WITH YOU | TWD

[11] IN THE MEANTIME

As Charlie walked with Judith, the weight of her decision to stay in Alexandria settled heavily on her shoulders. Guilt that she wasn't helping her family was the cause of heartache. But her thoughts were interrupted as the wheels of Judith's stroller became stuck on a small stone protruding from the ground. With a frustrated sigh, Charlie tried to maneuver the stroller free, but to no avail.

Just as she was beginning to grow exasperated, a voice spoke up from behind her. "Need a hand?"

Charlie turned to find a young boy that she saw in the infirmary standing before her, a friendly smile on his face. She hesitated for a moment, her instincts urging her to be cautious, but she knew it was a big too much with a baby. So she nodded in agreement.

With practiced ease, the boy knelt down beside the stroller and deftly maneuvered it free from its predicament. As he straightened up, Charlie couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for doubting him. After all, he had only been trying to help.

"Thanks," she said, her voice tinged with gratitude.

"No worries."

As Charlie resumed her walk with Judith, she heard more footsteps next to her. Glancing to her side, she saw the same boy walking beside her, his hands shoved casually into his pockets as he matched her stride.

"Uh, can I help you with something?" she asked, her voice laced with caution, brows furrowed.

The boy shrugged nonchalantly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Just figured I'd keep you company," he replied casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Charlie's brow furrowed in confusion. "Why?" she pressed, her tone tinged with suspicion.

He flashed her a grin, his demeanor surprisingly relaxed. "Why not?" he countered, his tone playful. "I'm waking here alone everyday."

"And how has it been?"

"Since the beginning?" he answered. "Well...minus a week or two, I think..." he said a silence fell between them. "What's your name?"

Charlie hesitated for a moment, her mind racing as she weighed her options. She didn't know this boy, didn't know anything about him or his intentions, and yet here he was, shadowing her every move like a persistent stray dog.

"It's Charlie," she replied finally, keeping her responses short and to the point.

The boy nodded, seemingly unperturbed by her curt demeanor. "Nice to meet you, Charlie," he said cheerfully, his smile widening. "I'm Andy."

"So, Andy," she said after a moment. "You've been walking alone this whole time?" she pressed, her voice tinged with disbelief.

The boy shrugged, his expression unreadable. "For the most part," he admitted, his tone casual.

"And you don't want to go out?"

"Go out? Where?" he asked and looked at her, immediately knowing what she was thinking. "Oh, you mean out."

"Yeah."

"Are you crazy?" he chuckled. "After what I saw back there? Nah, thanks. That's just...not gonna happen."

"World is different know. Peaceful," she said. "And it is waiting out there to be explored."

The boy shook his head adamantly, his expression one of staunch determination. "I'll take my chances in here, thanks," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "At least I know what to expect."

"Why?"

"I think you know it the best," he said. "And Rick knows it. Isn't it why he's out fighting for this place?"