Everybody Wants To Rule The World (Rick Grimes) (#Wattys2024)

I had a dream

Krystal's cornrows in the picture above that her mother did days before the CDC explosion. She's still wearing this hairstyle until I decide when she can change.

It's been half an hour and Shane hasn't left the bathroom. What is he doing in there? Taking a shit?! Theodore fell asleep on my shoulder but I gently pushed him off causing him to wake up.

"Shane ain't come out yet?" He asked looking at me. I sigh and stand up ready to kick the bathroom door down when Shane comes out with a perfectly shaved head. "love the new look, Shane." Theodore said rubbing his bald head.

I chuckle and grab my clothes. As soon as I closed the door I peeled my dirty clothes off and threw them somewhere before walking into the tub.

The cold water was cold but so good and I loved every bit of it. "Hey, don't take too long woman I gotta wash my dirty ass too," Theodore said knocking on the door scaring the shit out of me.

I shake my head and soap up with my wash rag. I could see the dirt go down the strain and I cringe in disgust.

Just because of that, I'm soaping my body two times. After I don't know how long I was finished I dried off before hurriedly putting on my clothes.

Instead of Theodore, I see Shane as I open the door. "Showering again?" I asked moving out of the way. "No, sorry I don't know why I'm even standing here."

He still had that look of fright on his face so I hugged him. He didn't deserve it after what he did to Lori but I could tell he was sorry because he wanted to leave the group. Maybe some people can change.

"It's okay, Shane," I said softly, pulling back to look him in the eyes. "We all have our moments. Just... take it easy, alright?"

Shane nodded, a flicker of appreciation in his eyes. "Thanks, Krystal."

I stepped past him, then headed back to where Theodore was waiting. He grinned when he saw me, his bald head gleaming in the dim light. "You look fresh," he teased.

"Shut up," I laughed, playfully nudging him. "Your turn."

Theodore got up and headed to the bathroom, leaving me alone with my thoughts. I found a quiet corner to sit in, my mind racing with everything that had happened. The farmhouse was a temporary haven, but the uncertainty of our situation weighed heavily on me.

As I sat there, I heard footsteps approaching. Lori appeared, looking slightly less guarded than before. "Hey, Krystal. Everything okay?"

I nodded. "Yeah, just trying to process everything. How's Carl?"

She sighed, sitting down next to me. "He's going to survive thanks to everyone especially you."

I nodded, her words sinking in. "I don't know if I'd Function if Carl died too. I've already lost so many people close to me," I said quietly.

Lori offered a small, sad smile. "It's been rough for me, but Rick told me we should keep going. That's all I'm going to do."

After 7 minutes, Theodore returned, looking refreshed. "Your turn, Lori," he said with a grin.

She shook her head. "I think I'll pass for now. Got too much on my mind."

Theodore shrugged and flopped down next to me. "Suit yourself."

As the night wore on, we all tried to find some semblance of rest. I curled up in a corner, listening to the rhythmic breathing of everyone.

___________

In the depths of that sleep, a familiar voice pierced the darkness, stirring memories long buried. "Krystal, have you seen the chickens in the barn yet?"