of monsters and men - carl grimes

II

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ii.

gold complexion dim
"shall i compare thee to a summer's day?"

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Another humid morning. I'm hunched over, yanking out the last of the weeds near the squash plants. I glance up at Adam every now and then, making sure he's doing alright. He's quiet, always is, but he's good at this—quick, precise. We've settled into this rhythm where we don't need to talk much. It's just work, and that's fine with both of us.

I wipe at the sweat on my face with the back of my hand, already thinking about calling it for the day. It's too hot to keep going and the sun's only going to get worse. I'm about to speak up when I see Maggie heading our way, pushing Judith in the stroller. Her little cheeks are flushed, chewing on her fingers.

"Carl, I need you to take her." Maggie says, stopping right in front of me. "I've got fence duty and she needs to cool off."

"Yeah, I've got her." I say, straightening up and stretching out, Maggie's already halfway out of the gardens. I glance over at Adam. "We're pretty much done here anyway. Too hot to keep at it."

Adam stands up, pulling off his gloves, revealing his scarred hands, and looks over at Judith. She peers back at him, always so nosy.

"Judith." I tell him, kneeling down to adjust her gingham sun hat. "My sister. We all take turns keeping an eye on her."

Adam steps a little closer, still watching her. He doesn't say anything right away, just sort of looks at her, thoughtful. Then, he says, "I've got a sister too. Older, though."

I think about asking more, but—given that his sister is probably dead—I don't. He seems apt to bring things up on his own anyways. Adam's still watching Judith as I start gathering up the tools. He moves slower than usual, like he's in no rush to leave.

"What do you do when you babysit her?" He asks, tilting his head slightly.

"Honestly? I pawn her off on the Millers half the time. They're this older couple who have somehow survived World War II, the '60s, 9/11, and now, you know, the world ending."

"Damn. They're ancient."

"They keep their house practically at refrigerative temperatures. I think it's what keeps them so well preserved."

Adam laughs, like he thinks I'm funny, and all I see is the brilliant sheen of his teeth against his gold sun-kissed skin. "Are you heading there now?"

"Probably." I admit, glancing at Judith, who is now yawning, her eyelids drooping.

"Can I tag along?"

I hesitate for a moment, uncertainty creeping in. I've never really had anyone join me on a trip to the Millers, aside from Enid, but I feel like she doesn't count. Enid has always just been this silent, extension of my being I don't even need to think about. We just exist together without thought, always have. But Adam? It feels oddly personal, but something makes me want to say yes.

"Uh, sure, I guess." I finally reply, shrugging. "Just be prepared—they've got a lot of stories. You might be there for a while."

He grins. "My kind of people." Maybe bringing him along won't be so bad after all.

I shift Judith in her stroller, careful not to disturb her, and start lead us out of the gardens and toward the Millers' house, Adam walking beside me.

We make our way down the sidewalk, sun beating down as we approach. Just as we reach the front steps, Mrs. Miller appears, her smile as bright as ever. "Carl, dear!" She exclaims, pulling me in for a tight hug and planting a big kiss on my cheek.