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CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO: NOT GONNA GO DOWN WITH MY HOMETOWN
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MELANIE WAS CAUTIOUS about Siddiq, but since Carl trusted him and Melanie trusted Carl, she chose to trust Siddiq too. Carl decided to keep Siddiq hidden in the sewers of Alexandria, waiting until he could get Rick's approval for him to stay. Carl realized he would need to convince his father, but he prepared himself for it. He was determined to help Siddiq, knowing Siddiq wouldn't survive alone. Carl wasn't just going to hope for his safety—he refused to rely on hope alone.
Hope or Siddiq's survival or hope for the new world after the war with the Saviors wasn't enough on its own. Carl had started to believe that his father should focus more on what things could potentially be after the war. He thought they shouldn't focus on killing as many Saviors as possible, but instead focus on working together to create a better life for everyone. Melanie had started to agree with him. She also thought that he had become a great leader since Rick had been gone fighting in the war against the Saviors. Melanie was proud of him.
Melanie had been helping Carl get supplies to Siddiq in the sewers. She helped him set up a cot and provided a pillow with a blanket so that Siddiq would be comfortable. Carl brought water bottles and cans of food. Melanie noticed how skinny Siddiq was. She wondered how long he had been starving. When Melanie realized this, she made sure to grab food that would help him gain weight. She brought him food similar to what she had eaten when she arrived in Alexandria, food that helped her regain some weight after becoming so skinny her bones pressed against her skin.
A couple of days had passed since Carl led Siddiq into Alexandria. That night, under a dark sky, Carl and Melanie quietly carried a paper bag of supplies to the sewer entrance. Carl knelt and removed the grate, preparing to go down into the sewer. As he did, Michonne walked toward them. Melanie gave Carl a light tap on the shoulder, signaling that Michonne had noticed them.
"Carl. I've been lookin' for you. We're about ready to head out," Michonne approached them. Michonne observed the bag and the sewer entrance, furrowing her brows. "What are you doing?"
Melanie looked at him, waiting to see what he would say, "I'm helping someone. A traveler."
Michonne glanced at the sewer grate, "In the sewer?"
A metallic clang cut Carl off. Melanie, Michonne, and Carl all turned toward the front gate. The screech of microphone feedback rang out before Negan's drawl filled Alexandria. Melanie shivered as he spoke: "You may be wondering why the hell your lookouts didn't sound the alarm. See, we are polite. I mean, I don't know when they're gonna wake up from that kinda shot, but they should wake up. So let's just cut through the cow shit — you lose. It's over. So, you're gonna line up in front of your little houses, and you're gonna work up some apologies, and then the person with the lamest one is gonna get killed. Then I kill Rick in front of everybody, and we move on. You have three — count 'em, three minutes to open this gate, or we start bombing the shit out of you!"
