5. The Steeple

t w o h u n d r e d

I can't believe this is it.

I have spent four years writing the story of Theo and Daryl, and I have never been more proud of my work.

I admittedly cried while writing this chapter because I was sad to see this end. 

I want to continue writing for Theo and Daryl in the future, but I need time to look back at what I have written, edit, add more chapters, and do more for these books. 

But for now, here is the last chapter...

Daryl and Theo took a deep breath before walking into their home in the Commonwealth. They entered to see Lydia and her youngest playing on the floor while RJ read a comic left by Carl for him, Judith staring out the window.

"Hey," Daryl called them all over, taking a seat at the dining table.

They all walked over, even Libbie and CJ, who were now walking around and talking words.

"We need to speak to you all" Theo sat beside Daryl.

"What's going on," Lydia asked, confused looking between the two of them

"Your father and I need to let you know what is going on", Theo started as they all nodded.

"Daryl and I need to go; we need to leave and head out to another country", Theo said, finding it incredibly difficult to explain herself. "I owe it to you all to let you know I was bitten three days ago", Theo began, making them all look at her scared. "But...I'm okay. For some reason, the bite hasn't taken me away from you, but this means that something has changed; the world might be able to be different if I can find out why I haven't had the same fate as so many other people." Theo cried. "So, we have to go to France, and I don't know how long we will be gone" Theo looked at Daryl, who nodded, trying to hold back his tears.

"We love you all so much, and that's why we are doing this, to see if there is a way to better your future", Daryl explained.

"We understand, Dad" Lydia smiled as Theo and Daryl looked around the room.

"Just come home," Judith cried as Theo stood, walking around to hug her tightly. Then RJ, Lydia Libbie, and CJ hugged her.

Daryl took in the moment as he watched the love of his life and his world together.

Theo stood after a long-deserved hug from all the kids in her life that she loved, looking at each of them individually

"I will come back to you," Theo told them all as Daryl effortlessly picked up Libbie and CJ at the same time, hugging them tightly, kissing them on their heads, and holding back his tears as Lydia hugged into his side as he placed a kiss on her head. RJ and Judith held onto Theo.

"You will be taken care of while we are gone, okay, behave, all of you" Theo laughed through her tears as she looked at Daryl.

"You guys are responsible for Dog and Ozzy, too" Daryl smiled as they all nodded, agreeing to take care of the dogs for them.

"Be safe out there", Lydia told Theo as she nodded, hugging her daughter tightly.

There was a knock on the door; Daryl headed to go and let in those who would take care of the kids while they were gone.

Carol and Ezekiel walked in first.

"We know you want to stay here, Jude, so you and RJ are staying in the Commonwealth with Carol and Ezekiel", Theo explained as Judith and RJ ran to them, hugging them both in gratefulness, causing Theo to laugh.