traded my life [TWD]

『69』

"You held down the fort pretty well, my dude," I praise, poking Carl's cheek.

"I did what you and Dad would have done," he returns. "You wouldn't sit on the side and watch people suffer."

My heart swells and I tug him in for a quick hug. "You're growing up too fast, man."

"You said I had to show it," he recalls. "So, that's what I'm doing."

"What about those new people?" Beth asks. "Carl saved them.. they're waiting on Rick."

I didn't know a lot about the new group Carl brought in. I was more focused on praising Carl for saving lives, to begin with.

I look over at Rick.

I send him a mental question, making sure he was okay to make this decision. He nods stiffly, but I didn't believe it.

The group heads into the cafeteria where the four people are.

"I'm Tyreese," the large man introduces, holding his hand out for Rick to shake.

Rick gives him a blank look.

Shit.

I hurry forward to stand at Rick's side as the woman is to Tyreese.

"Hyejin," I say, taking his open hand so he wasn't left hanging.

"Sasha, Allen, Ben," Hershel names, pointing his crutch to the others.

"How'd you get in?" Rick asks.

"Wall's down," Tyreese answers.

I take in the appearances of the group.

Tyreese was large and muscular. He was kind, but tough. 

Sasha was quiet, but I could tell she had a muzzle on herself. Mabe Tyreese did it so her mouth wouldn't get them in trouble.

Ben was the youngest. He stood to the back and looked like he was on the verge of crying. He looked around my age.

Allen was older. He looked.. distant. And yet, so present. Like he was waiting for our guards to drop.

"That side's completely overrun with walkers," Rick remembers. "How'd you get this far."

"We didn't. We lost our friend, Donna," Tyreese explains.

"They were lost in the gyms," Carl speaks up.

"And you brought them here?" Rick snaps, looking back at his son.

"Hey," I call lightly, gripping Rick's wrist. "He did the right thing. Don't punish him for that."

Rick takes a deep breath. Then, he looks at the new group again. "I'm sorry about your friend. We know what that's like."

"Hershel said you could use some extra hands," Tyreese says. "We're no stranger to hard work. We'll go out, get our own food, stay out of your hair."

I look up at Rick as he takes in the offer.

"You got a problem with another group, we'll help with that, too," Tyreese adds. "Anything to contribute."

My eyes widen. I clutch Rick's wrist tighter.

We needed this. We need this group.

"No," Rick denies.

Fuck.

I look at Hershel as the group debates. I hear them throwing around the other prisoners that were bad and Ocar who was just killed. Hershel nods at me.

"Rick," Hershel calls.