traded my life [TWD]

『105』

To say that seeing Rick's blue eyes through the window was a relief would be an understatement.

He didn't even look at Shane at first. He looked at me. Then, Carol. Then, Shane.

The door peeled open slowly and the groups stood face to face in the hall. After that, it was like Rick and Shane couldn't see anyone but each other.

"One of yours for one of mine," Dawn says, sensing that Shane was tied up in a mental bind.

I look at Dawn and nod at Carol. She pushes the wheelchair forward as Daryl urges one of the officers on their end over.

The trade is made and I sigh in relief when Carol is back in the arms of the group. I don't see Daniel or Beth. They must've stayed back where the others are. Rick, Daryl, Sasha, and Tyreese were present, though. Seeing Sasha makes me happy that Maggie was around- probably waiting with Beth.

Shane grabs my arm and pulls me forward. I grimace as Rick drags the second officer closer. We meet in the middle- only a foot between Rick and Shane.

"Long time, no see," Shane says.

"You could've stayed missing a bit longer," Rick comments.

Rick urges the woman officer forward. Shane's hold gets tighter on my arm, then he lets go. I walk forward and Rick opens his arm.

"You all right?" he asks, wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

"Better now," I assure.

Rick sighs in relief and kisses my head, making me lean into his hold and wrap my arm around his waist.

"Wait!" someone calls from behind.

The group turns around and Sophia stumbles forward. "Take me with you."

Carol sniffles, but I could see that strength in her staying alive. Like she didn't fully trust that her daughter wasn't on the wrong side.

"No," Dawn states. "You're staying and they need to hand Noah over, too."

"Noah's not here," Rick states. "He left."

Sophia shakes her head and grabs Shane's arm. "I have to be with my mom. You promised that you'd help me find her when you found me!"

Shane's eyes were still fixed on Rick. It was tense and burning everyone in the room.

"Please!" Sophia begs. "You promised!"

"He promises a lot," the diss slips from my lips. "Come on, Sophia."

"No!" Dawn snaps. "You're not taking her."

"She wants to go home," Rick reminds. "She was with us first. Her mother is here."

"Yeah, and look where that got her," Shane finally speaks up.

"You don't have claim over people's lives!" I hiss.

"Fine. Sophia can go if Hyejin stays," Shane decides.

"No," Rick states, so calm despite the anger dripping from his mouth. "You don't get to do that."

"It's a two-for-two trade and one of my officers died out there to find Beth and Daniel," Dawn says. "So, we're getting a shitty deal."

"A deal you already agreed to and is done," Rick argues.

"Sophia, let's go," I urge, reaching out for her.

Sophia takes my hand and I pull her to the group, but Shane grabs my wrist and rips me from Rick's hold.

"Shane-" Rick starts.