Grief can feel like an insurmountable weight. It's the fragile thread of hope for what lies ahead that offers us the strength to navigate our pain; envisioning a future where joy can coexist with our sorrow.
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The loss of Sage and Tatum's found f...
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Sage's transient consciousness shifts into awareness as they feel the cold ground below them. Burning fire tilts in their vision, their lucidity slowly slipping away. A lifeless form sends sparks into the air after their body meets fire. The present moment is snipped from Sage as they slump over.
Seemingly, little time has passed since the last time things went dark. They open their eyes again, knowing something happened. The shadows of the forest superseded the burning fire.
Sage groans as she becomes aware of the throbbing of her head, now feeling someone's chest beneath her. They blink a few times, the trees wobbling with each step the man takes.
Just before they gather the strength to free themselves, Sage notices the man has a black eye and a greying goatee. Her vision snaps into place, and she realizes it's not some strange man trying to consume her. It's Daryl.
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Tatum realizes Sage has yet to make their way back inside since she started chatting with Tara. Tatum stands from her seat facing the aisle. "Hold up."
She crosses the carpeted floor to crash out of the doors, catching everyone's attention. She feels a surge of adrenaline, her breath uneven as her eyes dart through the trees. There's no sign of her sibling anywhere. The doors open again, and Carol nears to check on the girl.
Tatum starts to quiver in utter distress. "Everything alright?" Carol asks, her voice compassionate.
Tatum huffs, the frustration boiling over. Her hands are wet with the intractable tears spilling over her waterline. "No- Fuck! Sage went out for a 'breather.' Now, I can't find them anywhere."
Carol places her hand on Tatum's back to lead her out of the threatening darkness. "Come inside. I'm not letting you go out there alone. We'll find her," Carol says, attempting to console her. "I think Daryl might already be on it. Can't find him anywhere."
Tatum slowly nods, the reassurance barely making a dent in the heaviness of her chest.
They step back inside, Carol immediately making her way to Gabriel. She invades his space, creating uneasiness in him.
"Stop."
He pauses, looking up at the woman while Tatum slides in beside her, arms crossed.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?" Carol asks, catching Gabriel off guard. She searches his face, gaining no answer. She continues. "This is all connected."
"You show up, we're being watched, and now two of us are gone," she spits, the man's eyes looking over the group.
"- I don't. I don't have anything to do with this."
Tatum grabs the knife from her boot, and Gabriel lifts his hands while he stumbles back.
"Your people have Sage, don't feed us bullshit!" Tatum screams. Rosita attempts to stop the escalation until Abraham halts her. Tatum places the tip of her knife just below his eye, a threatening glare burning through him. "Who's out there?"
