A World Like This [1]

[23]

Edited 1/14/17

I woke up early the next morning, the bright rays from the sun made its way through the window beside me, making my eyes sting from the brightness. My ocean blue eyes suddenly got used to the light making the stinging sensation go away. I sighed remembering the fight I had with Carl last night. I then looked down and realized I forgot to put my shirt back on. I reached to the floor and slid the blue tank top over my head.

I got up from the bed and made my way to the dark wooden door. I don't know why but I could barely manage to pull the door open, it was almost as if I couldn't bring myself to move any further. I'd probably end up yelling at Carl again or I'd get Carl's snotty attitude. I couldn't believe how badly everything managed to fall apart.

I truly feel bad for Carl and Rick. They lost Judith. No one should ever have to go through the pain of losing their kid. And Carl, he shouldn't have to go through the pain of losing his little sister. But then there's me, a girl who has nothing left in this world. All I have Is a picture of my family, a locket, with a picture of Daryl and mom, and my memories. Most of my memories were haunting, cruel even. I didn't want the revolting memories. I wished for an escape, a way to ease my mind and forget my troubles, this including my terrifying and melancholy past.

Unfortunately, there is nothing to escape this world we live in now so I pushed myself to go down stairs. Rick was still sleeping on the couch and I saw Carl standing in the doorway of the kitchen, looking at me. The way he looked at me was the same way he did at the prison, the same way he did in that restaurant the other day, with love. I could see the color return to his eyes as he looked at me.

"Look Ava, I- I'm really sorry. I've been selfish. I lost Judith and It just feels too hard to go on. But you did it, you did it after you lost Aiden. I'm sorry I haven't been thinking about your feelings." He told me. I just looked at him, completely lost for words. I didn't say anything I just turned and looked to Rick.

"How is he doing?" I asked Carl trying my hardest to change the subject. If I talk about Aiden again I might break down and cry. His death was a surprise, it was a shock. The event changed everything, I had lost so much in this new world and I had barely realized the full amount until his disturbing death.

"Ava..." Carl started.

"How's he doin' Carl?" I asked once again. I wasn't looking at him but I could hear his footsteps get closer to my shaking body. I felt his warm breath on my neck as he snaked his arms around my small waist.

"You can talk to me Ava." He whispered, giving me chills along with goosebumps on my pale white arms. I turned around and looked in his beautiful blue eyes, they showed nothing but concern.

"You can talk to me too." Was all I said before escaping his grasp and walking over to Rick. I kneeled to the couch and lightly shook Rick. "Rick..." He didn't move. He didn't even budge. I looked at his eyes and waited for him to wake but he didn't. "Carl go find a wash cloth and pour some water on it."

"We need to save our water."

"Carl, just fucking do what I say." I spat. Carl didn't argue with me after that he sprinted up the steps. I don't know if it was because he wasn't used to me swearing or what but he did what I told him to do.

I put my hand to Ricks forehead, he was burning up. I grabbed Rick's hand and immediately began to look for a pulse. I didn't find one at first, it took me a few seconds but when I did a wave of relief washed over me. He's still alive.

Carl came running down the stairs with the wet wash cloth and handed it to me. I started to dab it to Rick's forehead hoping it would help.

"Is he going to be okay?" Carl asked. I looked back at him, the first words that came out of my mouth were,