WITH YOU | TWD

[19] THE NIGHT BEFORE THE END

The community was quiet, the atmosphere heavy with the weight of recent events. In a small, secluded part of the graveyard, Andy sat on the ground, staring at the simple wooden plank that marked Denise's grave. His expression was a mixture of sorrow and regret, his eyes unfocused as he replayed memories of their last moments together.

The soft crunch of footsteps on the grass caught Andy's attention, and he looked up, his gaze meeting hers with surprise and vulnerability.

Her own heart ached for him, and she felt a pang of guilt for their earlier argument. This was not the time for the negative emotions; it was a time for empathy and understanding. She approached him with a measured step, trying to balance her concern with the need to respect his space.

The silence between them was heavy, filled only by the distant sounds of Alexandria settling down for the night. Charlie could feel the tension radiating from Andy, and it was clear that he was struggling to keep his emotions in check. When he finally spoke, his voice was calmer than she had expected. "I'm sorry," said Andy. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

Charlie shook her head, her eyes soft with understanding. "It's okay. Let's not talk about it anymore."

Andy's eyes met hers, and for a fleeting moment, she saw something other than grief in them—perhaps a glimmer of gratitude or relief. She could feel the emotional weight of the moment pressing down on her.

"She didn't deserve this," Charlie said quietly, her voice steady despite the lump in her throat.

"No, she didn't," Andy agreed, his gaze fixed on the simple marker of Denise's grave. There was a palpable sadness in his voice, a heaviness that spoke of unspoken regrets and what-ifs.

"She was a good person," Charlie added, trying to offer some semblance of comfort. Her thoughts drifted to the times she had interacted with Denise—her kindness, her courage, and the hope she had brought.

"I keep thinking... if I'd been there... if I'd said something different, done something different..."

"We all feel that way, Andy," she said. "But it wasn't your fault. It wasn't anyone's fault. It's just how it is."

Her words were meant to offer solace, but she knew that understanding and acceptance were not so easily granted. Andy's eyes held hers, and in that brief moment, she saw a flicker of something that softened the edge of his grief—maybe a sense of relief.

He sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping as some of the tension eased. "I miss her," he admitted quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Without a word, she shifted closer and gently placed her arms around him, pulling him into a comforting embrace. The gesture was simple, but it was filled with the warmth and support that words alone could not convey.

Andy didn't resist; he simply leaned into her, his sobs becoming louder as he clung to her for support. Charlie held him close. She stroked his back soothingly, her presence a steady anchor in the midst of his storm.

As they sat there together, the night deepening around them, Charlie's presence was a comforting reminder that they weren't alone.

The moon cast a silvery glow over Alexandria as Charlie made her way to the watchtower. The cool night air brushed against her skin, contrast to the heated emotions of the day. She needed a moment of solitude, a chance to clear her mind and focus on something other than grief and guilt. And the task she had now was perfect to do just that.

As she climbed the ladder to the watchtower, Charlie's thoughts raced. Denise's death was the last thing they all needed at the moment. She wondered if there had been something she could have done differently, if she could have changed the outcome. Unconsciously, she wondered how things would be if she went with Daryl instead of Denise. Her thoughts turned to Andy and Rosita, and the relationship they shared.