South Tree * TWD

52. Object Don't Talk

THAT EVENING, THE group returned. They not only returned with the news of Noah's neighborhood being over taken but they also arrived with a departed Tyreese as they worked together to carry his body to be buried next to Beth's. Lillian was again distant as they laid Tyreese to rest. She didn't know him that well but she knew he was real nice. He was very sweet and protective of the kids. She knew she'd miss him no matter how much he knew him. She missed a lot of people that she barely knew. A lot of people in general. She missed Dale, Amy, Sophia, Bob, T-Dog, Hershel, and even Lori. Part of her missed Patrick too. Or maybe she missed being comfortable, having fun... being a kid.

Lillian bit her lip, tears blurring her vision as she looked over at Daryl. He was standing stiff, looking down at the grave that Tyrese was just laid in. She wanted a hug, she wanted the comfort she'd grown so used to but she didn't want to bother Daryl. He was already upset at her yesterday when she tried to talk to him so she thought it'd be better to leave it alone.

Her breathing shuddered as she wrapped her arms around herself and looked over at Carl who stood close to Michonne and his dad who held Judith. Then she glanced over at Maggie, Glenn, Athena, and Colton who all stood gathered together. Glenn had an arm wrapped around Maggie, as Maggie held Athena close keeping an arm around her shoulder. Colton stood beside them, standing just as Daryl was. Carol was near Sasha, who was crying but was cold. Carol seemed to try and be there for support as Gabriel put Tyreese to rest. While Tara, Eugene, Noah, and Rosita all stood together, Abraham had wondered off somewhere after paying his respects. Lillian almost felt jealous as she looked around, everyone standing with whom they were closest to. She didn't want to bother anyone so she stayed rooted.

It began to cross her mind, why they worked so hard to stay alive. All of this, just to have three people die in the past week. They were all gonna die anyways. Soon enough, the entire group would pass at this rate. They were being to careful, they were trying so hard but it didn't work. They only had a couple of granola bars and a can of apple sauce, they were starving and homeless. Lillian was exhausted she regretted not just being a kid more when she was able to, not relaxing. She hated being out here. Not just out here, but out here with no hope. She genuinely believed her fate was up next, maybe not tomorrow, or the next day but everyone was going to die and so was she. She was okay with that if it meant peace.

Lillian was snapped out of her thoughts as she felt someone grab her hand, taking it into theirs softly. She looked over quickly to see Colton. He wasn't looking at her, still at the grave but he stood close as he held onto Lillian's hand. She felt relief wash over her, a tear slipping down her face as she rested her head against Colton's shoulder.

Maybe she wouldn't be okay with it. She wanted to live. She wanted everyone to.

It wasn't long after that Gabriel finished with his speech and Tyreese was fully buried under. Everyone began to disperse, going their separate ways. Colton stood still, watching as Lillian glanced over at him. She swallowed thickly, wanting to say something but not knowing what.

"Do you want a hug?" Her voice so small that Colton almost didn't hear it. Colton looked over at her, trying to keep a straight face but Lillian could see the frown tugging at his lips. "I kinda want one." She added quietly. Colton tugged her hand, bringing her closer to him and wrapped his arms tightly around her torso, making her stand on her tippy toes to wrap her arms around his shoulders. One of her hands immediately went to the back of his head, holding him tightly as she felt him choke on his breath, trying his hardest to not cry. Her other hand rubbed his back soothingly. It made her feel better, her best friend seeking comfort from her. She missed him a lot, even if he was still so close.

"Are you okay?" Colton asked, his voice cracking as he rested his head into the crook of her neck.

"Don't worry about me, I'm okay Colt." She whispered back to him. They stayed hugging for a couple of minutes before Colton sighed and let go, causing Lillian to let go as well. Lillian brushed hair away from his eyes as she took a step back, looking at his face. His cheeks were rosy, his eyes red, it reminded her of the first time she was him like this. When the farm got over run. "Are you okay?"