onto her lap.

"then.." i pause.

the front door squeaks as it opens. dad walks in and makes sure to knock his shoes outside to get the snow off his boots.

a smile breaks out over my face and i leap to my feet, running to him.

"ellie!" dad gasps. "goodness, you've gotten tall!"

i throw my arms over his neck and hug him tightly. he sways us back and forth, walking further in.

the door doesn't close behind him. instead, his parents walk in as well and make themselves at home around the living room. i only hug dad tighter.

then, another person walks in.

i laugh audibly and open an arm out to glenn.

"you're here early," he notes with a saddened face and takes the opening for a hug. "i was hoping it wasn't true."

"I'm so happy to see you," i mumble, caught in between two of the most important men to me.

"we're all happy to see you, too.. but, i agree. it is a little soon for you to arrive," dad notes.

i step back, a hand on both dad and glenn's shoulders. "what?"

"ellie, your story isn't finished," glenn urges.

i shake my head. "no, no.. this is it. mom understood my plan and she got rid of the reapers. alexandria is safe.. everyone is okay-"

"nothing will be okay without you there. who will look after maggie, anna, hershel, and others?"

a stray tear rolls down my cheek. "but, i did it. i finished it. i.. I'm tired. i want to rest now."

"ellie, the surviving is over now. that means you can live," glenn pushes.