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(Pretend its in a bunker for the lighting, and its Carl)
Raven stood in the bunker, her heart pounding in her chest as she tallied the headcount. She let out a breath of relief, realizing that everyone had made it in safely. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she turned to the person closest to her, Carl, and pulled him into a tight hug.
Rick, who had been watching the scene unfold, furrowed his brows in disapproval. But before he could say anything, Raven released Carl and turned to Enid and Beth, pulling them into the embrace as well. She glanced over at Addy, who was standing nearby, and gestured for her to join in. After a few seconds of hesitation, Addy stepped forward and joined the group hug.
Rick's irritation grew, but Raven didn't notice as she was already busy rallying the military and technology personnel. She called for a meeting, wanting to discuss the next course of action to ensure everyone's safety. As she entered the meeting room, she intentionally brought Glenn with her, leaving Rick standing there, his face filled with a mix of confusion and disappointment.
Inside the meeting room, Raven addressed the gathered individuals with a determined expression. "Alright, everyone, gather round. We need to come up with a plan to strengthen our defenses and find a way to secure more supplies. We've got capable fighters, skilled technicians, and strategists here. Let's make the most of it."
Glenn, sensing the tension in the room, approached Raven and whispered, "What's with Rick? He seemed upset."
Raven sighed softly, her voice barely audible amidst the bustling room. "I think he expected me to turn to him first, to seek his guidance. But right now, I need to trust my own instincts and make decisions for the greater good. It's not personal, Glenn."
Glenn nodded understandingly, and they both turned their attention back to the meeting, determined to lead their community through the challenges that lay ahead.
Little did they know, this chapter would mark a turning point in their relationship with Rick, setting the stage for unforeseen conflicts and tests of loyalty in the days to come.
As Raven sat on the floor, her mind raced with conflicting emotions. She couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt as she remembered the hurt expression on Rick's face earlier. She hadn't meant to exclude him, but she had needed Glenn's expertise for the upcoming mission. She knew Rick was a capable leader, but she had made a split-second decision that she now questioned.
Taking a deep breath, Raven pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the task at hand. She had called this meeting to discuss the urgent need to eliminate the zombies that had somehow managed to breach the gates but were still lingering outside the safety of the bunker. It was a risky mission, but it had to be done to protect the remaining survivors.
As the group assembled, Raven's voice boomed over the intercom, instructing everyone to retreat to their rooms. However, she made a specific exception for those living in the two houses outside. They were to join her in the meeting room, where she would brief them on the plan. She knew they were equally at risk and deserved to be included.
Just as the five individuals from the outside houses arrived, Rick burst into the room, his determination evident in his eyes. He announced that he and Carl wanted to help in the fight against the zombies, but more surprisingly, Jesse and her two sons expressed their desire to leave the safety of the bunker. Rick offered to take them with him, away from the danger.
Raven's initial reaction was to yell no, to insist that they stay. But as the words hung in the air, she realized she couldn't force them to remain against their will. It was their choice, their lives at stake. If they believed they would be safer elsewhere, who was she to deny them that opportunity?
With a heavy heart, Raven nodded, allowing them to leave. She understood that not everyone was cut out for this fight, that survival came in different forms for different people. She wished them luck, hoping they would find the safety and peace they were searching for.
Turning her attention back to the task at hand, Raven rallied the remaining five individuals who had volunteered for the mission. They gathered their weapons, checked their supplies, and mentally prepared themselves for what lay ahead. The tension in the room was palpable, but they knew they had to stay focused.
With a final glance at the closed door, Raven whispered a silent prayer, hoping that her decision hadn't been a mistake. She knew that every choice she made carried weight and consequences. As the group headed out of the bunker, ready to face the relentless horde of zombies, Raven vowed to do everything in her power to ensure their survival.
Raven: (sitting on the floor, murmuring) Please, let them be okay. I can't bear another loss.
Gunshot rings out.
Raven: (panicked, rushing to the door) No! What's happening out there?
Opens the door and gasps.
Raven: (in disbelief) No... No! Jesse, the kids...
Runs out and catches Carl as he falls.
Raven: (frantic) Carl, stay with me! Please, don't leave us too.
Rick: (following behind) Raven, we need to get him to the medical tent.
Raven: (on the walkie talkie) This is Raven, we need immediate medical backup at the bunker! Carl is critically injured!
Backup arrives and pushes Rick out of the tent.
Raven: (to Carl, softly) Stay strong, Carl. Help is here.
Hours pass, everyone leaves the tent except Raven.
Raven: (sitting by Carl, holding his hand) I won't leave you, Carl. We'll get through this together.
Rick enters the tent, avoiding eye contact with Carl.
Rick: Raven, I'll be back. Stay with him.
Raven nods, tears streaming down her face, and whispers to Carl.
Raven: (whispering) You're a fighter, Carl. Don't you dare give up on me.
- Two hours later -
Carl: *noticing Raven's puffy eyes* Raven, what happened? Why are you crying?
Raven: *hugging Carl, tears streaming down her face* I was so scared, Carl. I thought I had lost you.
Rick: *entering the tent, pulling them apart* Okay, enough hugging. I'm glad you're awake, Carl.
Carl: *slightly annoyed* Dad, you interrupted us.
Rick: *hugging Carl tightly* I'm sorry, son. I just couldn't help myself.
Raven: *running outside and returning with Judith* Look who's here, Carl!
Carl: *overjoyed, hugging Judith* Hey, Judith! I've missed you too!
Raven: *taking Rick aside* I'm sorry for not keeping you in the loop, Rick. I just... I panicked.
Rick: *apologizing* No, I was the one acting like a jerk. I shouldn't have left you in the dark.
- Raven heads back into the tent while Rick walks back to his group -
Raven: *sitting on her stool, holding Carl's hand* Just rest, Carl. I'll be right here.
- Raven falls asleep with her head on Carl's cot -
